Neuschwanstein & Linderhof: Day Trip from Munich with Skip-the-Line

Summary

Two royal castles, mountain air and a winding road from Munich

You’ll start your day leaving Munich behind for Bavaria’s mountain castles with skip-the-line entry handled by your guide. Wander Linderhof’s ornate rooms, pass through Oberammergau’s storybook streets, then climb toward Neuschwanstein Castle itself—with time for lunch and those famous bridge views before heading back home full of new stories.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the cold glass against my forehead as we pulled away from Munich, watching the city blur into green. Our guide—he introduced himself as Markus, but said we could call him Mark—handed out tickets and grinned at my attempt to pronounce “Linderhof.” The bus was quiet except for the low hum of German radio and someone unwrapping a snack. I kept thinking about how the Bavarian mountains looked almost painted, all mist and sharp edges. When we finally stepped out at Linderhof Palace, the air smelled like wet leaves and something faintly sweet—maybe those chestnut trees?

I didn’t expect the inside of Linderhof to feel so intimate. The tour was short (maybe 25 minutes?), but our local guide pointed out these tiny details—a gold clock shaped like a peacock, velvet so deep you wanted to touch it. Someone behind me whispered that King Ludwig II hardly ever had guests here; it made sense. Afterward, I wandered through the gardens alone for a bit, shoes crunching on gravel paths. We rolled past Oberammergau without stopping—just enough time to spot painted houses and a wooden sign for their famous Passion Play. Kind of wished we’d paused there, but then again, there was still Neuschwanstein ahead.

By the time we reached Hohenschwangau, clouds were moving in fast over the lake. Lunch was up to us (I grabbed a pretzel and coffee at a crowded café), and then it was this slow walk uphill toward Neuschwanstein Castle. There’s an option for a shuttle bus but honestly, I needed to stretch my legs after all that sitting. The path wound through woods that smelled earthy and cold; someone’s dog barked in the distance. At Marienbrücke—the bridge—I just stood there for a while because the castle really does look unreal from that angle. My phone camera couldn’t catch it right.

The actual tour inside Neuschwanstein lasted about 45 minutes. Our guide told stories about Ludwig’s obsessions—swan motifs everywhere—and how he’d built this place more for dreams than reality. I think I missed half of what she said because I kept staring up at painted ceilings or out narrow windows at the fog rolling over pine trees below. There were so many stairs (350? My legs felt every one), but nobody seemed to mind much by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Linderhof and Neuschwanstein Castles

• Depart from Karlplatz 21 at 8:30 AM
• Arrive at Linderhof Castle at 10:00 AM
• Join guided tour of Linderhof interior
• Explore Linderhof castle gardens
• Bus ride through Oberammergau village
• Arrive at Hohenschwangau Castle area at 1:15 PM
• Explore Hohenschwangau Castle and surroundings
• Free time for lunch and photos
• Walk or shuttle to Neuschwanstein Castle
• Visit Marienbrücke viewpoint
• Guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle
• Depart Neuschwanstein Castle at 5:00 PM
• Return to Munich by bus

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein & Linderhof?

The tour departs around 8:30 AM from Munich and returns by evening, with approximately 3–3.5 hours spent near Neuschwanstein Castle.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included; you’ll have free time near Hohenschwangau to buy food or snacks.

Do you visit both Linderhof Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle inside?

Yes, guided tours inside both castles are included if you select the upgrade option with entrance fees.

Is there much walking involved during this tour?

Yes—a moderate amount of walking is required to reach each castle; expect about 350 steps inside Neuschwanstein Castle.

Are tickets for both castles included in the price?

Entrance tickets are reserved by your guide; they’re included only with certain upgrade options.

Does this tour stop in Oberammergau village?

No—the bus drives through Oberammergau without stopping for shopping or sightseeing.

Is hotel pickup available?

No hotel pickup; departure is from Karlplatz 21/Stachus in Munich city center.

Are restrooms available during the drive?

Yes—the coach has a restroom on board for passenger use during travel between stops.

What’s included

Your day includes reserved skip-the-line entry tickets (with upgrade), guided tours inside both Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles led by local experts, comfortable coach transport with restroom facilities onboard, plus free time for lunch in Hohenschwangau before returning to Munich in the evening—all managed smoothly by your guide so you can focus on soaking up Bavaria’s royal scenery.