Munich Private Tour: Neuschwanstein, Salzburg and the Alps
Munich is the gateway to the Bavarian Alps: the castles, the lakes and Salzburg all sit within two hours, and the roads are far better than the rail connections.
Charter or private tour
Charter: car and driver, your stops. Private tour: adds a guide for the Residenz and for Neuschwanstein's history.
Drive times
- Munich Airport to the centre: about 40 minutes by road.
- Munich to Neuschwanstein: about 2 hours.
- Munich to Salzburg: about 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Munich to Dachau memorial: about 30 minutes.
Three days that work
Munich, 1 day: Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel, Residenz, the English Garden, a beer hall evening.
Castles, 1 day: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, with a stop at Lake Forggensee.
Salzburg or the lakes, 1 day: the old town and Mozart's house, or the Tegernsee and the alpine roads.
Season
May to October for the Alps and lakes. Late September for Oktoberfest — book hotels a year ahead. December for the Christmas markets.
Practical notes
Neuschwanstein tickets are timed and the walk up takes 30 minutes; the shuttle saves time. Munich's centre is pedestrian and the U-Bahn is excellent — the car is for the day trips.
FAQ
Do we need tickets for Neuschwanstein? Yes, timed entry, and they sell out in summer.
Can we combine Neuschwanstein with Salzburg? Not comfortably — pick one.
Is Dachau appropriate with children? It is a memorial site; many families visit from age 12 up.
Do we need a guide? Helpful at the Residenz and for the castle history.
Can you pick up at the airport? Yes, about 40 minutes to the centre.