I travelled the enchanting region of Hohenschwangau in early spring, and the region was nestled in the beauty of the Bavarian Alps. It is a valley almost out of place in reality. It comes complete with a mad king and two historical castles – one of which you’ve seen before as a major and beloved brand’s logo.
This walking tour is a comprehensive guide to the pleasures of present day Schwangau and the stories behind King Ludwig’s iconic homes.
Your tour begins right outside the Tourist Information Office, which is the gateway to the Hohenschwangau region. A short walk uphill brings you to Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood home of King Ludwig II. This stunning 19th-century castle, built on the ruins of a 12th-century fortress, offers a glimpse into the royal lifestyle.
You’ll head down the path towards the tranquil Lake Alpsee, one of the most picturesque in Bavaria. Its shimmering blue waters are surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll. At the Schloss Bräustüberl Hhenschwangau, a traditional Bavarian beer garden, you can savor authentic Bavarian cuisine, from hearty sausages to pretzels and, of course, a refreshing pint of local beer.
The tour ends with a stroll up the hill to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. Known as the fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture, commissioned by King Ludwig II. You’ll learn the fascinating history behind its construction, including Ludwig’s inspiration from medieval legends and operas, and explore the castle’s breathtaking appearance. The panoramic view from its grounds makes for a fitting end to your royal Bavarian journey.
Along the way, I will give you a chance to:
• Revel in the eccentricities of King Ludwig II and his closest family
• Hear the history of the Hohenschwangau Castle and how King Maximilian II reconstructed it in the Gothic Revival style
• Pinch yourself at Neuschwanstein Castle and hear how this fortress inspired history’s most loved storyteller
• Visit the Museum of Bavarian Kings where you can absorb the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty, the ruling family of Bavaria
This 75-minuite long walking tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making your visit to Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein truly unforgettable.
Why VoiceMap walking tour, you say?
Belive me, there is nothing that can replace a good, human gulde, telling you the stories and answer your questions. But, sometimes it doesn’t fit into your schedule. The guiding starts at a time that gives you challenges, or you simply doesn’t feel for walking in a group.
The advantages of a VoiceMap walking tour is:
- You can walk and discover at your own pace
- You will not experience queues or following big groups of people.
- You get turn by turn directions so you can’t get lost or miss any of the important sights.
- You may start and stop whenever you want. If you feel for a coffee break, a beer or need to go to the toilet….it’s up to you
- The audio starts automatically as you approach interesting places and monuments – all supported by your GPS location.
- The VoiceMap tour is also ideal if you have limited time, but want to see as much as possible.
Voicemap User FAQ
How do VoiceMap tours work?
VoiceMap’s audio tour app for iOS and Android uses your device’s GPS to play audio automatically, at the right time and place. Just install the app and download your tour, then go to the starting point and begin your walk, drive, cycle, train trip or even boat ride.
Do I need to follow a route, or can I start the tour anywhere I like?
Tours have a fixed starting point and follow a route to a fixed end location. This allows us to provide turn-by-turn-directions and improves the accuracy of automatic playback. It also helps tour publishers tell a better story, greater than the sum of its parts. But the VoiceMap app does have a Resume option, and this allows you to pick up a tour from the closest location and carry on with it whenever you like.
Can I use tours more than once?
You can listen to your tours as often as you like using both the VoiceMap app and the VoiceMap website. Your access to tours doesn’t expire.
Can I listen to tours at home?
Yes! You don’t need to travel to a tour’s starting point to listen to it. In the VoiceMap app, just select Virtual mode on the screen that displays after you download the tour. You can also listen to the whole tour at voicemap.me.
How do I access a tour using the VoiceMap app if I purchase it through the VoiceMap website?
Once you’ve purchased a tour, it’s added to your VoiceMap library. If you sign into the app using the same method you used at voicemap.me, you’ll have access to your full library of tours. This works the other way too: if you make in-app purchases using the VoiceMap app, you can access these on the VoiceMap website.
Can I give friends and family access to a tour I have purchased?
Tours are intended for a single person. If you’re doing a tour with other people, each of them needs to purchase a copy, unless it’s a driving tour and you’re playing the tour through the car’s soundsystem.
Do I need mobile data to do a VoiceMap tour?
No, VoiceMap works entirely offline if there’s no data connection, so you don’t have to pay roaming fees. Just download the tour over WiFi before you get started.