We are wondering if there is a way to avoid the multiple lines to get in the Neuschwanstein castle by using a private guide or some other group? This will be in mid-July.
We'd also be interested in seeing other nearby areas with the guide.
Any recommendations or other thoughts would be very much appreciated.
If you take one of the (IMO) overpriced tours from Munich, the guide will pick up your tour tickets for you at the ticket kiosk in Hohenschwangau. Alternatively, you can reserve a tour on your own and pick up your tickets at the Hohenschwangau/Reservations pickup line. Whenever I have been there, there has been almost no line at the reservations pickup counter.
The guide that you hire will not be able to guide you inside the building - it can only be an official tour. The short (about 30 minutes) official tour did not impress me.
The outside is much more impressive for me.
I rather enjoyed Neuschwanstein, including the 30-minute tour inside the "castle." I think it helped that my friend and I had a private guide who helped us negotiate the controlled chaos there. He did not go into the castle with us (not allowed), but walked us to the line for our tour and then met us after the tour. He also showed us some other places in the area. It certainly wasn't cheap, but it made for a really nice, mellow trip to Neuschwanstein.
In what city will you be staying? i can recommend a company from Munich and an individual in Innsbruck.
We will be driving in from Munich to Fussen in the am on July 13. Spending the 14th there and leaving for Frankfurt July 15 in the am.
I haven't used anyone in Fussen but European Castle Tours offers private tours from there and has good Trip Advisor reviews.
Thank you all for you help!
Make your own timed ticket reservation online directly with the Neuschwanstein Castle website. Pick up your own ticket at the ticket counter. Ascend the hill to the castle entrance using either horse drawn carriage, bus, walking.
No personal guide you may hire is allowed to take you into the castle - you will be assigned a guide when you enter the castle.
much appreciated!
