I'm looking for some feedback about the Panorama Tour from Munich to the castles. Is it worth the money? Is there a restroom on the bus? Did the tour company provide a reservation with an admission time for the castles? This is one day of a 17 day Germany/Austria/Czech Republic trip at the end of March 2008. We are taking lots of trains and thought this would be a nice break to get off the tracks and not worry about connections etc.
There are no "train tracks" to Neuschwanstein or Linderhof so it's either drive yourself, take a bus tour or don't go.
The nearest train station to Neuschwanstein is in Fuessen which is close by. I would vote to spend 2 or 3 days in the the little village of Horn which is just below the castle. It's a beautiful relaxing little village with lots of great hotels and guesthouses around. From Horn you will have a stunning view of the both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. The areas around the castles offer trails that will lead you to the lake and the bridge where you can get another stunning view of the castle.
From Horn it is also an easy easy daytrip to Linderhof which is another stunning castle and grounds of Ludwig.
There is just too many great things to see and do in this area that you will miss if you are on a rushed daytour from Munich. Either rent a car and drive from Munich or train to Fuessen and rent a car there.
If you choose to spend a couple of nights in Horn I can personally recommend the Hotel Ruebezahl and the Hotel Helmerhof. The Ruebezahl is quite expensive, but it is nice. The Helmerhof is much less expensive, sits just next door, and it just as nice with great food in their restaurant.
Have a look at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g198564-Schwangau_Bavaria-Hotels.html for other hotels in the area.
The bus tours are expensive. I certainly wouldn't take one when you can so easily do it by yourself. Shortly after every train arrival, there is a bus from the Füssen Bahnhof to Hohenschwangau at the base of the road to the castle. It's an easy connection.
I would highly recommend Radius Tours for visits to Neuschwanstein. They take care of all the arrangements for train transportation to Fussen and the Coach to the base of the Castle. In addition they make reservations for the "official" Castle tour (visitors must enter during a specific time "window").
The tour was very informative and I felt this was good value. Radius Tours have an office in the Munich train station, but I'd advise booking early as the tours tend to book up quickly. They also offer walking tours and tours of Dachau. Check their website for further details.
Cheers!
Dave,
I took the Panorama Tour las summer from Munich to the castles. The tour was excellent well woth the money. Resesartion to the casles was includded in the tour price. The bus had a restroom,
Regards
LFR