Located in the Bavarian Alps on Germany’s border with Austria, Neuschwanstein Castle was built in the 19th century is considered one of the most notable and well-preserved examples of Roman-Revival architecture.
It’s dramatic and whimsical design has been a motivating factor for composers, artists and even movie producers since it was built.
Along with nearby Linderhof Palace, the two sites are among the most popular and frequently visited in the region.
Both attractions are near the town of Füssen in southwest Bavaria, and were the haunts of the eccentric King Ludwig II, who spent much of his time there as a child.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Salzburg
Source: Feel good studio / shutterstockAttracted to its surreal and fairytale-like architecture, travelers from around the world flock to Neuschwanstein Castle.
This tour includes transportation to and from your hotel in Salzburg, travel via mini-van to the castle, and even castle entrance tickets that will allow you and your spoiled travel mates to skip ahead of the crowds if it happens to be a busy day.
Your English-speaking guide will lead you through the castle grounds and impress you with his or her knowledge of the amazing local history.
The tour lasts about 10 hours, and doesn’t include food or drink, so plan accordingly.
2. Day-Trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Palace
Source: milezaway / shutterstockIf you’re in the mood for a magnificent day-trip to the castles at Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, then this tour is a great fit.
At 10 or 11 hours it’ll be a long day, but the sights and history in which you’ll be immersed will make the time positively fly by.
Depending on the time, you may also take a side excursion to the quaint and picturesque town of Oberammergau, which in many ways will be like a trip back in time.
At the castles, audio guides are available in multiple languages to enhance your experience, and you’ll have approximately 4 hours inside.
3. Full-Day Private Tour of Neuschwanstein
Source: Yury Dmitrienko / shutterstockThis nearly all-inclusive tour of Neuschwanstein Castle doesn’t include lunch or tips, but you’ll get an intimate guided experience that’ll give you an amazing insight into the castle, its history, and the heritage of the surrounding country.
The castle entry ticket is included, and it’ll enable tour guests to skip any lines, which means you’ll have more valuable time inside the castle.
You’ll also visit the scenic Bavarian town of Oberammergau, and also a local abbey that dates back many centuries.
Round-trip transportation from your local hotel is included, so make sure to let the tour operators know where you’ll be staying in advance.
4. Neuschwanstein Castle Bus and Bike Tour from Munich
Source: getyourguide.comThis unique tour of majestic Neuschwanstein Castle and the surrounding country side will get you up close and personal to the castle, and it’ll also give you the freedom and flexibility to include activities like biking and even swimming.
The tour lasts about 10 hours, and since each tour is tailored to the interests of the guests, you’ll spend all your time doing what you want which will increase the tour’s value immeasurably.
The cycling portion of the tour will lead you through a few of Bavaria’s most alluring towns and villages like Hohenschwangau near the Austrian border.
Bring some cash because food and drinks aren’t included.
5. Full-Day Guided Castle Tour from Füssen
Source: canadastock / shutterstockKing Ludwig II was a guy who liked his castles large, impressive and fanciful, and since he was the king he usually got what he wanted.
According to legend, Linderhof Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle were among his favorites, and they’re both rich with lore and interesting historic tales about the quirky kings and royalty who lived there over the ages.
Castle entrance fees and door-to-door transportation are included, and your expert guide will lead you on a fascinating tour of the castle and palace ground’s Hall of Mirrors and Venus Grotto, all while keep you enthralled with interesting facts and anecdotes.
6. Value Tour from Frankfurt
Source: Yevhenii Chulovskyi / shutterstockFor those visitors staying in Frankfurt, this tour of Neuschwanstein Castle and the surrounding country will give you and your travel companions a wonderfully complete and scenic overview of Bavaria’s interesting history.
The castle was one of the most majestic built by Bavaria’s King Ludwig II, and was in-part the inspiration behind the Disney classic Sleeping Beauty.
Round-trip transportation and castle entrance fees are included, and your skip-the-line-ticket will give you VIP status and the entrance.
It’s also possible to combine this tour with another if you’d like to see other area castles and attractions on the same outing.
7. Private Full-Day Castle Tour from Munich
Source: cge2010 / shutterstockThe drive from Munich through the Bavarian mountains to Füssen will be one you won’t likely forget.
At the castle you’ll skip ahead of the hordes of poor souls who didn’t purchase VIP tickets, and once inside your guide will take you on an enlightening walking tour of the otherworldly castle that was built by King Ludwig II, a man who rarely spared an expense.
Picturesque Lake Alpsee in Hohenschwangau is also on the itinerary, as is nearby Linderhof Palace, which was built to mimic the famed French palace at Versailles.
Door-to-door transportation and castle entrance fees are included in the tour.
8. Intimate Group Castle Tour from Innsbruck
Source: lara-sh / shutterstockIf you happen to visit Neuschwanstein Castle on a particularly busy day the lines can be excruciating, but because this 9-hour tour from Innsbruck includes a skip-the-line ticket it won’t matter
Leave the planning up to your experienced guide as he leads you through Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles, and regales you with tales of old about their history and the lives of the eccentric royals who spent much of their time there.
The drives to and from Innsbruck will be among the most scenic you’ll see, and your guide will point out historically significant areas along the way.
Everything is included except food, drinks and gratuities.
9. Overnight Royal Castles Excursion
Source: FooTToo / shutterstockIf you’re staying in Munich and would love to see some of Bavaria’s most visited castles, but would rather not cram it into a single-day tour, then this overnight tour would be a great fit.
First you’ll visit Linderhof Palace and make a quick side-jaunt to the quaint town of Oberammergau before heading to Neuschwanstein Castle, which was a favorite retreat of Bavaria’s Ludwig II.
All transportation, accommodation and site entrance fees are included, as is breakfast on the morning of the tour’s second day.
This tour’s slightly slower pace is a great fit for those who don’t want to feel rushed and hassled.
10. Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Winter Palace Tour by Coach
Source: Scirocco340 / shutterstockDue to their proximity to Munich, a fair number of castle tours originate there, and in 9 or 10 hours you’ll be able to tour both sites and experience a bit of local culture as well.
Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace are the most iconic in the scenic region of Bavaria that’s nestled amongst the impressive Alps along the German and Austrian border.
Lunch and castle entrance fees aren’t included, but transportation to and from Munich via luxury coach is.
Side tours of a few local towns will be included depending on time, and you’ll have time to relax, eat lunch or have a cup of coffee before heading back to town.
11. Royal Castles Tour from Frankfurt
Source: Jason Saunders / shutterstockThough at 14 hours this tour is a bit on the long side, it’s a great way to pack in as much natural and historic splendor as is possible, making it an efficient use of valuable vacation time.
Linderhof Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle are near the town of Füssen, and are among the most popular and visited historic sites in all of Germany.
Due to their scenic Bavarian location, rich history, and majestic architecture, they’re icons of German culture that should really be seen if you’re anywhere in the area.
All transportation and entrance fees are included, and after a wonderful day of learning and exploring you’ll be taken back to your Frankfort hotel via luxury coach.
12. Private Group Tour from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace
Source: Dave Turner / shutterstockThe majestic Bavarian Alps are one of Europe’s natural wonders, and considering that they’re home to some of the most scenic and historic castles anywhere on the continent, it makes visiting a must, even if your itinerary is already pretty full.
Neuschwanstein and Linderhoff are among the best examples of 19th-century architecture that were built in the Roman-Revival style.
The private tour includes VIP skip-the-line tickets, so you and your pampered partners won’t waste valuable time standing in line.
Tour size is limited, giving guests a more intimate feel with their guide and surroundings, and door-to-door transportation is included, so book well in advance if possible.
13. Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Tour from Munich
Source: CHEN MIN CHUN / shutterstockIf you’re traveling with little ones familiar with Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, then they’ll be in seventh heaven when they see the majesty of Neuschwanstein Castle and nearby Linderhof Palace.
Both sites are included in this tour, as are skip-the-line-tickets that can possibly save you hours of valuable time if you happen to go on a particularly busy day.
There’ll be plenty of great photo-ops in and around the sites, and will include beautiful lakes and a scenic gorge too.
You’ll wonder at the wealth required to build such immense and fanciful castles and palaces, and you’ll get plenty of insight into the area’s rich history too.
14. Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Tour from Munich
Source: Patryk Kosmider / shutterstockFrom Munich, this full-day excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle will convey you via bus or train through some of the most majestic scenery in the Bavarian Alps.
Once inside the castle you’ll marvel at the quirkiness and posh lifestyle of Bavaria’s Ludwig II, who was considered a bit mad, and who spent much of his time at this unique and majestic castle in the mountains.
All transportation and castle entry fees are included, though food and drinks are not.
If time permits in the afternoon, the tour may include a side excursion to a quaint nearby town in which you may be able to grab a quick bite or a cup of coffee.
15. 3-Day Tour of Bavaria from Frankfurt
Source: Gaschwald / shutterstockOften referred to as the Jewel of the Middle-Ages, Germany’s Bavaria is chockfull of natural beauty and fascinating history, and with visits to romantic villages nestled into the picturesque Alps, this 3-day tour may be as close to a time machine as you’ll ever get.
Iconic towns like Dinkelsbuehl are on the itinerary, as is the famed Black Forest, a mysterious and enchanting place that is home to many of the nation’s most historic and legendary tales.
Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace are the tour’s highlights, and accommodations and transfer to and from your hotel are included in the package.