approx. 1 hr 45to Neuschwanstein
approx. 50 minto Oberammergau & Ettal
4 stopsin one day
3× UNESCONeuschwanstein, Linderhof, Wieskirche
The route: one day, four stops
We suggest driving all the way west first and then taking your time on the way back. That way you reach Neuschwanstein in the morning, before most coaches arrive, and the Wieskirche and the Ammer valley make a relaxed end to the day.
- Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau (approx. 1 hr 45 from Königsdorf): leave early and book a morning time slot. From the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau it is about a 40-minute uphill walk to the castle – allow plenty of time, tours start on the dot.
- Füssen (approx. 10 min): lunch in the old town, the view from the High Castle and a short detour to the Lech Falls.
- Wieskirche (approx. 30 min): Dominikus Zimmermann's rococo pilgrimage church stands alone in a meadow in front of the Ammergau Alps – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Admission is free; no sightseeing during services.
- Ettal Abbey & Oberammergau (approx. 40 min): in Ettal the mighty baroque basilica and the abbey brewery, five minutes on Oberammergau with its painted façades and woodcarving workshops. From here it is about 50 minutes back to the Schlossquelle.
Host tip: Neuschwanstein tickets with a fixed time slot are sold online on the official website of the Hohenschwangau Ticket Center (plus a €2.50 fee per ticket). Only a small number are sold on site, and on busy days they go fast – so book ahead, and only via the official website.
Linderhof Palace: better on a day of its own
Linderhof is the smallest of Ludwig II's palaces and the only one he saw completed – a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Neuschwanstein since July 2025. It is just 15 minutes past Ettal, but rarely fits into the Neuschwanstein day: visits are by guided tour only (about 25 minutes), and in the winter half of the year the palaces close in the afternoon.
Our suggestion for a second day: Oberammergau, Ettal and Linderhof in the morning, then back via Garmisch-Partenkirchen – with the Partnach Gorge or a stroll along Ludwigstraße. Add the Zugspitze if you like.
Good to know
- Winter: at Linderhof the park buildings are closed in the winter half of the year (except the King's House), and the Venus Grotto is currently being restored. The Marienbrücke bridge at Neuschwanstein is often closed in snow and ice.
- Holidays: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau are closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and on 1 January.
- Getting there: via Murnau and Oberammergau or via the Wieskirche to Schwangau. Winter tyres are mandatory in winter; parts of the route are mountain roads.
- Current times: check opening hours and closures on the official castle websites before you set off.
FAQ
How long is the drive from Königsdorf to Neuschwanstein?
About 1 hr 45 by car to Schwangau. Oberammergau and Ettal Abbey are about 50 minutes away.
Can you visit Neuschwanstein and Linderhof in one day?
Possible, but tight – especially in winter, when the palaces close in the afternoon. It is more relaxed to combine Neuschwanstein with Füssen and the Wieskirche on one day, and Linderhof with Oberammergau and Ettal on another.
Do you need to book Neuschwanstein tickets in advance?
Yes, we strongly recommend it. Tickets have a fixed time slot and are sold online via the Hohenschwangau Ticket Center; only a small number are available on site.
Is there an admission fee for the Wieskirche?
No, entry is free. No sightseeing during services.
After a royal day: back to the Schlossquelle
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