Best Things to do in Bavaria, Germany 2023
Visit southern Germany – a land of beauty, history, and culture. Experience Bavaria in a different light through its many medieval and modern-day attractions, such as timbered houses, stunning nature, and the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle.
See the Fairytale Castles of Bavaria
Where is Neuschwanstein Castle?
Bavaria is home to more than 70 castles, making it the perfect place for a fairytale getaway. Experience a day of sightseeing castles and visit the famous castles of Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, and the village of Oberammergau.
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, you can spend the night in one of Bavaria’s castles. Many of the region’s attractions offer overnight accommodations, including the historic Hotel Schloss Elmau.
Bavaria is a land of rich culture and centuries-old traditions. The region is well-known for its delicious food, world-famous beer, and lively music scene. It’s also home to a number of important historical sites, including the Wieskirche, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle: The Castle of the Fairytale King
Neuschwanstein Castle is a beautiful, Romanesque Revival palace on a rugged hill overlooking the village of Hohenschwangau in southwest Bavaria, Germany. This lavish palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria, known by many as the “mad king” or the “fairytale king,” as a retreat following the Austro-Prussian war.
The castle was originally intended as a personal refuge for Ludwig II. After his death in 1886, it was opened to the public shortly. Since then, over 60 million people have visited Neuschwanstein Castle. More than 1.4 million people visit annually, with up to 6,000 per day in the summer.
What to See at the Neuschwanstein Tour
You will journey from Munich to the charming town of Oberammergau. There, you will take a guided tour of the Linderhof Palace before continuing on to the village of Oberammergau. There, you will learn about the traditional craftsmanship of the local woodcarvers. At noon, you’ll start your journey along Romantische Straße until you reach Neuschwanstein Castle, one of Germany’s most beautiful castles.
Snacks and drinks will be provided to you onboard on this premium day trip to Neuschwanstein and its many attractions. All entrance fees for the castles are included in the Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Tour.
See the eloquence and timeless beauty of Neuschwanstein Castle in person. Book a guided Neuschwanstein tour online today!
Tour Highlights
The castle is home to a number of interesting attractions, including a wine cellar, a chapel, a library, and a well. It’s also a popular spot for walks and hikes, as well as a popular attraction for tourists. Some of the notable attractions to watch out for include:
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle The palace was designed using a mixture of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Gothic styles and is one of the most visited castles in the country. Due to its magnificent architecture, the castle became the inspiration for many castles in movies and popular culture, including Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Hohenschwangau Castle
If you’re looking for something a bit more off-the-beaten-path, you should check out Hohenschwangau Castle. Standing on a hilltop just a stone’s throw away from Neuschwanstein castle, Hohenschwangau is another architectural marvel and is where King Ludwig II spent most of his childhood.
With history dating way back to the 12th Century, Hohenschwangau is much older than its more obvious neighbor. You can join one of many guided tours to get inside. Make sure to spend time appreciating Germanic historic legends painted on the walls.
Linderhof Castle
The state of Bavaria has no shortage of palatial attractions, making it the perfect destination for tourists, especially if you’re visiting Neuschwanstein. To complete your tour, there’s also Linderhof Castle.
King Ludwig II also played a hand in its construction which was dubbed as the Little Versailles. You’ll find lavish furniture and opulent decorations in and around the castle placed in an enchanting landscape. It’s essentially a palace surrounded by symmetric flower arrangements and stunning greenery.
Good to Know Before You Go
When planning a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
- If you’re looking for a more casual meal, head to one of the local cafes or restaurants at the Schwangau just beneath the castle. You’ll be able to find a variety of Bavarian dishes and refreshments to fit your taste.
- Another thing to consider is what kind of clothing you will be wearing. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes as the tour involves a lot of walking and sightseeing.
- People with restricted mobility might find it hard to visit Neuschwanstein. The shuttle bus and the horse carriages that go up to the castle don’t drop you off right at the entrance. And, you will still need to take a short walk to get to the castle.
- Photography is not permitted inside the Neuschwanstein castle.
- There are on-site toilets.
- We strongly recommend you dedicate the whole day if you visit Neuschwanstein Castle.
- Look carefully at your purchased ticket. Sometimes your preferred time slot is not available, so that you will get another one. For this reason, we advise you to check the exact time of your Neuschwanstein tour so you can organize your visit correctly and avoid any confusion.
Bavaria and Its Natural Beauty
Bavaria is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in all of Europe. The region is dotted with idyllic villages, rolling hills, and pristine forests. In the spring and summer, the Alpine meadows come alive with colorful wildflowers. And in the fall, the leaves of the trees turn a beautiful golden hue.
The landscape of Bavaria is truly stunning. The region is home to the Bavarian Alps, which offer some of the most breathtaking views in all of Europe. In addition, Bavaria is dotted with rivers, lakes, and forests. There are also numerous quaint villages to explore.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing. There are also many historical and cultural sites to explore.
If you love the outdoors, then you’ll truly enjoy your trip to Bavaria. The region is home to some of the best hiking and biking trails in Germany. There are also many opportunities for fishing and skiing. On the other hand, if you enjoy a quiet stroll along the streets of Bavaria, it’s also dotted with quaint villages that are perfect for exploring.
No matter what time of year you visit, Bavaria’s natural beauty is sure to take your breath away. Book a tour today and experience the natural sceneries of Bavaria!
Best Things To Do In Bavaria
Bavaria is a land of contrasts. From the snow-capped Alps to the rolling hills of the Bavarian Forest, there is something for everyone. Aside from visiting the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, there are a ton of other things you can do to make your vacation extra special.
1. Take a Scenic Drive Through the German Alpine Road
The Bavarian Alps are some of the most stunning mountains in Europe. Drive around the German Alpine Road and see Bavaria’s natural beauty as you go around the area. This is a beautiful scenic drive that takes you through the Bavarian Alps. The 450-km route takes you from Lake Constance to Königssee, and it’s full of stunning mountain views and quaint villages.
2. Visit the World-Famous Oktoberfest in Munich
It’s that time of year again! The leaves are changing color, the air is getting crisp, and people are getting drunk in public places! That’s right, it’s Oktoberfest in Munich!
Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival, and it takes place every year in Munich. If you’re a fan of beer, this is a must-do while in Bavaria. The festival takes place over two weeks in September and October, and it’s a great opportunity to try some of the local Bavarian beer. Despite the crowds and the strong beer, Oktoberfest is a lot of fun.
There is live music, traditional German food, and, of course, beer! Lots and lots of beer. So if you’re looking for a fun time and don’t mind getting a little crowded and a little drunk, Oktoberfest is the place for you!
3. Tour Medieval Bamberg
Bamberg is a beautiful medieval city in Germany that is worth a visit! It is home to some of the most well-preserved architecture from the middle ages, and there are plenty of things to see and do.
A tour of Bamberg is a great way to learn about the city’s history and get a feel for what life was like in medieval times. You’ll get to see the magnificent Bamberg Cathedral, walk through the historic old town, and visit the famous beer cellar of the castle.
4. Go Skiing in the Bavarian Alps
Skiing in the Bavarian Alps is a great way to enjoy the winter wonderland. The Bavarian Alps offer some of the best skiing spots in Europe, and the scenery is breathtaking.
There are many great ski resorts in the Bavarian Alps, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to where to go skiing. Some of the most popular ski resorts and towns in the Bavarian Alps include Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Oberstdorf, and Berchtesgaden.
When it comes to skiing itself, the Bavarian Alps offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, you’ll find plenty of great slopes to enjoy. But if you’re looking for a real challenge, there are some great black runs in the area too.
5. Witness the Passion Play in Oberammergau
The Passion Play in Oberammergau is a world-famous event every ten years. It is a dramatic portrayal of the last days of Jesus Christ, culminating in his crucifixion. The fact that the play happens only once every decade makes it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity should you plan your vacation in time for the play.
Despite its name, the Passion Play is a fairly light-hearted affair. It is full of music, singing, and dancing, and the audience is encouraged to participate.
The play is performed entirely in German, but there are English subtitles available. However, even if you don’t understand the language, the passion and emotion of the performers is sure to come through.
Visiting Tips for the Neuschwanstein Castle Tour
Here are some tips to help make your visit as enjoyable as possible:
- The castle is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for large crowds. Try to visit during off-peak hours if possible.
- The castle is located in the Bavarian Alps, so be prepared for steep climbs and narrow walkways.
- Neuschwanstein Castle is open from 8:00 h – 16:00 h (April to October) and from 9:00 h – 15:00 h (November to March), so plan your visit accordingly.
- You can reach Neuschwanstein Castle by bus, train, or foot. The easiest way to get there is by taking the bus from the village of Hohenschwangau to the castle.
- There is a lot to see and do in the area around the castle, so be sure to plan a full day to explore. Some nearby attractions include Alpsee Lake, the Bavarian Forest, and the town of Fussen.