Neuschwanstein Tour for Wagner Enthusiasts

“Neuschwanstein is Wagner in stone — Wagner is Neuschwanstein in tone.”

This special tour is led by Dr. Thomas Launius, whose background in mythology, storytelling, and opera gives him a unique perspective on Neuschwanstein as “Wagner in stone.” Dr. Launius has led over 250 tours to the castle in the past six years and has received more than 1,000 five-star reviews, becoming one of the most highly regarded Neuschwanstein guides working on the mountain today. Many society members will remember Dr. Launius from his lecture in Bayreuth last August on Wagner’s Parsifal, which was warmly received.

This tour is designed specifically for Wagner enthusiasts. It offers special insight into:

• how Wagner’s medieval sources are depicted in the murals and symbolism of the castle
• how Ludwig II shaped Neuschwanstein using Wagnerian dramatic principles
• why the castle functions as a kind of architectural opera

Participants will come away with a deeper understanding of both Wagner and Ludwig II — even if they have visited the castle before.

Itinerary (All Day Experience)

Saturday, August 8, 2026

8:30 AM — Meet in Munich

We meet at München Hauptbahnhof and take a short S-Bahn ride to connect with our main train.

9:00 AM — Train to Füssen (First Class)

We travel in the comfort of the first-class compartment. During the ride, Dr. Launius shares stories, history, and background to prepare everyone for the castle experience.

11:42 AM — Arrive in Füssen

We take a private taxi from Füssen to the village of Hohenschwangau, where Neuschwanstein is located.

12:00 PM — Lunch in Hohenschwangau

A brief lunch break before ascending the mountain.

12:45 PM — Up the mountain / Mary’s Bridge

We ride the shuttle bus up the mountain to Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) for the iconic panoramic view of the castle, then walk the final portion to the castle.

2:15 PM — Guided Tour Inside Neuschwanstein

We enter the castle for the official interior tour led by a State of Bavaria guide. (Dr. Launius will provide Wagner-focused context before and after the interior tour.) After the guided tour, we will have additional time to explore and take photos.

4:00 PM — Return to the village

We descend and enjoy time in Hohenschwangau.

4:45 PM — Taxi back to Füssen

Private taxi back to the train station.

5:20 PM — Return train to Munich (First Class)

Time to relax and reflect on the day.

7:30 PM — Arrive back in Munich

Return to München Hauptbahnhof.

What’s Included:

This is an intimate small-group experience, limited to six participants, and includes:

• all train travel (first class)
• private taxi transfers in Füssen/Hohenschwangau
• all castle admission tickets
• the full day guided experience with Dr. Launius

Participants only pay for:

• meals and beverages
• personal shopping

Guest Expectations:

Participants should be comfortable with:

• walking approximately ½ mile over mostly level ground
• brief uphill walking
• stairs inside the castle

Cost and Reservation

$399 per person, limited to six participants; advance reservation is required. 

Registration for this tour will close on March 15 2026 at 12:00 noon ET, after which remaining spaces cannot be guaranteed. Payment is non-refundable. Once registration closes, all entrance tickets and transportation will be secured by the tour operator.

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About Dr. Launius: To learn more about Dr. Launius and his Neuschwanstein and Wagnerian work: http://www.oaktree.pro/