54917CH
Neuschwanstein Guided visit
· Passports are not routinely required but should be available in case of spot checks at the border.
· TM often pays entrances. You will need a lot of cash or ACIS card.
· The group must be kept on a tight schedule today in order to fit all the visits in. Be very strict with your TIMINGS.
· Remember there is a lot of steep walking and steps at Neuschwanstein. Ensure the group leaders know this in advance and mention it tactfully to any potential stragglers beforehand. Mention also the horse buggies and the bus (but be aware these are usually considerably slower than walking because of queues).
· You buy your tickets for Neuschwanstein in the central ticket office in Schwangau, you must now be there at least 90 minutes before your allotted entrance time! This is the only place where tickets for Neuschwanstein (and Hohenschwangau) may be purchased.
· Remind the group that no inside photography is allowed.
· Keep the group punctual – each group gets an entry time and tour number and the group must arrive at the turnstile at the time allotted to them; you may risk missing the visit if not on time.
· Please check your vouchers. If earlier/later castle entries required call in advance.
Luzern – Neuschwanstein – Munich is a common route march. It is a pretty long day if visiting the castle. Not much chance for a side trip although the Wieskirche (amazing Rococo church) is only a slight detour (adds maybe 45 mins) to the NE of Neuschwanstein. It might be possible to make a stop in Lindau or Bregenz (both on Lake Constance) if not visiting Vaduz (Liechtenstein), which is normally included, en route. Both are pretty lakeside towns.
NEUSCHWANSTEIN
On arrival in Schwangau, ask the driver to drop you off by the ticket office while they take the group on to the coach park. Ask the group to wait for you there. Buy the tickets, find your bus and point out the pay toilets by the coach park. There are free toilets at the castle.
Make a very clear rendezvous for departure.
It is a long and very steep walk to the castle (20 – 30 min.).
If anyone is taking the horse buggies or bus then encourage them to get in line as soon as possible as split groups are always slower to get together. Arrange a meeting point at the entrance to the castle and remind them of your entry time.
Walk up the hill with your group. At the top wait in the castle courtyard until your tour number and entry time comes up. The tour of the castle lasts about 30 minutes. There is a multimedia show about Ludwig II which they can see free of charge after the tour. (Time permitting)
This may well be time for lunch. If so, there are many options in the village as well as a snack bar and restaurant just below the castle.
Your group will then have some time for souvenir shopping. For the very energetic ones there may be the time to walk up the very steep path to the Marienbrücke for the most spectacular views of the castle. This could also in theory be done before your tour – but you should allow a full 75 minutes for it from leaving the bus park to arrival before your timed tour entry.
Alternative Route: Neuschwanstein – Munich
An alternative route to the one above lets you follow the B17 via Steingaden and Schongau to Landsberg and thence on the A96 to Munich. This is equally scenic and takes less than 2 hours.