Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein, Lovely Summer Landscape Panorama Picture of the fairy tale castle near Munich in Bavaria, Germany; Shutterstock ID 621068894

Neuschwanstein, Lovely Autumn Landscape Panorama Picture of the fairy tale castle near Munich in Bavaria, Germany with colorful trees in the morning hours

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Schwangau travel guide

Almost impossibly picturesque, Ludwig II’s masterpiece of turrets and white walls is perched like a fairy tale above an Alpine valley.

Neuschwanstein Castle seems to exemplify the aesthetics of the European Middle Ages, which is always surprising given that the castle was built in the 19th century. The crown jewel of “Mad King” Ludwig II’s architectural exuberance, it is a masterpiece of Historicist Architecture, and is today one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Brave the crowds to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, a truly unique building.

Climb the hill from the village of Hohenschwangau. Before entering, continue on to the Marienbrücke, the bridge that provides classic photo opportunities and views of the castle. It emerges almost like magic from the mountaintop on which it stands.

Join a tour of the building, which Ludwig was never able to see completed. Notice the homages to Richard Wagner. An exuberant blend of Byzantine, Gothic and Moorish architecture decorates each room, especially the throne room.

Imagine the work that went into the carving of Ludwig’s bed by 14 carvers working over four years. Leave breathless with awe, astounded one more time by the Alpine views just beyond the castle’s walls.

Neuschwanstein Castle is located just outside the small village of Hohenschwangau on the border between Germany and Austria. Drive from Munich in about 2 hours or from Innsbruck, Austria, in 1.5 hours. From Hohenschwangau, walk uphill for 40 minutes to reach the castle. Bus shuttles and horse-drawn carriages are offered for a fee.

Access to the castle is only available on the tour, which is 30 minutes long. Purchase tickets from the ticket desk in Hohenschwangau, though it is possible to reserve a visit time in advance online. Not reserving in advance may result in a wait of several hours.

The ticket office is open daily from early morning to early evening, with shorter hours in winter. The castle is open daily year round, during regular business hours.

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Queues build up for entry at specific 5 minute intervals, so arrive early if you don't want to queue for one to two hours.

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Neuschwanstein Castle at sunset in winter landscape. Germany; Shutterstock ID 246657790

Hohenschwangau Castle

4.5/5(13 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Schwangau with a trip to Hohenschwangau Castle. Discover the area's mountain views and top-notch restaurants.

Museum of the Bavarian Kings

You can study the exhibits at Museum of the Bavarian Kings, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Schwangau. Discover the area's mountain views and top-notch restaurants.

Mt Tegelberg

Explore the great outdoors at Mt Tegelberg and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Schwangau. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

It's a shame that so many people on bus tours miss this attraction that is virtually right next to Neuschwanstein castle. It's adjacent to Hohenshwangau

Alpsee

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Alpsee and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Schwangau. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Lech

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lech during your travels in Haunstetten-Siebenbrunn.

St. Koloman

Learn about the local history of Schwangau when you spend time at St. Koloman. Discover the mountain views and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Top Neuschwanstein Castle Hotel Deals

Check prices on hotels near Neuschwanstein Castle

AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa

Alpseestraße 21 Schwangau

Hotel Müller Hohenschwangau

Alpseestraße 16 Schwangau

Luitpoldpark Hotel

Bahnhofstr. 1-3 Fuessen BY

Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet

Colomanstr. 12 Schwangau

Hotel Waldmann

Parkstraße 5 Schwangau BY

Das König Ludwig Inspiration SPA - Adult Only

Kreuzweg 15 Schwangau BY

Design-Ferienwohnung am Fuße der Königsschlösser: Ihr Secret Escape

Schwangau-Alterschrofen Bayern

Hotel Hirsch

Kaiser-Maximilian-Platz 7 Fuessen BY

Hotel Das Rübezahl

Am Ehberg 31 Schwangau Bayern

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Neuschwanstein Castle

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Neuschwanstein Castle, visit the charming local shops in Schwangau. If you're up for a drive, explore Forum Allgäu Kempten, a vibrant shopping mall 37.0km away, or Jamei - Laibspeis, located 38.6km from the castle, for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

At Füssen Music Hall, enjoy enchanting performances that blend romance and culture, only 4.8km from Neuschwanstein Castle. For outdoor family fun, visit Alpenbad Pfronten, a delightful pool located 14.5km away. Experience adventure at Bad Hindelang Mini Golf Course, situated 29.0km from the castle.

Adventure

Experience the breathtaking Eibsee with its cable car gondola, located 20.9km from Neuschwanstein Castle, perfect for outdoor adventures. For thrill-seekers, the Sommerrodelbahn Tegelberg amusement ride is a mere 1.3km away, while the Buchenbergbahn ski lift, 8.0km distant, offers exhilarating skiing experiences.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Neuschwanstein Castle offers a charming Bavarian experience. Visit the Hotel Müller’s bar for local wines and traditional snacks. For a lively atmosphere, head to the nearby Schwangau’s pubs, where you can enjoy live music and regional beers, all while soaking in the picturesque surroundings.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled in Bavaria, offers a captivating blend of culture, outdoor activities, and romantic experiences. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as picturesque lakes and soothing hot springs, perfect for relaxation and adventure. Whether you're embarking on a tour to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle or simply aiming to soak in the enchanting surroundings, there's something for every traveller in this stunning locale.

Königliche Kristall-Therme Schwangau: This enchanting hot spring offers a serene escape just 3.2km from Neuschwanstein Castle. Immerse yourself in its outdoor pools surrounded by stunning scenery, where relaxation and wellness take centre stage, providing a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Museum of Fuessen: Located 3.2km away, this art museum is a cultural gem showcasing local history and artistic expression. Its diverse exhibitions offer a deep dive into the rich heritage of the region, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Museum of the Bavarian Kings: Situated a mere 1.3km from the castle, this museum delves into the fascinating history of Bavaria's royal family. Through engaging displays and artefacts, it provides insight into the lives and legacies of the Bavarian kings.

Best time to go to Neuschwanstein Castle

The best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Neuschwanstein Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Neuschwanstein Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	25.5°F (-3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	26.6°F (-3.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	33.1°F (0.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	41.2°F (5.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly Low
May	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	59.2°F (15.1°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	51.6°F (10.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	35.6°F (2.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	28.4°F (-2.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High

Tips to save on your trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

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Consider traveling to Neuschwanstein Castle during the low season (March to April and November) for more affordable options.
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