Munich: Private Neuschwanstein, Linderhof Alpine Tour via Austria
Description
Our private tours are led by a small, dedicated team of native English-speaking guides. We don't just drive you between landmarks; we provide the context, history, and local perspective that a guidebook can’t. With us, you get a knowledgeable partner for the day, not just a driver. We are the only operator to cross the border into Austria for lunch. We skip the crowded tourist traps in favor of a local restaurant serving locally sourced products. It’s a quiet, authentic midday break with great food. Whether you want to dive deep into history, find the best photo ops, or discover "off-the-map" local spots, we adjust the route in real-time to suit you. We also help you secure difficult-to-get entry tickets—like Neuschwanstein—saving you from the stress (Castle tickets are not incl. in the price of the tour). Booking with Mike's means a stress-free, high-value journey where we get the most out of your day. Photo of Alpine coaster - courtesy of ©AktivArena am Kolben GmbH & Co. KG
Tour Options
Itinerary
We collect you from your hotel in Munich anywhere within a five mile radius of the Munich Central Station at 8am in the lobby of your hotel or AirBnB
Castle Hohenschwangau is located at the base of Neuschwanstein castle so we see both of them at the same time. We do not usually tour the inside of the this palace but we do get to see it from the outside.
Perched dramatically on a rugged hill overlooking the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle is a breathtaking 19th-century palace commissioned by King Ludwig II. Often called the "fairytale castle," its romantic medieval architecture, complete with soaring turrets, ornate interiors, and stunning views, inspired Walt Disney's iconic castle. Though intended as a private retreat for the king, it was opened to the public shortly after his death and now captivates millions of visitors annually. Getting Up to Neuschwanstein Castle: On Foot: The most economical option, it's a steep but well-maintained paved walk that takes approximately 20 minutes. Shuttle Bus: Buses depart every 20 min. . From the bus stop, it's about a 10-15 minute downhill walk to the castle entrance. Tickets can be bought on the bus.
We stop in this quaint village for a traditional lunch in a small but very local restaurant run by our good friend Marty. They serve the best Schnitzel or freshly caught fish Austria has to offer.
We pass by this scenic lake nestled in the Austrian Alps. On a hot day we can even swim in this lake but it is a dash cold.
Step into the opulent world of King Ludwig II with a visit to Linderhof Castle, his most intimate and the only palace he lived to see completed. Modeled after the Petit Trianon at Versailles, this jewel-box palace showcases stunning Rococo interiors and reflects Ludwig's deep admiration for the French monarchy. But the magic extends beyond the palace walls to the awe-inspiring Venus Grotto. This artificial stalactite cave, inspired by Wagner's opera "Tannhäuser," is a fantastical creation complete with a lake, a gilded shell boat, and dramatic lighting effects that once replicated the Blue Grotto of Capri. Prepare to be transported to a world of myth and theatrical grandeur within this unique and unforgettable space. Cost of the Castle tour or the Venus Grotto is not incl. in the tour price but can be bought on site, no need to pre-book.
For the adventurous at heart, why not swap one of our regular stops (Ettal or Oberammergau) for an unforgettable ride on the Alpine Coaster! Imagine a rollercoaster where you control the speed with your own brakes. Reach a maximum of 25 mph as you whiz down the mountain, but feel free to cruise at your own pace. The adventure begins with a leisurely 20-minute scenic chairlift ride to the summit, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the stunning Alps – perfect for photos! Simply let your guide know on the day if you're ready for this exhilarating experience. Cost of the Chair Lift ride and Coaster back down or not incl. in the price of the tour.
Discover the enchanting village of Oberammergau, world-renowned as the home of the Passion Play, a dramatic tradition performed by its residents every ten years. 1 Beyond the stage, Oberammergau is a haven for unique Christmas decoration shopping year-round, boasting exquisite wood carvings and handcrafted ornaments. 2 Wander through its quaint streets, adorned with beautifully painted houses ("Lüftlmalerei"), and soak in the traditional Bavarian atmosphere that makes this town a truly special destination.
Nestled in a picturesque valley, Ettal Abbey is a magnificent Benedictine monastery founded in 1330 by Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian. Its stunning Baroque architecture, particularly the impressive basilica with its soaring dome and intricate frescoes, draws visitors from around the world. Beyond its visual splendor, Ettal is a working monastery where monks still live and practice the Benedictine principles of "Ora et Labora" (pray and work). The abbey also boasts a rich history as a place of pilgrimage and learning, and today operates a renowned brewery, distillery, and other enterprises, offering a unique glimpse into monastic life and Bavarian tradition.
Enjoy the enthralling vistas of the Alps along this famous stretch of road.
We drop you off at your hotel or at the Local Beer Garden called the Augustiner Keller, a five minute walk from the Central station.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Important Tour Information To ensure a seamless experience in the Bavarian Alps, please review these essential details for your upcoming private tour. Logistics & Preparation Meeting Point: 8:00 AM at your hotel or Airbnb lobby. What to Wear: Sturdy walking shoes and layers are essential; alpine weather changes quickly. Arrivals: Private airport transfers are available for €95. Contact us to arrange. Dining & Dietary Needs Meals: Food and drinks are NOT included in the tour price. Lunch: We stop at a traditional Austrian/Tyrollean/Bavarian eatery (Cash Only). Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. For vegan or severe allergy requirements, please notify us via Viator messaging 24 hours in advance. Additional Costs Castle Tickets: Neuschwanstein (€25.50) and Linderhof (€10.00) are separate. After booking, we will provide a link to secure your specific time slots. Transport: The castle shuttle is €3.00 (Cash Only). Alternatively, guests may opt for a strenuous 20-minute uphill hike. Gratuities: Tips are never expected but are a much-appreciated way to thank your guide for exceptional service. We look forward to sharing the beauty of Bavaria with you!
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Multilingual English/German guide
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR HOTEL ADDRESS FOR AN 8am Pickup.
Reviews(214)
Enjoyed another great experience with Mike’s in Munich. We booked 3 successive tours this time: a private afternoon Munich bike trip with guide Locky, and then two daylong tours: one to Linderhof and Neushwanstein, and then on to the Salzburg area, both with guide Sigmund. We based ourselves out of Munich, which was a super decision and just let them do the planning. As requested, they geared it around our 10 year old grandson’s interests, with stops for swimming at lakes and rivers, a salt mine tour and the alpine roller coaster. The guides we have had with Mike’s are always experienced and full of local knowledge. And while they are very cool and laidback, they are thoroughly professional people who can read a room quickly and tailor the plan accordingly. Can’t beat their location near the Marienplatz. Highly recommend.
Hi Debra. Thanks so much for your incredible review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear we delivered such an unforgettable experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and can't wait to welcome you back for another adventure! Safe travels further - from your Mike’s Bike & Private Car Tour Team.
My family and I had an awesome day with Alex our tour guide. The day started great ,Alex was actually a few minutes early. We then made a quick stop at the Octoberfest grounds to see the preparations starting for this year's party. We then hopped on the Autobahn, a dream of mine, to head to the castles. We made a stop in Steingaden, I believe, to see a church that Alex said would awe us. What an understatement, this church is really off the beaten path but the most beautiful church I've ever been in, what a hidden gem! Near the church we walked to a small café and had coffee and Danish, great place also. Off to Neuschwanstein castle, again Alex pulls off a small miracle, with his connections we are able to hurry ahead off a large crowd and go right up to the castle as soon as we parked. After Neuschwanstein , which is remarkable, we head to Oberammergau , there we walk and explore the fantastic village, have a great lunch and cold beer. My wife and adult daughter stay to shop while Alex takes my adult son and I to the mountain coaster, I highly recommend it, what a blast. The last stop is the tour of the Linderhof castle, phenomenal and beautiful can't begin to describe it. After the full day, Alex gets us back to our hotel after another fun run on the Autobahn. I highly recommend this tour group and ask for Alex, he great.
Thank you for the wonderful 5-star review! Hearing how much you enjoyed the tour and your time with our guide means the world to us. Since 2010, we’ve been perfecting our private car tours out of Munich to deliver custom, seamless travel. Accept no substitute for our passionate, local English-speaking guides who truly bring every tour to life! Have a safe journey home with all your great Bavarian memories — from your Mike’s Private Car Tour Team.
A long day but well worth doing the tour. We had heavy rain during the day but it didn’t dampen the experience.
Hi Shirley. Glad to hear that you had a great day despite the rain - it has been a crazy summer weather wise here in Bavaria. Safe travels further.
Had a blast with Alex. Start to finish, unforgettable experience. Coffee and breakfast in the village was so good and the church was breathtaking. Got rained on at the big castle but it was worth it. Alpine coaster was quite an adventure up the mountain and back down. Great lunch spot and the last castle was something to see too. This was our one big day and the cost was justified with everything noted above for our group of 4.
Thank you so much for the awesome review! We are thrilled that your group of four had such an unforgettable blast with Alex from start to finish. It sounds like you got the absolute most out of your big day with us—from the morning coffee and breathtaking church to the alpine coaster adventure and both castles (even with a bit of authentic mountain rain!). We love that the lunch spot hit the mark and that you felt the value of the day was fully justified. We will be sure to pass your fantastic feedback along to Alex. Thank you for choosing us for your big day out, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future! Best regards
Alex was our tour guide. His English was excellent. It was raining very hard the day we went but Alex was flexible and able to find other things for us to enjoy. Alex was knowledgeable, friendly, easy to talk to. I would highly recommend him. Great tour!
Thanks so much for your incredible review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear we delivered such an unforgettable experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and can't wait to welcome you back for another adventure! Safe travels further - from your Mike’s Private Car Tour Team.
We had a great time with Alex yesterday. He knows the quickest ways to see the castles and the best photo spots. He's a really good photographer as well and was happy to take pictures of our family at the locations. He's also knew where to get real local souvenirs and where locally to take our super picky eater children to get a lunch that they all would eat. It's quite hot right now and the air conditioned van felt like heaven.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review! Our guides read these every day and are truly grateful to see the positive impact they have on our guests' vacations. Your feedback means a lot to our entire team and helps us continue doing what we love: providing the best possible experience for our guests. Safe travels further from your Mike’s Private Car Tour Team
We had a fantastic day with Alex, heading to Neuschwanstein Castle, Zugsptize, Olympic Ski Jump site and lovely travel through small part of Austria. Alex was great, excellent knowledge and inside information to skip the crowds for some epic photos. Fantastic day all round. Thank you!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review! Our guides read these every day and are truly grateful to see the positive impact they have on our guests' vacations. Your feedback means a lot to our entire team and helps us continue doing what we love: providing the best possible experience for our guests. Safe travels further from your Mike’s Private Car Tour team.
We took a fantastic ten hour tour with our guide, Alex Brũndl. He kept the journey interesting the entire way with his stories and facts about the area. We thoroughly enjoyed the castles, churches, scenic views and food choices. Alex helped make this trip especially memorable with his knowledge, with and passion.
Thanks so much for your incredible review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear we delivered such an unforgettable experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and can't wait to welcome you back for another adventure! Safe travels further - from your Mike’s Private Car Tour Team.
Fantastic experience. Alex Bründl was a great guide. Very knowledgeable. Knew all the best spots to get the best shots. Highly recommend!
Thanks so much for your incredible review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear we delivered such an unforgettable experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and can't wait to welcome you back for another adventure! Safe travels further - from your Mike’s Private Car Tour Team.
Had a blast with our guide Sigmund, he’s great. He was kind, knowledgeable, and took great photos. Bring cash for lunch around $25/person (nice place), souvenirs, and to tip your guide. This excursion was our favorite thing we did for our European vacation. It is a long day, with a delicious lunch. Lots of twists and turns driving, maybe bring some motion sickness medicine if you’re sensitive. Bring a good quality poncho and maybe some rain pants if there is a possibility of rain. Bring water and snacks for the kids. The big castle, take the bus up and walk down. It’s a beautiful walk.
Hi Jurell. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review! Our guides read these every day and are truly grateful to see the positive impact they have on our guests' vacations. Your feedback means a lot to our entire team and helps us continue doing what we love: providing the best possible experience for our guests. Safe travels further from your Mike’s Private Tour team.
