Germany Day 3
Our Day 3 was spent exploring the heart of Bavaria, starting with the charming village of Füssen. We began the day by visiting the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle, followed by the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, which is perfectly situated between the two castles and gave us fascinating context to the royal legacy of King Ludwig II. After the museum, we toured the more intimate Hohenschwangau Castle, Ludwig’s childhood home. From there, we took a scenic drive to the opulent Linderhof Palace, where the ornate rooms and tranquil gardens amazed us. We ended the afternoon in the picturesque town of Oberammergau, admiring the detailed frescoes on traditional Alpine houses before arriving in Munich that evening.
visiting Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) in the morning is ideal for photography, especially if you're aiming to capture the classic view of Neuschwanstein Castle bathed in soft, warm light. So we booked 9:20AM ticket to Neuschwanstein Castle, and 1:35PM ticket to Hohenschwangau castle. and required to pick up your tickets at the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau starting at 8am. no later than 90 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of your reservation, and you will be charged a no-show fee.
Shuttle bus: Drops you near Marienbrücke (best photo spot). you cannot pick up tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle one day in advance. Tickets purchased online must be collected on the day of your scheduled tour. You are All 3 locations are in Hohenschwangau village.
Museum → Hohenschwangau Castle = 3 min walk
Hohenschwangau → Neuschwanstein = 30–40 min walk uphill or shuttle
Hohenschwangau Castle 1:35pm ticket We visited Hohenschwangau Castle on a clear morning and were struck by its warm, golden façade and peaceful setting above Alpsee Lake. Unlike the more famous Neuschwanstein nearby, Hohenschwangau felt more personal and lived-in—maybe because it was actually King Ludwig II’s childhood home. As we walked through rooms decorated with detailed murals of German legends, we could imagine the young prince growing up among stories of knights and swans. The views of the surrounding mountains and lake were breathtaking, and the quieter atmosphere gave us space to really appreciate the history and beauty of the place.
We visited the Museum of the Bavarian Kings after exploring the nearby castles, and it gave us a deeper appreciation for the royal family behind them. Set right by the edge of Lake Alpsee, the museum surprised us with how modern and well-designed it felt, blending sleek architecture with historic artifacts. As we walked through the exhibits, we learned about King Maximilian II and his son, Ludwig II, whose life and legacy we’d just seen come to life at Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. Seeing personal items like royal garments and ceremonial swords made the history feel more intimate. We especially loved the Hall of the Kings, where the huge panoramic window opened up to stunning views of the lake and mountains—it was a quiet, reflective moment that stayed with us. Unlike the castles, the museum ticket isn’t time-specific, so we appreciated the flexibility to visit at our own pace.
Linderhorf museum: After 50-drive we arrived at Linderhorf to buy tickets with venus grotto , Linderhof Palace is a small but stunning royal villa nestled in the Bavarian Alps, built by King Ludwig II as a personal retreat inspired by French Rococo style and Versailles. It’s the only one of his castles he lived to see completed, and it dazzles with ornate interiors, gilded halls, and mirrored rooms. The surrounding park and formal gardens are equally impressive, featuring terraces, fountains, and hidden gems like the Moorish Kiosk and the Venus Grotto.
Oberammergau was just a short 20-minute drive from Linderhof Palace. Oberammergau is a storybook village in the Bavarian Alps, famous for its Passion Play, a world-renowned theatrical performance held every ten years by local residents since 1634 as a vow to God during a time of plague. The town is equally known for its charming Lüftlmalerei—colorful frescoes painted on houses depicting religious and folk scenes—as well as its long tradition of skilled woodcarving. Surrounded by mountains and lush alpine scenery, Oberammergau offers a mix of cultural richness and natural beauty. Visitors can stroll through quaint streets, visit artisan workshops, enjoy hearty Bavarian cuisine, or explore nearby attractions like Linderhof Palace and numerous hiking trails.
then drive to Munich