My family and relatives were reminiscing about this castle at one of our holiday parties and I knew I had to make it there myself one day. So while in Munich, I decided to take the opportunity to go visit Neuschwanstein Castle. Did you know this is the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle? King Ludwig II had built this castle as a place to go to withdraw from public life. His castle was open to the public just seven weeks after his death and now thousands of people visit this castle everyday. My boyfriend and I decided to book a tour through Sandemans New Munich and this was a great company to go through! The whole day is stress free as they plan and time out everything for you.
Views in Bavaria 
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Snow or rain gear depending on the season you are traveling in
- Water
- Camera – the views are out of this world!
- Money for food, drinks, souvenirs, and to tip your amazing tour guide
What is included:
- Transportation to and from the castle from Munich
- A local English-speaking guide
What is NOT included:
- Food and drinks
- The cost of the tour inside the castle – this tour is optional and is about 30-minutes. In my opinion spending a little extra was worth getting to see the inside of the castle!
Stop 1
Hohenschwangau Castle – Unfortunately you do not go inside this castle during this tour, but you get to walk around the grounds of the castle and it has a great view of the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is at this castle that tour guide begins to tell the tale of King Ludwig and his family.
Stop 2
Alpsee Lake– this lake is all shades of blue and at the base of the Bavarian Alps. This is scenery you will never forget. There are swans swimming in the lake which is ironic as you learn that King Ludwig was known as the Swan King.
Stop 3
Neuschwanstein Castle- Be sure to bring you walking shoes! The castle requires a long walk up a hill to get to the castle. The tour guide does a great job captivating you in to the story of King Ludwig as you make your way up to the castle. Instead of just spitting out facts, the guide creates a whole story that keeps you wanting to hear and learn more. For example, did you know King Ludwig’s death still remains a mystery? Was it murder, suicide, or an accident? No one knows. Once you get up to the castle you are able to go inside the castle for a 30-minute tour. It is definitely worth going inside! The inside is extravagant and very detailed. It is mind blowing that places like this exist in the world.
**Unfortunately you are unable to take pictures while inside the castle.
Stop 4
After the castle tour, you get free time to do what you wish. I recommend walking an extra 10-15 minutes to a bridge that overlooks the castle. The view is breathtaking! The bridge does get crowded so if you don’t like heights or crowds this may not be the place to go for you. There are also restaurants and shops to explore during your free time.
After your free time is over, you head back to the bus and make your way back to Munich as you reminisce on your awesome day. If you are traveling through Munich, Germany be sure to check out my Quick Guide to Munich.
