Neuschwanstein Castle Bavaria is an absolute must-visit destination in Germany!
Its fairytale charm and breathtaking views should be on every travellers bucket list. By planning your trip carefully and exploring the surrounding area, you can fully experience the magic of this Bavarian gem.
And I’m going to tell you how in this guide to What you Need to know before visiting Neuschwanstein.
History of Neuschwanstein Castle Bavaria
Before diving further into planning your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, it’s important to know a bit about it’s history and fame. The castle is a fairytale fortress that came to life by the imagination of King Ludwig II of Bavaria and construction began in 1869. Known as the “Mad King,” Ludwig was actually arrested in his bedroom in Neuschwanstein Castle on june 2nd 1886, and he and his doctor were found dead the following day. The castle wasn’t complete, but despite its unfinished state, it opened up to the public shortly after King Ludwig II’s death and quickly became one of the most visited castles in the world. Today Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular castles in Europe with 1.4 million annual visits.
In the summer of 1935 Walt Disney, his brother Roy and their wives went on a 2-month tour around Europe. Walt and his wife went back to Europe in 1955 where they visited Neuschwanstein Castle. The trip to Neuschwanstein influenced Disney to such an extent that the castle later served as a direct model for the famous Disney Castle in the company logo. It was also incorporated into numerous Disney films, including “Sleeping Beauty” and “Cinderella” and there’s even several references to Shek.
Where is Neuschwanstein Castle Located in Germany?
Neuschwanstein Castle is situated near the village of Hohenschwangau in Bavaria, Germany, close to the border with Austria. The castle overlooks the picturesque landscape and provides stunning views of the surrounding Alpine scenery. The nearest major city is Munich, making it a popular day trip destination from there.
Where to stay close to Neuschwanstein Castle Bavaria?
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Viewpoints of Neuschwanstein Castle Bavaria
Neuschwanstein Castle Bavaria Bridge
One of the most iconic viewpoints is Marienbrücke, or Mary’s Bridge, which offers a breathtaking view of the castle. The bridge is free and a popular spot for photos, particularly in the summer when there’s lots of greenery. The best time to visit Marienbrücke is early in the day to avoid the crowds. In winter, the path to the bridge may be closed due to snow!
Aussichtspunkt Neuschwanstein Castle Bavaria
If you continue along Marienbrücke, you can walk along a narrow forest path (1km – around 25 min.) up to a nice little viewpoint. There’s not much else to see from there, but not many make the hike up here, which gives you a unique photo opportunity.
Neuschwanstein Castle Bavaria Tickets
To visit the interior of Neuschwanstein Castle, you must book a guided tour. It’s not possible to visit the castle without a guided tour – but all tours are with audio-guides.
A single ticket to Neuschwanstein Castle for an adult is €20.5.
Consider getting a 14-day Bavarian castle ticket.
Book your tickets in advance! They sell out fast and even though you can queue to get tickets on the day, you risk wasting a lot of time waiting and/or having the tickets sold out in the morning. Bookings can only be made HERE. On the day of your tour, you need to collect your tickets from the ticket office (get there at least 1 hour before your scheduled time).
If you – like me – didn’t plan that far out in the future, you can buy a ticket at the ticket centre. They open at 8am. I was there at 8.05am and the queue was already long. I ended up waiting for 1 hour to get a ticket for 12.20pm (aka. 3,5 hours later)…
Opening Hours
Neuschwanstein Castle Bavaria is open daily from 9am to 6pm (except for January 1 and December 24). Remember to always check the official website for the most current times, especially during peak seasons or holidays.
Important to know BEFORE you go
- Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the area
- There’s more to see than simply touring the iconic castle you came for. You also have to take transportation into account as there’s 30 min. Walk from the ticket centre / bus stop to the castle itself. This brings me to the next point.
- Get to Schwangau at LEAST an hour before your ticket time-slot!
- There might be a long queue or other unforeseen obstacles on your way to the castle which can make you late for your time-slot. Getting into the actual castle requires you to show your ticket at the castle entrance, and then scan your ticket again
- There are toilets both inside and outside the castle. By parking lot 4 the restrooms cost €1, but inside the castle (after you’ve entered with a ticket) it’s free of charge.
- There’s lockers outside the castle, next to the observation deck just below the castle entrance.
- No photographing or filming is allowed in the castle.
- Drone usage is forbidden in the whole area of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau
How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle Bavaria
By car (and where to park)
Hohenschwangau is conveniently placed close to the highway and has easy road-access. Parking is a different story.
There’s four parking lots around the ticket office (P1-P4) which cost €12 for a regular car for up to 6 hours of parking time. Each hour after that is €1 but the daily cap is €16 (10+ hours). The castle is 1,5 kilometres uphill from the parking lots.
There should be no issue in finding a parking spot, but if you’re ready for a little walk, you can park for FREE next to Schlossbrauhaus (about an hour – 3,5km – to Neuschwanstein Castle).
Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle Bavaria
The easiest way to reach Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich is by train. Regular services run from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Füssen, a town near the castle. The train ride takes about 2 hours and costs €26. See the train timetables HERE. From Füssen, a short bus ride (about 10 minutes) takes you to Hohenschwangau. See the bus timetables HERE
Consider using the Bayern Ticket, which offers discounted travel within Bavaria and covers the bus ride to the castle.
Explore the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and the bavarian countryside on a daytrip from Munich with this tour providing pick-up and drop-off.
Included
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
Duration: 10 hours
Free Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Optional castle entry
Shuttle bus
A shuttle-bus goes to the back-side of the castle, costing €3 uphill, €2 downhill and €3.50 for both ways. You can buy tickets on the bus. The shuttle operate all year round according to demand, i.e. without a fixed timetable.
Horse Carriage to Neuschwanstein Castle Bavaria
For a more traditional experience, you can take a horse-drawn carriage from Hohenschwangau to the castle. The carriage ride costs €8 uphill and €4 downhill. It’s a very charming way to ascend the mountain, though lines can be long and the carriage drops you slightly below the castle entrance. The carriages operate all year round and shuttle according to demand, with no fixed timetable. You can buy tickets directly with the carriage driver (cash).
Departure point: Hotel Müller, Alpseestraße, Hohenschwangau
When is the Best Time to Visit the Castle?
The best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, but no matter what, be prepared for crowds. In spring and autumn, the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are more manageable compared to peak summer season. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, and arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon can also help you avoid the busiest times of day.
Neuschwanstein Castle Bavaria in Winter
Winter offers a magical experience at Neuschwanstein Castle, with a snow-covered winter wonderland. However, be prepared for potentially closed pathways to viewpoints and colder temperatures. For the best visibility and to avoid the winter crowds, visiting a day after snowfall is ideal.
Explore the Area Around Neuschwanstein
Hohenschwangau Castle
Located just below Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau Castle is another historical gem in the Bavarian Alps. This 19th-century castle was the childhood home of King Ludwig II and offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Bavarian royalty before the construction of Neuschwanstein. The castle, which was rebuilt by Ludwig’s father, King Maximilian II, on the ruins of a medieval fortress, features richly decorated rooms and stunning views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
A single ticket to Hohenschwangau Castle for an adult is €23.5. Bookings can only be made HERE.
Füssen, Bavaria
A short bus ride from Hohenschwangau is the town of Füssen – a picturesque town with historical sites, shops, and restaurants. It’s a great spot to enjoy a meal or stroll after visiting the castle.
Hohes castle
The Hohes Schloss (High Castle) in Füssen is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Bavaria. Housed inside the Hohes Schloss, is the Museum of Füssen which is a must!
The views from the castle’s towers are another reason to visit as they offer a panoramic view of Füssen town and the Lech River.
Opening hours: April to october: tuesday to sunday 11am – 5pm
Entrance fee (adult): €6
Forest Experience Center Ziegelwies
Located just 3 km from Füssen, near the Austrian border, this forest center features a variety of trails and educational exhibits where you can experience the forest from different perspectives. The highlight is a 500m treetop walkway, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from high above the ground.
Opening hours: daily from 9am to 7.30pm
Entrance fee (adult): €5
See more here
Linderhof Palace
An hour from Hohenschwangau is Linderhof Palace – another of King Ludwig II’s extravagant creations. The Linderhof complex consists of the palace, a Moorish Kiosk, Marokkian house, a cave and beautiful gardens.
Opening hours: 23 March-15 October: daily 9 am-6 pm
Admission fee: A ticket to the complex costs €10 and includes a guided tour of the Palace. Book your ticket here.
Important: it’s not allowed to take photos inside the palace.
