Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Exclusive Skip-the-Crowds Tour
88 Reviews
4.95 out of 5 stars Based on 88 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and TripAdvisor
|
Recommended by 99% of reviewers
|
Munich, Germany
570 to 660 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 1 more
German
Overview
The famous Fairytale Castle NEUSCHWANSTEiN is the 2nd most visited attraction in Germany. It captivates 1.5M visitors with its dreamy beauty, inspired by characters from Wagner's epic operas. Unfortunately this means that up to 8,000 visitors/day crowd the place all year long.
This tour gives you the unique opportunity to avoid these crowds and enjoy the calm magic also at HOHENSCHWANGAU in peace. Immerse yourself in the magnificence of the castles and grounds: Let the fairy tale come to life around you!
Our expert guide will give you space to enjoy numerous other sights as well while being at your disposal and alert to your needs & questions at all times.
WHY WITH US:
• Know that your day is planned and conducted by a friendly & professional tour guide
• Look forward to an unique excursion package
• Enjoy the perfect symbiosis of traveling in relaxed comfort and fully leveraging your precious vacation time
What's Included
- Drive in new and luxurious Mercedes- or VW Minivan (a/c) - only your group participates!
- Skip-the-Line Ticket Neuschwanstein Castle, even for bookings at short notice
- No hidden costs!
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Munich (outside of Munich additional costs may apply)
- Bottled water
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Lunch
- If desired: Skip-the-Line ticket Hohenschwangau Castle: Adult € 26.00 / Child (0-6 years): € 2.50
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
Show on Google Maps
Pickup details
. Pickup at ANY hotel/ANY address within the Munich city area – if your pickup address isn't listed, please let us know under 'Special requirements' (which you'll find during the booking process after selecting the pick-up point) You’ll then get a confirmation from us. The 'Munich city area' is defined as a circle with the 'Marienplatz' at the center and a radius of 8 km / 5 miles. . Pickup (and/or drop-off) outside the Munich cty area is also possible on request (e.g. Munich Airport MUC) – please ask us about any possible extra costs!
What To Expect
Book Online
Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your adventure begins.
Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free
Theresienwiese (pass by)
All of the sights mentioned here are carefully selected recommendations. Since you have booked this tour as a private tour, we are happy to accommodate additional requests as far as possible. --> Please also note the following point 'Additional Info'!
... but now: look forward to a wonderful tour and rest assured that you are in the best hands of your friendly and professional guide, who will take you on an eventful, informative, yet relaxing trip in our luxurious minivans.We'll pass the place where King Ludwig I (Ludwig II's Grandfather), celebrated his wedding more than 200 years ago, which we know today as the Oktoberfest!
(Depending on traffic conditions or your pickup address, we reserve the right to show you a different attraction.)
Starnberger See
20 min later we reach the impressive Lake Starnberg, also known as the “Dukes lake”. Magnificent villas stretch along the lakeshore, including the summer residences of Sissi, the pretty but unfortunate Empress of Austria. See the spot in the lake where King Ludwig II mysteriously died on June 13, 1886. Learn about the strange relationship between Ludwig and Sissi, and why he didn't want to marry Sissis younger sister. The only island of the lake ("Roseninsel") which was in royal possession, too, was the meeting place of Ludwig and Sissi several times...
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Hohenschwangau
After another hour drive through the beautiful rural Bavarian countryside we approach the range of the Alps and can see the towers of Neuschwanstein at an altitude of about 1000m/3000ft. Soon we will reach the little village of Hohenschwangau which is the starting point for both castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. From your guide you will receive the skip-the-line tickets for NEUSCHWANSTEIN castle and a very detailed map of the surrounding area. He will give you tips on how to spend your stay in the best possible way (e.g. visiting the viewpoint Queen Mary's bridge, using the shuttle buses or horse-drawn carriages, and where it is best to eat or shop). If you would also like to visit HOHENSCHWANGAU Castle, you will receive information from us immediately after your booking on how to purchase skip-the-line tickets online.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Schloss Neuschwanstein
The famous Fairytale Castle NEUSCHWANSTEiN is one of the most popular landmarks of Germany. It captivates visitors from all over the world with its dreamy beauty, inspired by characters from Wagner's epic operas. You have the option to walk up to the castle, take the shuttle-bus (not during snow and ice) or the horse-drawn carriage --> details see "Additional Info". The guided tour in Neuschwanstein castle takes approx. 35 min, afterwards you'll walk for another 15 min through many more rooms by yourself. About the particularities of these rooms you will be well informed by your guide.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Marienbrücke
Queen Mary's bridge ("Marienbrücke") - THE TOP VIEWPOINT - built in 1866 by King Ludwig II - one of the most famous in the world! It can be easily reached by a shuttle bus (€ 3.50 p.p.) from the parking lot or on a nice (but steep!) 40-minute uphill hike. From the bridge you'll reach the castle entrance within a 20-minute walk downhill and pass one more magnificent viewpoint! PLEASE NOTE: For departures after 8 a.m., there may be waiting times for both the shuttle bus and access to the bridge! But not far away we can show you another spectacular viewpoint without waiting. In snow and ice, the bridge is not accessible and Neuschwanstein Castle can only be reached on foot or by horse-drawn hybrid carriage.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Pöllat Waterfall
Enjoy views of the spectacular Pöllat waterfall from the Neuschwanstein Castle Courtyard and from the view point Marienbrücke "Queen Mary's Bridge" (for departures after 8 a.m. waiting times are possible; in case of snow and ice, the bridge is closed). The Pöllat is a 10 km long wild river and rises not far from Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Schloss Hohenschwangau
Just as worth seeing is Hohenschwangau castle, the neo-gothic summer residence of Ludwig II's father, King Maximilian II. with Ludwig's spectacular children's room. For the 45 min guided tour Skip-the-line-tickets can be booked, too - we will inform you after your booking exactly how to do this. (Skip-the-line entrance fee (2026) € 26.00 per person 18 years or older, reduction for children)
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Pilgrimage Church of Wies
Another unforgetable stop will be at one of the overwhelming baroque churches. Your guide will provide you with all the worth knowing information, for example about the very popular Wies-Church, or – what we not recommend less – one of the other churches on the way, which are still "secret tips", quiet and peaceful far away from the tourist masses. Please note: If we drive along the route by Lake Plansee to Linderhof Castle and/or to Oberammergau, we won't visit the Wies Church, but an equally beautiful baroque church.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Plansee
For a while we pass Austrian territory on our approx. 50 minutes way to Linderhof palace and/or Oberammergau on a breathtaking drive along the mountain lake Plansee. Depending on the traffic situation or - in winter - if there is a risk of avalanches, we drive a similarly scenic route on the Bavarian side.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Schloss Linderhof
(ON REQUEST) - If you have booked the 11 hrs tour, OR AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO HOHENSCHWANGAU CASTLE, we would highly recommend the visit of Linderhof Palace, King Ludwig's smallest but most intimate castle located in a in a secluded Alpine valley with breathtaking french baroque design, spectacular Bavarian trick paintings and the famous "Magic Table" ("Tischlein-deck-Dich").
***** Skip-the-line entrance fee (2026): € 11.00 per adult / Children under 18 are free of charge! *****Let yourself also be enchanted by the baroque palace park, which merges into a landscape park, and where you can admire even more fairytale buildings, such as the Venus Grotto (closed in winter, see the following agenda item)
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Venusgrotte
(ON REQUEST):
At the time, the Venus Grotto in the castle park of Linderhof was considered one of the largest artificial grottoes in the world and was completed in 1877 after two years of construction. King Ludwig not only created a private opera house in the design of the famous stage set from Wagner's opera Tannhäuser, but also a private swimming pool, since the water of the lake inside the grotto (with waterfall!) could be heated...If you want to visit the grotto, please make sure to pay attention to the following notes
• It’s absolutely necessary that you let us know about this request when you make the booking – under "Special Requirements"
• The castle administration offers only a few tours that you can book in advance ("Skip-the-Line"). Therefore, you need AT LEAST 55 minutes for the visit to the grotto, which you will miss for other sights (The tour inside the grotto lasts 15 minutes plus 2x 20 minutes of walking --> on a VERY steep path <-- to get there)
• Admission: € 9.00
55 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Ettal Abbey
If you want to see (and understand) another baroque masterpiece concerning church decorations, inserted in a 12-wall domed mediaval hall from the 14th century, you should follow your guide in the Ettal Benedictine monastery near a little passo, just a 5 minutes’ drive away from Oberammergau.
In the monastery shop you can buy the excellent home-brewed Ettal monastery beer or liqueur.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Oberammergau
Shortly after Linderhof we reach the world-famous Passion Play and woodcarver village OBERAMMERGAU. Marvel at the partly over 250-year-old murals ("Lüftlmalereien") as well as the impressive Passion Play Theatre. In the woodcarving shops you'll find a huge range of carved figures, animals, and other items in all sizes, including numerous nativity sets and other enchanting Christmas items.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Alpine Coaster
(ON REQUEST) - If you like to visit this attraction, please note the following:1) It is imperative to inform us immediately (when booking, in the field "Special Requirements")2) You will have about 45 minutes less time for the other sights3) The coaster cannot be reserved; to avoid waiting times, we have to go there first and put Neuschwanstein Castle at the end of the tour.***** A cosy chairlift takes you through the magnificent alpine world to a cosy mountain restaurant and to the start of the adventurous ALPINE COASTER at 1,270 m (4.170 ft) altitude: With the 1st world's longest weatherproof toboggan run with magnetic brakes, you can reach the valley at a length of 2,600 meters (1,6 miles) with breathtaking views and adventurous curves. *****Open daily with suitable weather from approx. December - OctoberPrices (2026): Adults: € 18.50/Children 8-15 years: € 13.00 *****
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Altstadt von Fuessen
(ON REQUEST)
The extremely charming medieval town can look back on a 2,000-year history. As the favourite seat of the Habsburg Emperor Maximilian I, Füssen experienced its first heyday at the beginning of the 16th century; the 'High Castle' - one of the best preserved medieval castles in Bavaria - was already decorated in 1499 with unusually rich architectural and illusion paintings. Let yourself be enchanted by the well-preserved city wall, crooked houses and the Italian-looking former monastery complex with its magnificent baroque church during a walk through narrow streets. Enjoy a refreshment in one of the numerous street cafés or the numerous shopping facilities.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
BIKE FÜSSEN- Fahrradverleih
(ON REQUEST) - If you like to this activity, please note the following:
1) It is imperative to inform us about it (e.g. when booking in the field "Special Requirements")
2) You will have about 60 minutes less time for the other sights, or you will have to do without them in some cases.
3) You are neither insured through our company or through the bike rental company)
***** Keen of further activities?
Why not take a private guided bike ride through the picturesque Bavarian countryside. During an approx. one-hour roundtrip, you can see mountain lakes and a medieval town (perhaps bring your swimsuites). Rental bikes from € 20.00 p.p. / E-bikes from €38.00 p.p.
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Munich
Relax on the way back to Munich in your comfortable leather seat and let the unforgettable impressions of this eventful tour pass through your mind again – your tour guide will safely take you back to your accommodation or any other address you want in the Munich area.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Are you able to walk uphill from the car park to Neuschwanstein castle on a paved road - approx. 1,5 km/1 mile in an hour's time? If not, we have to calculate additional (waiting-) time for the horse-hybrid carriage or the Shuttle bus, since neither can be reserved (the latter is not operating during snow and ice) – Anyway, an approx. 450 meters/0.28 miles uphill walk (up to 15 % slope) or an approx. 500 meters/0.3 miles downhill walk (up to 19 % gradient) from the respective terminal to the entrance of the castle have to be managed in any case. The costs for the shuttle bus/horse-drawn carriages are not included in the travel price and can only be paid in cash on site (maximum € 12.00 per person for the round trip. As of 2026)
- In Neuschwanstein Castle itself, a total of 346 stairs (up and down) have to be mastered. For wheelchair users and people with severe walking disabilities who can show a disability ID --> please inform us IMMEDIATELY after your booking! <-- we can request an exclusive lift service only for you with a maximum of one accompanying person, accompanied by the castle staff. The elevator service is at no extra cost, but (due to fire regulations) the number of tours with this service is very limited and must be reconfirmed by the castle authority.
- To Hohenschwangau castle there is a carriage service (not in winter season) almost from door-to-door. In Hohenschwangau Castle, a total of 180 stairs (up and down) have to be mastered (no elevator). The costs for the horse-drawn carriages are not included in the travel price and can only be paid in cash on site. No advance reservation possible.).
- In Linderhof castle you have to walk only approx. two times 15 minutes (relatively flat) and in the 30 minutes tour of the castle you have to climb stairs to the first floor.
- Each castle can be reached also with strollers, but they are not allowed during the tour of the interiors.
- If you want to reach Neuschwanstein castle by the "breathtaking" hike through the spectacular Gorge (approx. 45 to 60 minutes - CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!) on a well-developed path (not suitable for strollers, 1/4 of the distance are stairs), suitable footwear is required (for example hiking boots). In case of unsuitable weather or during maintenance work, the path through the gorge remains closed!
- Regarding the sights mentioned in the 'Itinerary,' please note the following: 1) The times given are approximate. 2) The travel time required to get to each sight is not included in these times. 3) The program items marked as "ON REQUEST" are not automatically included in the tour. If you would like to visit one or more sights marked "ON REQUEST," please let us know in advance so we can optimize your itinerary accordingly. Naturally, in that case - especially when choosing the shorter (9.5-hour) tour length - you will have less time for the other program items. (If desired, the tour can be extended for an additional fee)
- Image credit #2 (Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castle) © Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (neuschwanstein(dot)de)#3 (Neuschwanstein castle) © Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (neuschwanstein(dot)de), Photographer: Anton Brandl), #4 (Neuschwanstein throne room) © Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (neuschwanstein(dot)de) #all others: Sightseeing Bavaria Exclusive
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Exclusive Skip-the-Crowds Tour?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the adventure for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-173111P5
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.95
88 reviews
Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 88 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Top10Adventures® customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Exclusive Skip-the-Crowds Tour?
A:Apr 2025
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the adventure for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the adventure start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the adventure start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the adventure start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the adventure local time (CEST).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Drive in new and luxurious Mercedes- or VW Minivan (a/c) - only your group participates!.
- Skip-the-Line Ticket Neuschwanstein Castle, even for bookings at short notice.
- No hidden costs!.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Munich (outside of Munich additional costs may apply).
- Bottled water.
- Professional English-speaking tour guide.
The following is NOT included:
- Lunch.
- if desired: Skip-the-Line ticket Hohenschwangau Castle: Adult € 26.00 / Child (0-6 years): € 2.50.
- Gratuities.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this adventure?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This adventure requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible adventure?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Exclusive Skip-the-Crowds Tour is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Exclusive Skip-the-Crowds Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Top10Adventures®. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Drive in new and luxurious Mercedes- or VW Minivan (a/c) - only your group participates!
- Skip-the-Line Ticket Neuschwanstein Castle, even for bookings at short notice
- No hidden costs!
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Munich (outside of Munich additional costs may apply)
- Bottled water
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Lunch
- If desired: Skip-the-Line ticket Hohenschwangau Castle: Adult € 26.00 / Child (0-6 years): € 2.50
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Are you able to walk uphill from the car park to Neuschwanstein castle on a paved road - approx. 1,5 km/1 mile in an hour's time? If not, we have to calculate additional (waiting-) time for the horse-hybrid carriage or the Shuttle bus, since neither can be reserved (the latter is not operating during snow and ice) – Anyway, an approx. 450 meters/0.28 miles uphill walk (up to 15 % slope) or an approx. 500 meters/0.3 miles downhill walk (up to 19 % gradient) from the respective terminal to the entrance of the castle have to be managed in any case. The costs for the shuttle bus/horse-drawn carriages are not included in the travel price and can only be paid in cash on site (maximum € 12.00 per person for the round trip. As of 2026)
- In Neuschwanstein Castle itself, a total of 346 stairs (up and down) have to be mastered. For wheelchair users and people with severe walking disabilities who can show a disability ID --> please inform us IMMEDIATELY after your booking! <-- we can request an exclusive lift service only for you with a maximum of one accompanying person, accompanied by the castle staff. The elevator service is at no extra cost, but (due to fire regulations) the number of tours with this service is very limited and must be reconfirmed by the castle authority.
- To Hohenschwangau castle there is a carriage service (not in winter season) almost from door-to-door. In Hohenschwangau Castle, a total of 180 stairs (up and down) have to be mastered (no elevator). The costs for the horse-drawn carriages are not included in the travel price and can only be paid in cash on site. No advance reservation possible.).
- In Linderhof castle you have to walk only approx. two times 15 minutes (relatively flat) and in the 30 minutes tour of the castle you have to climb stairs to the first floor.
- Each castle can be reached also with strollers, but they are not allowed during the tour of the interiors.
- If you want to reach Neuschwanstein castle by the "breathtaking" hike through the spectacular Gorge (approx. 45 to 60 minutes - CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!) on a well-developed path (not suitable for strollers, 1/4 of the distance are stairs), suitable footwear is required (for example hiking boots). In case of unsuitable weather or during maintenance work, the path through the gorge remains closed!
- Regarding the sights mentioned in the 'Itinerary,' please note the following: 1) The times given are approximate. 2) The travel time required to get to each sight is not included in these times. 3) The program items marked as "ON REQUEST" are not automatically included in the tour. If you would like to visit one or more sights marked "ON REQUEST," please let us know in advance so we can optimize your itinerary accordingly. Naturally, in that case - especially when choosing the shorter (9.5-hour) tour length - you will have less time for the other program items. (If desired, the tour can be extended for an additional fee)
- Image credit #2 (Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castle) © Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (neuschwanstein(dot)de)#3 (Neuschwanstein castle) © Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (neuschwanstein(dot)de), Photographer: Anton Brandl), #4 (Neuschwanstein throne room) © Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (neuschwanstein(dot)de) #all others: Sightseeing Bavaria Exclusive
