Built by Ludwig II of Bavaria, it’s a very interesting attraction in that it’s kind of a paradox. When constructed, castles were no longer necessary to guard a city while featuring sensationalized medieval design.

It’s actually the inspiration for the iconic Disney Cinderella’s castle. As the most visited castle in all of Germany, we highly recommend taking a tour so you aren’t waiting for hours to get in.

We have all the top tours of the Neuschwanstein castle from Munich right here, so you don’t have to wonder which ones are worth it.

Be sure to see our reviews of Eagle’s Nest Tours and Eagle’s Nest Tours.

Best Neuschwanstein Castle Tours From Munich

	Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Premium Tour From Munich	VIP Tour to Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castles from Munich	Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Trip From Munich
Departure Point:	In front of GALERIA Kaufhof	Sonnenstraße 1, 80331 München	Dachauer Straße 4 in Munich
Departure Time:	Contact tour operator	9 am	Contact tour operator
Duration:	10.5 hours	11 hours	9.5 hours
Includes:	Skip-the-line tickets, guide, snacks, drinks on board, Wi-Fi	Transportation, snacks, soda, air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees for both castles	Transportation, full day trip to Füssen and Neuschwanstein Castles, fully-guided tours
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Tours of the Neuschwanstein Castle

1. Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Premium Tour From Munich 
2. VIP Tour to The Royal Castles Neuschwanstein and Linderhof from Munich
3. Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Trip From Munich
4. Private Mini Van Tour to Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof, Ettal & Oberammergau
5. Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Trip by Van From Munich

Neuschwanstein Castle Tour Reviews

1. Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Premium Tour From Munich

Why not visit one legendary German castle when you can knock two out in one day? The From Munich: Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Premium Tour will take you there and pack in a lot more fun throughout the day. If you’d like to explore German history and some of the most beautiful places in all of Europe, buckle up because you’re in for a ride!

Meet up with your guide early in the morning in front of Galeria Kaufhof so you can get back in time for dinner. You’ll be boarding a luxury bus with plush seats, nice features, and more than enough space to kick back and relax.

Your driver will also serve as your tour guide, sharing interesting historical and local information as you go. Plenty of snacks and drinks are available on board, along with wi-fi to make sure you’re always connected.

We highly recommend donning some good walking shoes, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Once you arrive to Neuschwanstein, your guide will lead you through the crowds so there’s no waiting in line for tickets.

While there is a shuttle bus that takes you up, you will have to walk down which can take at least half an hour. The castle is absolutely breathtaking, and really does look like something out of a fairytale.

Set against a lush countryside, you’ll have plenty of time to take photos and learn all about the castle.

Head along the legendary Romantische Straße (Romantic Road) and stop for lunch or head to the Marienbrücke bridge. Lunch here is absolutely delicious!

Then, you’ll see the picturesque village of Oberammergau known for its woodcarving, intricately-frescoed buildings, and its Passion Play which is only performed once every 10 years!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

2. VIP Tour to The Royal Castles Neuschwanstein and Linderhof from Munich

Next up, we bring you a very similar tour to our first one, with some notable differences. The VIP Tour to the Royal Castles Neuschwanstein and Linderhof from Munich will take you to these two iconic castles and ensure you won’t be waiting around.

Seeing both castles on public transport or by driving yourself is just so much more complicated so sit back and enjoy the ride!

Meet up early in the morning with your driver/guide who will pick you up in a luxury van. This mode of transport will save you approximately 4 hours of travel time, which you can use instead for exploring and learning! On board, you’ll learn all about the area and its history, along with that of the castles.

With snacks and soft drinks on board, you’ll be all fueled up, hydrated, and ready to go once you arrive! The first item on the list is Schloss Linderhof, which was inspired for France’s opulent Palace of Versailles.

You can definitely see the similarities, with an enormous courtyard, gold statues, and fountains. Take about an hour to walk around, and even visit the gift shop for some interesting souvenirs.

On the way to Schloss Neuschwanstein, you’ll pass by Oberammergau and its church, which are absolutely stunning! The frescoed buildings are sure to be something new for everyone, and is more than picturesque.

Once you arrive to Neuschwanstein, you’ll have plenty of time to go to the Marienbrücke bridge which offers some of the best photos of the castle. Next up, you’ll go to the actual castle, passing the line of people waiting to buy tickets.

Learn all about its history, walk around, and then head out for a delicious lunch and relax your feet!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Trip From Munich

The From Munich: Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Trip Tour is a slightly shorter option than the other two we’ve covered so far. Instead of seeing Linderhof, you’ll instead see the enchanting town of Füssen, Hohenschwangau Castle, and more.

If you want to learn about German history and see some of the most breathtaking places Europe has, this is the tour for you. This tour will start off in the morning time, with departures either at 9:30 am or 10:30 am – depending on which one you prefer.

Most of the tour transportation will take place on a cozy, comforting train while some will take place on comfortable, private buses. If you’re on the hunt for one of the best all-day tours for the entire family, we highly recommend this one.

The entire train ride is gorgeous, with lush greenery as far as the eyes can see. It’s an incredible moment when you start seeing Neuschwanstein Castle come into view, perfectly placed atop a hill with forested mountain peaks complementing the turrets.

You’ll skip the line to buy tickets and choose to either walk or be transported by carriage/shuttle up to the castle where you’ll see the huge valley from the foot of the castle walls.

Your guide will tell you all about the history of the castle as you walk around the grounds, including the “mad” King Ludwig II who wanted to and eventually became a legend himself. Constructed in the 19^th century, it has inspired many stories such as Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle which is the centerpiece of Disneyland today.

Your guide will take you to the best vantage points, not only of the castle but of the waterfall gorge, and Merienbrücke bridge suspended in the air! Included in your ticket, you’ll also have access to a VIP interior tour of the king’s private chambers by a guide who is a specialist in these castles.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Private Mini Van Tour to Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof, Ettal & Oberammergau

Our next tour is a comprehensive one that’ll take you to many of the top destinations in the country. The Private Mini Van Tour to Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof, Ettal & Oberammergau is pretty self-explanatory with its title.

With a small group size of maximum 8 people, you’ll be able to see so much more than if you were to partake in a large group tour!

To start off, you’ll be picked up bright and early in your hotel lobby. This is particularly convenient because you won’t have to spend more time or money organizing separate transportation to an outside meetup point.

From the very beginning, we knew that our guide would play a big role in making our tour so great thanks to their knowledge, efficiency, and friendliness.

Hop on your private transport and head straight to Linderhof Palace. Keep in mind that this tour is optional, so if you and the rest of your group aren’t interested you can continue on to Ettal Monastery and Basilica.

However, Linderhof is grandiose, and clearly inspired by the Palace of Versailles with its gold statues, and luxury at every turn.

Ettal Monastery was originally founded in the 1300’s but completely rebuilt in the 1700’s due to a massive fire. With Baroque and Rococo architecture, this imposing church rises above the countryside at the foot of the Alps. The interior is just as impressive with intricate carvings, statues, and more in gold and marble.

Continue on in the private transport vehicle, where you’ll arrive at Neuschwanstein. Skip the line of people waiting to get in, and start your hike up to the castle! Your guide will lead you through the grounds, telling you all about its interesting background and how it came to be from Ludwig II.

After you’ve explored Schloss Neuschwanstein and its fairytale-like appearance, head to Oberammergau Church and the charming little village it’s located in! This is definitely another highlight of the tour, and we highly suggest checking out their Christmas market!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Trip by Van From Munich

Bavaria is undoubtedly one of the most endearing, picturesque areas in all of Europe. If you want to explore it adequately in just one day, our next tour is a comprehensive one.

The From Munich: Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Trip by Van Tour will take you not only to see incredible pieces of architecture, but to the quaint villages that add so much character to Bavaria.

This is another tour that includes both hotel drop-off and pickup, and thanks to the small group sizes you don’t have to sit around waiting for everyone else.

Begin your scenic drive along the Romantic Road in the Bavarian Alps, which is lined with endless countryside and mountains on either side. The large windows of the van are perfect for viewing it all, or even taking some photos and videos without any obstructions.

On the way to Neuschwanstein, you’ll stop by different little villages which are so fascinating! The architecture, frescos, and wood carvings are so unique and are always a favorite among guests.

This is a great way to stretch the legs, get some fresh air, and take restroom breaks, as well. Once you get to Neuschwanstein, your guide will hop out and ensure you skip the long lines to head straight to the castle.

This 19^th-century masterpiece is simply magnificent, with its turrets raising high in the air along with the mountain peaks in the background.

The Hohenschwangau village in the valley below also looks incredible from here. You’ll learn all about how the palace came to be, thanks to Ludwig II of Bavaria.

Take time to walk through the gorge featuring cascades and waterfalls – it really does look like something out of a storybook. Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Church of Wieskirche which is an oval rococo church built in the late 1740s by the Zimmermann brothers.

This is one of the most important places of pilgrimage in the country, and is still used for church services today.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Munich Tour Guide

Getting There

It’s really easy to get to Munich, thanks to the fact that it’s so well-connected to other European cities. As the second-busiest airport in Germany, most major airlines service Munich International Airport (MUC) such as EasyJet, Lufthansa, and KLM. From the US, you’ll find much more affordable flights if you depart from New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other major cities.

If you’re coming from a nearby city, taking the train is probably the most relaxing option. You don’t have to deal with airports and the routes there are typically beautiful countryside. The bus is another option within Europe, though will take significantly longer. FlixBus is the top operator here, and you will find multiple trips per day.

Getting Around

German cities are wondrous with public transportation, so you can count on Munich being a breeze to get around.

Train, Tram, Bus – Something we love about Germany’s big cities is how reliable and on-time their public transportation is. The U-Bahn is very popular, with various stops around the city. There are also 8 S-Bahn lines that go through the city center and extend out to the suburbs and right outside the city limits. The buses and trams are helpful for taking you places that aren’t covered by the U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines.

We highly recommend always validating your ticket using the blue machines in the stations, as there are pretty significant fines if you get checked and don’t have your ticket validated. It’s worth checking out the Munich Card which is perfect if you’re going as a tourist, as it also gives discounts to approximately 100 different attractions and tours!

E-Scooters – These have been exploding in popularity, especially among younger residents. Reaching up to almost 13 miles per hour, they’re convenient, especially if you don’t want to deal with parking or just need to travel short distances that wouldn’t make sense to take public transportation for. However, they can be dangerous as a lot of people aren’t used to them. Make sure you’re riding in bike lanes when they’re available as sidewalks are not allowed. While helmets aren’t required we highly recommend using one.

Bike – Good ole biking is still one of the best methods, and you’ll find many people in Munich commute to work or for all errands. There are also e-bikes out there, if you don’t want to work up a sweat before you arrive to your location.

Driving – Driving is possible but is not exactly what we’d recommend due to the crazy traffic at times and difficulty in finding parking.

Rideshare/Taxi – You can easily spot a Munich taxi, thanks to their cream color. Hail one on the street, plan ahead by booking one with your hotel, or use the app FREE NOW to book one.

Walking – One of the best ways to really get to know Munich is on foot. The old town is best explored this way, as it’s completely pedestrianized with large walkways and many neighborhoods located very close by.

Where to Stay

Altstadt – We can’t help but recommend this area above any other, especially if it’s your first time in Munich. This is the center of the city, both geographically and historically. The “Old Town” was originally a medieval walled city and is filled with iconic landmarks like Marienplatz which is the main square with 2 town halls. Residenz palace, Viktualienmarkt food market, and the legendary Hofbräuhaus are all some of the must-sees. Due to its location, it’s super easy to get to any other part of the city as well.

Maxvorstadt – Also known as the “Museum Quarter”, you can expect tons of top-notch museums and art galleries here. There are many beautiful boutique hotels here, so if you’re into art or history this is another great option.

Schwabing – Full of students and beautiful art nouveau architecture, it’s great if you like charming cafes and places to work on your laptop. It also has Englischer Garten which is the biggest inner-city park in the world!

Glockenbachviertel – If you’re into more lively neighborhoods with bars and entertainment aplenty, this is a great option. It’s more “hipster” and definitely the trendiest neighborhood in the city. However, there aren’t many tourist attractions, per se, aside from the Deutsches Museum located on the River Isar.

Haidhausen – This is a charming neighborhood full of restaurants and cafes packed together around the infamous Gasteig. It’s easy to walk around, and gives you more insight into how locals live.

Restaurants and Eating Out

We’ll say this now: Bavarian food is delicious. There are all kinds of bratwurst, pretzels, Spätzle, and so much more to try.

Augustiner Klosterwirt – Located in the center of the city, it’s the perfect place to go if you’re on the hunt for a traditional Bavarian restaurant. It’s right across from the stunning Frauenkirche, and is known for its Schweinsbraten. However, it can get pretty busy with a nice mix of tourists and locals.

Haxnbauer – If you’re looking for a good pork knuckle (Schweinhaxen) you’ll find it here. This is what the restaurant is known for, and you’ll see that just by looking into the window where you’ll see them rotating around.

Liebighof – This place is magical, with both their food, decorations, and general atmosphere. It’s absolutely Bavarian, but features unique dishes or twists on dishes that you may not have seen before. Their Pfanne dishes are based on pan-freid potatoes, and their Liebighof Spezialpfanne comes with fried eggs, potatoes, steak, and bacon.

Pepe Nero – This one is a bit different than the others, as it’s not typically Bavarian. This Italian chain, however, is still very popular in Munich and if you’re on a budget it’s one of the best choices you can make. Large portions of pasta and pizza on the cheap are found here, and their service is speedy, too.

Viktualienmarkt – Located in the city center, if you want some fresh eats, this is the best place to do so. Due to the natural beauty of Munich, you have to enjoy a picnic or two if weather permits.

The Potting Shed – Organic, local, and fresh is what you’ll find here. This is a more “trendy” restaurant, and is usually filled with locals rather than tourists. The food is really tasty, and they put on live music on Thursdays.

Showroom – If you’re looking for the perfect spot for a date night, give Showroom a go. Just make sure you’ve first made reservations as it is pretty in-demand. There is no menu, though. Rather, you’ll select however many courses you’d like, your preferences, and the chef will create something special based on that.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Munich has just about everything you could want for nightlife, whether it be clubbing til the morning, an underground rave, or chill dinner and drinks with a beautiful view.

Die Goldene Bar – Located at the Haus der Kunst, it’s absolutely beautiful, no matter the season. However, in the summertime it really glows, with its gorgeous terrace and views. The gilded wall maps are almost 100 years old, and the chandelier commands attention in this elegant atmosphere. If you’re into craft cocktails, this is the place to be.

Bar Garçon – This small bar is laidback and another great spot for a nice conversation and interesting twists on classic cocktails like the Negroni or Manhattan. The cash-only bar makes its own simple syrups and juices every morning as well.

Backstage – This diverse location is great for just about anyone, of any background or age. You’ll see everything from heavy metal, reggae, to electronic music. With people from all walks of life, it’s a very welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere and always a good time.

Call Me Drella – With a mix between vampires and fairytales, this is definitely a unique place. You’ll find some mixture of disco, funk, hip-hop, electro, and rock here. As you can imagine, there’s quite the eclectic crowd but the atmosphere is consistently great.

Milla – This underground club takes you back in time to a 90’s Berlin and is one of the best for underground shows. All furniture was purchased at flea markets and suits their vintage style perfectly.

Harry Klein – If you’re a fan of minimal music then check out this compact club with 2 floors perfect for watching the international and local DJs that come to play here.  

Weather

Weather in Munich is a bit unpredictable, to be honest. The summers are nice and warm, though it’s not uncommon for it to rain quite a lot. However, this is probably the best time to go in terms of weather. Winters can get frigid, icy, and snowy!

Attractions

Marienplatz and Neues Rathaus – You may not have to pay to enter this main square, but there’s still plenty to see and due. The history of the area is very interesting, and dates back hundreds of years ago. On one side of the square you’ll find the Altes Rathaus, or the old town hall, and on another side, the Neues Rathaus, or new city hall. The Mariensäule column dedicated to the Virgin Mary was erected in 1638, and the Fischbrunnen in the early 19^th-century. There are also tons of different places to shop and eat.

Englischer Garten – We covered this park briefly earlier, but it’s one of the most beautiful places in the city. If you’re looking to get a jog in or walk with your significant other to a nice picnic sot, this is the place to be.

Nymphenburg Palace and Gardens – This large Baroque palace was once the summer residence of the Wittelsback Electors back in the 1600’s, and has the Nymphenburg Canal on either side. The Central Pavilion is located here, featuring many different fine furnishings and pieces of art.

Munich Residenz – This opulent palace consists of 3 massive sections – the earliest of which was built in the 1500’s and now serves as their museum. Once serving as the seat of government and residence of Bavarian dukes, electors, and kings for over 400 years it has quite the history behind it.

The Olympic Park – Today, you can find a ton of fun things to do here such as a stadium roof climb, ziplining, and a VIP tour where you’ll see the facility’s amazing architecture and designs. However, back in 1972 it served as the home of the Summer Olympics and was once a training ground for the Royal Bavarian army. You’ll find one of the best views of the city nearby, at the 290-meter-high Olympic Tower.

BMW Welt/Museum – Displaying over 100 years of auto history, innovation, and technical prowess of cars and motorcycles, the museum is absolutely a place to go for vehicle lovers! You’ll find many different old cars and motorcycles on display, as well as racing models, sports cars, concept cars you’re sure to be fascinated by!

The BMW Welt dives even further into past models and history, with a huge exhibition area and insight into the design process. If you choose, you can also take a tour of the BMW Group Plant to watch the production process.

Christkindlmarkts – If you haven’t been to Bavaria before, you don’t know the magic that is their Christmas Markets. Full of colored lights, evergreen trees, holiday music, and cheer, you have to go at least once. The biggest market is located in Marienplatz, but Rindermarkt has tons of adorable figurines for Nativity scenes, along with delicate Alpine woodcarvings!

Berchtesgaden– If you are a history buff you are probably familiar with Berchtesgaden and the Eagles’s nest. By taking a tour of Berchtesgaden you can see where the German elite spent their vacation time.

Tips

1. No Sunday shopping – This is typical in most of Germany, it seems. The vast majority of stores close on Sundays, so make sure you have enough toiletries and food beforehand! However, if you do for some reason have an emergency, there are various pharmacies who will be open. You can find them oftentimes at airports and larger train stations.
2. German is different in Bavaria. If you understand or speak German, you may have a harder time understanding Bavarians as their dialect is influenced by Italian language and Swiss accents.
3. Museums are inexpensive (usually) and worth it. You’ll find a bunch of cool, unique museums in Munich and they’re worth going to as some are just 1 euro to get in! We highly recommend the Kartoffelmuseum, or the “potato museum”.
4. It’s not uncommon to see traditional Bavarian clothinc, like lederhosen and dirndls. These are typically worn for special occasions like a wedding.
5. Be prepared for rain in the summertime. It doesn’t usually get cold or windy in the summer months, but it’s not uncommon to have a downpour. Bring an umbrella!