Neuschwanstein Castle Tours

NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE TOURS: Should you book an organised tour to Neuschwanstein Castle, or do it yourself?
I’ve done both, and there’s no single right answer. It comes down to your budget, how much you like planning, and how much you hate standing in queues.

THE MONEY SHOT: Neuschwanstein from Mary’s Bridge in October, with the trees turning and the lakes out on the plain. Picture: Stu Anderson

Two kinds of tour

First, a bit of jargon busting, because "Neuschwanstein tour" can mean two different things.
The tour inside the castle. Everyone gets this one. You can only see the rooms on an official guided tour, which lasts about 30 minutes and runs in English and German, with audio-guides in other languages. Whether you come on your own or with a coach party, this is the bit inside the walls.
The day trip from Munich. This is what most people mean. A company picks you up in Munich, drives you down to the castles and back, and a guide fills in the story on the way. Some trips add Linderhof Palace, a photo stop at Mary’s Bridge or a wander round the painted village of Oberammergau.

Why book a day trip?

• No timetables. You skip the train to Füssen and the bus up to Hohenschwangau.
• Less ticket stress. Neuschwanstein tickets can sell out, especially in summer. A good tour sorts out your entry slot for you.
• Someone to tell the story. Ludwig II is a great tale and a good guide brings it to life.
• Company. Handy if you’re travelling solo.

Why go it alone?

• It’s cheaper, especially for a group on a Bayern-Ticket.
• You set the pace. Stay for sunset, hike up the Tegelberg or see Hohenschwangau Castle as well.
• It’s easy enough as long as you book your castle ticket ahead. Everything you need is on our Neuschwanstein Castle info page.

GO YOUR OWN WAY: Do it yourself and you can linger as long as you like. This is from the path above the gorge, on a blue-sky day at the end of October. Picture: Stu Anderson

What to check before you book

• Is the castle entry ticket included, or just transport?
• Is your castle slot guaranteed, or is it "subject to availability"?
• How big is the group? A minibus feels very different to a full coach.
• How long do you actually get at the castle, and does it include Mary’s Bridge for the classic view?
• What’s the cancellation policy if the weather turns?

Book through a well-known agency and read the recent reviews, and you won’t go far wrong. Also, by booking a tour through the links on this site you’re supporting Destination Munich and my endeavours to make this one of the best darn travel sites on the web.
Want to see more of the region? Have a look at our tours of Bavaria and day trips from Munich.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and see Bavaria!

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