Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Tours

Located 2 hours from Munich, the enchanting old-world town of Füssen lies in the foothills of the Alps, framed by one of the most breathtaking natural settings in the world. Towering far above the village, seemingly sculpted out of the very mountains that rise magnificently to the heavens, is a sight made from the stuff of dreams: the fabulous and ethereal Neuschwanstein Castle. This glorious folly was built in the 19th-Century by the famed "mad" King Ludwig II, a man intoxicated by mythology and who himself became a legend. The shimmering white towers of the castle among the clouds are instantly recognizable to many who haven’t ever heard the name Neuschwanstein. It is the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle and is famous the world over as the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang castle. To visit it is to step inside a fairy tale. On this full-day tour from Munich, your guide will take you by train or coach and accompany you uphill to the castle’s lofty perch, where it sits gleaming above a spectacular panorama of mountains, lakes and valleys. It’s not just about the castle – it’s also about its wonderful location. You will go to the best vantage points and explore the lake. If time and weather permits, you can even enjoy a swim. Get postcard-perfect views of the equally beautiful Hohenschwangau Castle, the waterfall gorge and the stunning Marienbrücke Bridge, suspended high above it all. While you are marveling at the beauty, your guide will tell you the engaging story of King Ludwig’s renowned and tragic reign, of his turbulent times and of the obsession that drove him to build his fantasy castle in the mountains and ultimately destroyed him. Skip the long lines for the separate internal tour of the king’s private chambers by a specialist castle guide. The tour is the most practical way to enter this amazing fantasy world.

Spend a day in picturesque Bavaria, enjoying a drive on the Romantic Road in the Bavarian Alps. On the way to the fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein you’ll pass through old, quaint Bavarian villages and scenic countryside. When you reach Neuschwanstein you’ll be taken on a guided tour of the castle, which was built in the 19th century in the Romanesque Revival style. The palace sits on a craggy hill commanding views of the village of Hohenschwangau below. From the Marienbridge you’ll have breathtaking views of the castle. The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a royal retreat and in honor of Richard Wagner, the composer. After the death of Ludwig II, the palace was opened to the public in 1886, and now hosts more than 1.3 million visitors each year. Neuschwanstein has appeared in numerous movies and it was also used as a model for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland. You’ll walk through a lovely gorge featuring cascades and waterfalls. On the way back you’ll stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Church of Wieskirch built in the 17th century. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit a Bavarian cheese farm, where you can get a cheese and sausage platter with fresh baked bread. There are spectacular, 360-degree mountain view to enjoy here as well.

Enjoy a day in the German Alps on a full-day excursion from Munich to the Zugspitze. You’ll travel to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where you’ll take a cable car up the 2962 meters to the summit of Germany’s tallest peak. The Zugspitze marks the international border between Germany and Austria. In fact there are lifts from both countries that meet at the top of the mountain. In addition restaurants and shops at the summit, there are also telescopes available. From the top you’ll have breathtaking views of the Alps which seem to stretch on forever. You’ll take a break for lunch at a small mountain hut, where you’ll also have lovely views over the peaks of the Alps and even into the Munich area. After lunch you’ll jump from Germany into Austria (no passport necessary). You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a beer in Germany’s highest beer garden! The final highlight of the tour is a round-trip ride through the mountains on a cog-wheel train.

This magical tour will start on Salzburg's charming Mirabellplatz, and take you over the Staatsbrücke, along the Salzach river past the Baroque old town, and down the Alpenstraße to the former border controls at Marktschellenberg. During the journey you'll be able to see the Königsee, and drive through the enchanting landscape of the Bavarian Alps, on your way to Obersalzberg (around 1000m above sea level.) Today, the location where Hitler had his holiday residence contains nothing but ruins. A road winds up to the place where the Kehlsteinhaus, Hitler's Eagle's Nest, once stood. The next stop is the Königsee, an azure lake encircled by steep, rugged cliffs. Allowing ample time for you to enjoy the scenery, the tour will then lead you back to Berchtesgaden, where, before your return to Salzburg, you'll be able to try out any of the enticing local delicacies on offer.

This full-day tour from Munich takes you to Hitler’s mountain retreat, located in the mountains above Berchtesgaden. Presented to him in 1939 as a 50th birthday present, the mountain chalet took 13 months to complete, and includes an elevator that was bored through a tunnel in the rocks to reach the entrance. You will depart from Munich and drive along some of the most scenic roads in the German Alps. On arrival, a special bus will take you up to the Eagle´s Nest entrance area, where you will ride the elevator to the mountain peak, and into Eagle´s Nest itself. Look at beautiful views over the Alps, with free time on your own to explore. The lower rooms can be visited with an English-speaking guide, and offer views of the building's past through plate-glass windows. Graffiti left by Allied troops is clearly visible in the surrounding woodwork. A large fireplace in the restaurant shows severe damage along its lower edges, where soldiers have smashed off small shards of marble as souvenirs. Hitler's small study is now used as a store room for the cafeteria. After the tour, you will get more free time to go to the NS-Documentation-Center in Berchtesgaden, before the drive back to Munich.

Hop on a tour bus and dare to see the world from above at Germany's highest peak. This day tour brings you directly into the Alpine upland and its green valleys. Passing the picturesque houses of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, continue the bus journey up the mountain and reach the valley station of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak at 2,963 meters. Riding the new cablecar, you will reach the top in just a few minutes. Breathe in the clear air and enjoy the truly staggering view of more than 400 peaks of the Bavarian, Austrian, Swiss and Italian Alps.  Dine at one of the peak's restaurants (vegetarian and Halal dishes are available) and have some fun bobsledding or take a walk on the perpetual glacial ice.  After descending back down the mountain by historic cogwheel train, your comfortable bus will bring you back to Munich.

Enjoy thrill-filled action rafting on one of the most beautiful rivers in Bavaria and Austria, in Baumgarten. Just 30 minutes from Salzburg, this is a beautiful spot for nature lovers and adventure-seekers. Receive the necessary rafting equipment. Meet your rafting guide and transfer by bus to the entrance of the river. Receive a safety talk about paddling techniques and white water swimming from your guide. And off you go. Take a seat in your raft boat and experience the waves and fun together as a team. Your guide will take you safely through the white water. After a certain time, stop at the shore. You can jump from 4 meters into a natural pool.

Take a breathtaking ride from the city of Salzburg into the Bavarian Alps along the Kings Lake-Ache up to the Obersalzberg, where the second headquarters of Third Reich used to be. Afterward, continue to the highlight of the tour, which is the 500-year-old Berchtesgaden salt mine. Slip into traditional miners’ clothes and take the miners’ train deep into the mountain. Experience the fascinating underground world of the salt-miners and discover the charm of the magnificently illuminated subterranean landscape. Take the slides down to the salt lake, which you will cross by boat. After this unique tour, explore the little picturesque town of Berchtesgaden and taste some Bavarian specialties. Leave Salzburg once more and pass by Lake Fuschl and Castle Fuschl. Explore the little town of St. Gilgen, where Mozart's mother was born. In the summer (May 1st to October 26th) enjoy a 45-minute boat ride to St. Wolfgang. During winter, take a coffee break at one of the traditional Austrian coffee houses.  At St. Wolfgang, your guide will show you the famous pilgrimage church with its carved gothic winged altar by Michael Pacher. There will be some time to explore the picturesque town or have a coffee break on the terrace of the famous White Horse Inn (Weisses Rössl) at your own expense. Continue your journey along the Krottensee with castle Hüttenstein and drive along Lake Mondsee before returning to Salzburg.

Drive through the pre-alpine region of Bavaria to Neuschwanstein, the fairytale castle built by King Ludwig II in Hohenschwangau. You’ll have a chance to admire both the exterior and interior of the palace and take in the spectacular views from the Bridge of Mary. Cross alpine valleys en route to Linderhof, the Baroque jewel that’s one of smaller palaces built by Ludwig II. In addition to visiting the palace, you’ll see the spectacular gardens.

The Eagle's Nest, or Kehlsteinhaus, is a retreat nestled high in the Kehlstein Mountains. It was originally given to Adolf Hitler as a 50th birthday gift, and offers historical insight as well as beautiful views. This tour will take you up into the mountains and over the German border into Bavaria, passing by the salt mines. The first stop of the tour is in the Obersalzberg area, where you'll change buses to head to the Eagle's Nest high in the Kehlstein Mountains. Hitler held many meetings in the Eagle's Nest, which he used as a conference center. You'll have free time to explore the old conference room, dining area, and small tea room with terraces. Your guide will explain the history and stories of this interesting retreat during your visit. After leaving the Eagle's Nest, your tour will return to Salzburg.