Private Day Tour Ettal, Herreninsel, Oberammergau & Schwangau – Royal Palaces and Monastic Art

Neuschwanstein
Herrenchiemsee
Kloster Ettal
Oberammergau
Ludwig II.

BAVARIA · GERMANY

Discover the world of King Ludwig II with our licensed guide: Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, the Passion Play village of Oberammergau, the baroque abbey church of Ettal and Herrenchiemsee Palace on the Herreninsel. Completely private, with a programme we plan in advance around your wishes and your pace.

• ⏱ 7 hours
• 👥 Private – your group only
• € 560 for up to 8 people
• 🗣 English · German · Turkish

Why this tour?

Few names are as closely tied to the Bavarian Alpine foothills as King Ludwig II. From 1869 he had Neuschwanstein built, and from 1878 a palace modelled on Versailles on the Herreninsel in Lake Chiemsee. Since 2025 his palaces of Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee have been part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In between lie places with an older history of their own: the Benedictine abbey of Ettal, founded in 1330 by Emperor Louis the Bavarian, and Oberammergau, where the famous Passion Play has been staged every ten years since 1634.

Route

• Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau (UNESCO)
  Ludwig II's fairy-tale castle high above the Pöllat Gorge. We explain its history and imagery; a visit inside is optional (admission not included).
• Hohenschwangau Castle & Alpsee
  The castle of King Maximilian II, where Ludwig II spent his youth, overlooking the Alpsee lake. Exterior visit, interior optional.
• Marienbrücke
  The classic view of Neuschwanstein from the bridge over the Pöllat Gorge – provided it is open.
• Oberammergau
  The Passion Play village with its painted façades in the Lüftlmalerei style, such as the Pilatushaus, and its long tradition of woodcarving.
• Ettal Abbey
  The Benedictine abbey founded in 1330, with its magnificent baroque basilica and great dome fresco – a highlight of Bavarian sacred art.
• Herrenchiemsee Palace, Herreninsel (UNESCO)
  Ludwig's 'Bavarian Versailles' with its Hall of Mirrors, reached by boat from Prien or Gstadt. Palace visit and boat crossing optional (not included).
• Optional: Old Palace Herrenchiemsee
  The former Augustinian monastery where in 1948 the constitutional convention prepared the groundwork for Germany's Basic Law.

Tour information

Guide languages

English, German, Turkish

Duration

Approx. 7 hours – private, extendable and tailored to you.

Difficulty

Easy walks, but the climb to Neuschwanstein is steep (bus or horse carriage as alternatives), and on the Herreninsel it is about a 20-minute walk from the pier to the palace. The sites are far apart, so the day is tightly planned.

Age group

Suitable for all ages – ideal for families, couples and groups of friends.

Meeting point

Meeting point by arrangement, e.g. Füssen railway station or your hotel in Garmisch-Partenkirchen or Oberammergau.

Included

• Approx. 7-hour private tour with a licensed guide
• Individual route planning
• Headset system for groups of 16 or more

Not included

• Admission fees and donations (museums, palaces, churches)
• Travel between the sites as well as boat and shuttle buses are not included in the price; a vehicle with driver can be booked on request.
• Travel and transfers
• Meals, drinks and tips
• Personal expenses

What to bring

Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun or rain protection and a camera or smartphone for souvenir photos.

FAQ

When does the tour start?

Choose any start time between 06:00 and 12:00; the tour lasts about 7 hours.

How do I pay?

30 % deposit at booking (PayPal or credit card), the balance in cash on the day of the tour.

What is the cancellation policy?

No free cancellation: up to 30 days before 30 %, 29–15 days 50 %, 14–7 days 75 %, 6–1 days and no-show 100 %. Changes of date are also subject to a fee.

Can we join with a pushchair or wheelchair?

Yes, we adapt the route to your needs. Please let us know when booking.

© MeinReiseleiter.de – Private licensed guided tours in Germany and Europe – since 1989