neuschwanstein tourist information

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Neuschwanstein Castle – Germany's fairytale castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is a powerful symbol the world over thanks to its idealised romantic architecture combined with the tragic love story of its owner, King Ludwig II of Bavaria.

When work began to build Neuschwanstein Castle in 1869, Ludwig II brought together elements from Wartburg Castle and from the fictional Castle of the Holy Grail from Wagner's opera 'Parsifal'. As a king without any real power, he decided to devote more of his time to the fine arts. He created his own fantasy world of myths and fairytales, as can be seen in the Singers' Hall – a combination of the singers' hall and banqueting hall at Wartburg Castle, only larger and more magnificent. The only difference being that no singing or banqueting ever took place here.

The Throne Room reaches heights of 15 metres and dazzles with extravagant decor in a gold and blue colour scheme. Ludwig II, however, focused most of his attention on the Hall of the Holy Grail, which saw him follow up his longing for the Middle Ages with the latest technology of the time. The King reverted back to the Middle Ages at meal times too, with scenes from the Wartburg Singers' Contest adorning the walls in the dining hall. The grotto, with its small waterfalls and colourful lighting, is another highlight that is supposed to create the impression of a stalactite cave.

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Neuschwanstein Castle

Straight out of a picture book.

King Ludwig II built his fairytale castle Neuschwanstein as a retreat from public life. However, the castle was first opened to the public in 1886, a mere seven weeks after his death.

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These days, around 1.4 million people from across the globe visit the castle in the Allgäu region to enjoy the splendour of the reclusive monarch’s dream world.

Ludwig , who was a big fan of Richard Wagner’s musical, mythical world, had Neuschwanstein built in the style of an old knight’s castle. His aim was to create a habitable theatrical scene, with fairytale murals providing the backdrop for him to bring his romantic interpretation of the Middle Ages to life.

However, the castle’s ancient appearance is just an illusion: The king was eager to use the latest technology and had the castle fitted with a hot air central heating system, a lift, an electronic call system for the serving staff and automatic toilet flushes.

Furthermore, running water was available on every single storey. The third and fourth storey even had telephone lines. Ludwig II never had the chance to see the castle completed during his lifetime, though he did spend a year living in an apartment on the top floor of the gate house.

Visit Schloss Neuschwanstein from Munich easily on a guided tour , by car via the A96 and the B17 or by train and bus using the inexpensive Bayern-ticket.

Dream castles Neuschwanstein & Linderhof

Immerse yourself in the world of the fairytale king!

Tip: Some of the best photos of the castle can be taken from the Marienbrücke (bridge), which is around a 15-minute walk from Schloss Neuschwanstein and leads over the Pöllatschlucht.

www.neuschwanstein.de

Photo: Tobias Schnorpfeil

Schloss Neuschwanstein

King Ludwig II built his fairytale castle Neuschwanstein in order to withdraw from public life.

King Ludwig II built his fairytale castle Neuschwanstein in order to withdraw from public life. Things turned out differently.

Nymphenburg Palace

A jewel of the baroque.

Nymphenburg Palace served as a summer residence for the Electors and Kings of Bavaria in the 18th century. 

Nymphenburg Palace served as a summer residence for the Electors and Kings of Bavaria in the 18th century.  Today it is one of the largest castles in Germany.

The Bavarian Versailles

Schloss herrenchiemsee.

On Herreninsel in Chiemsee (lake), King Ludwig II created a second Versailles in 1878.

The Fairytale King's most magnificent building: on Herreninsel in Chiemsee (lake), King Ludwig II created a second Versailles in 1878.

King Ludwig's favourite castle

Schloss linderhof.

Schloss Linderhof (Linderhof Palace) was Ludwig II's favourite and the place where he spent most of his time.

The perfect insight into the life of Bavaria's Fairytale King: Linderhof Palace was Ludwig II's favourite place where he spent most of his time.

The former hunting lodge

Schloss blutenburg.

The medieval castle complex in the west of Munich was first documented in 1432.

Schloss Blutenburg in the west of Munich once served as a hunting lodge and was first mentioned in a document in 1432.

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Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

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Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

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Dream castles Neuschwanstein & Linderhof VIP

As VIP in the footsteps of King Ludwig II. On this day tour in the luxurious long-distance coach of Gray Line Sightseeing you can visit both dream castles of the fairytale king.

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How to Visit the Magical Castle That Inspired Walt Disney

Once upon a time, a Bavarian king was stripped of his powers after his empire was conquered by Prussia. King Ludwig II was so distraught that he no longer held any authority, he commissioned an extravagant castle where he could live like royalty in his own fantasy world. Many people believed the king was insane, dubbing him "Mad King Ludwig."

Construction of Neuschwanstein Castle began in 1869, but was halted by the sudden, mysterious death of the "mad king." He had only lived in his unfinished castle for just 172 days before his demise.

Just weeks after Ludwig's death in 1886, the castle opened to the public. It quickly became one of the most visited castles in the world. In 2017 alone, almost 1.5 million visitors toured Neuschwanstein.

After seeing all of the enchanting photos of this real-life fairytale castle, I knew that I had to see it for myself. That's why, on a vacation to Germany earlier this month, I made the day-trip to Hohenschwangau to see the castle that's believed that have inspired Walt Disney .

Before You Go

If you want to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, the first step is making an advanced reservation for the guided tour. This must be done at least two days ahead of your arrival, but it's recommended that you book as soon as you know your travel plans to get first dibs on your desired time. Requests are prioritized by date, and confirmations for later months will be delayed: So don't fret if your confirmation doesn't arrive right away.

I made a reservation for a date five weeks out and a received an email two days later with my reservation details. I had requested a 3pm tour but was given a 1:50pm time. It's also important to note that you will need to purchase your tickets at the ticket office, and they must be picked up the same day, no later than an hour and a half before your scheduled tour. So, for me, I had to be at the ticket office by 12:20pm for my 1:50pm tour.

Getting There

The Neuschwanstein Castle is a perfect day trip from Munich, Germany . Trains leave hourly from Munich's main train station, Munich Hauptbahnhof. While the castle is in a tiny village called Hohenschwangau, you'll need to book your ticket to Füssen, a charming little town just a 10-minute bus ride away.

Tickets for the train can be purchased through the GoEuro website . Choose between a first-class ticket, which gives you an assigned seat in a comfy leather chair, or a second-class ticket. The latter does not guarantee a seat. If you purchase a second-class fare, make sure to arrive at the train station early to snag a seat before they're all occupied.

Another option is the Bayern ticket , which may be available depending on the time you're traveling to Hohenschwangau. Bayern tickets offer huge savings on transportation within the state of Bavaria and to the first stop across the border (such as Salzburg, Austria — another great day trip from Munich). The ticket is valid on weekdays after 9am and could be used on regional trains, local buses and trams until 3am the following day. For $25, you'll be able to use your Bayern ticket for round-trip transporation between Munich and Füssen, as well as on the bus rides between Füssen's train station and the castle. Make sure to book your entire group on one ticket, because each additional traveler is only $7! You can book up to a maximum of five people on each ticket.

Since the Bayern ticket becomes available at 9am and it takes a little over two hours to get to the castle, this is a good argument for trying to schedule a tour for later in the day.

Ticket Pick-Up

Once you exit Füssen's train station, you'll see the No. 78 bus waiting in the parking lot. The bus is clearly marked for the Hohenschwangau castles, and with all the tourists rushing to board, you really can't miss it. Flash your Bayern pass (or purchase a round-trip ticket from the driver), take a seat and enjoy the scenic ride to the castle.

Within 10 minutes you'll find yourself in Hohenschwagau, where you can pick up your tickets. Bypass the painfully long ticket line, and head to the entrance of the ticket office for the much shorter queue for advanced reservations. Here, you'll purchase the tickets, which cost €13 per person plus an additional €2.50 service fee for each (about $18 total). Children under 18 are free, and there is reduced pricing available for students, senior citizens and large groups.

In addition to the Neuschwanstein Castle, there is another castle named after the village called the Hohenschwangau Castle. A combination ticket that grants admission to both castles is available for €25 (or $29).

There's a good reason why you need to pick up your tickets at least an hour and a half before your tour time: There's a mile-long trek up to the Neuschwanstein Castle from the ticket office. The walk up the mountain is not terribly steep, but if you'd rather hitch a ride Cinderella-style, take a horse and carriage up the mountain for €3.50 ($4). You'll will, however, have to wait in a rather long line for the ride. Very unprincesslike.

The carriage ride ends outside a gift shop and restaurant slightly downhill from the castle. If you have time to kill before your tour, stop into the restaurant for a quick bite to eat. I ordered a hot bowl of goulash, which came out in under 10 minutes and brought me back to life after the cold journey up the mountain.

The view from the top is really impressive. The castle is nestled in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps and flanked by the rugged mountainside. Pause to admire the storybook-worthy panorama before heading to the entrance for the tour. Unfortunately, you'll have to stash away your cell phone and camera, as no photos are allowed inside.

Personally, I found the tour of the castle to be the most lackluster part of the whole experience. Of course, if you go all the way there you should definitely go inside, but the exterior views — and the journey — are far more impressive.

Though Neuschwanstein was inspired by medieval castles it was built in the late 19th century. So in the grand scheme of castles, it's relatively modern. And since King Ludwig II died before the castle was completed, many of the rooms remain unfinished. The rooms that you will be able to see on the hurried, 30-minute tour include the king's bedroom, dressing room and throne room, among others.

At the end of the tour, there's a room with a large screen showing a 15-minute film depicting what the castle would have looked like if it had been finished. This includes a 3D rendering of additional exterior towers and images of what the unfinished rooms may have looked like once furnished.

The Grounds

Marienbrücke.

The guided tour is just a small part of this magical adventure. Outside the castle, there's a path that guides visitors to Marienbrücke (translation: Mary's Bridge). From the bridge, visitors can enjoy the most popular, picture-perfect view of the castle. You'll have to fight for a spot on the bridge for a photo opp during the summer (beware of selfie sticks!) but in the winter, there's a chance the path to the bridge may be closed due to weather. I was there on an exceptionally snowy day and the pathway was in fact closed. That did not, however, stop crowds of tourists from climbing around the gate or taking an alternative pathway up to the bridge.

I had really been looking forward to the view from the other side of the bridge, and no one seemed to be enforcing the bridge closure, so I followed the herd out to Marienbrücke.

After a 15-minute walk, I made it to the bridge. At this point, the snow had really picked up and the view of the castle in the distance wasn't great. I continued on the path past the bridge to find the ultimate photo spot that I had seen on Instagram.

The Not-So-Secret Lookout

It's a little tough to find, but I was guided by a group of tourists in front of me that were in search of the same look-out point that floods social media. We followed a track of snowy footsteps off the main path and up a steep hill. Eventually, we found ourselves at what I believe is truly the most breathtaking location in the area. The not-so-secret spot had a short line of people waiting for their castle selfie. I may have been a human icicle by the time I reached the site, but it was worth it for the 'gram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsMfnqiAgCs/

Taking the path back from Marienbrücke offers a fantastic view of the back of the castle. In fact, the back and side views of the castle are the only angles you will be able to get, unless you're splurging on a helicopter ride or traveling with a drone. Since the front of the castle peers out from the perch of the mountain, you won't otherwise be able to get that front-facing shot: the one that's most reminiscent of Cinderella's castle.

After a long day of walking, take the horse and carriage down the mountain. The line is considerably shorter than the one going up. Grab a warm mug of glühwein (if you're also visiting during the winter) to enjoy on your descent. As great as it was to experience Neuschwanstein in the snow, I believe visiting a day after snowfall would make for a better experience and much greater visibility, if you can swing the timing.

Finish the trip off with dinner in the town of Füssen before heading back to Munich. Be sure to try my favorite German dish, a llgäuer käespätzle — essentially a German-style mac and cheese topped with crispy onions.

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25 Enchanting Facts About Neuschwanstein Castle

Travelers looking to live out a fairy tale should head to Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, the enchanting European palace that has inspired actual fairy tales.

Melanie Lieberman is the senior travel editor at The Points Guy and was an editor at Travel + Leisure.

AWL Images RM / Getty Images

Few places on Earth look more like storybook illustrations than Neuschwanstein Castle . With its towers, turrets, frescoes, and throne hall, Neuschwanstein (or Schloss Neuschwanstein, as it is called in German) looks like it was plucked straight from your favorite fairy tale. But the story behind this over-the-top palace nestled in the Bavarian Alps is less idyllic.

King Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned the cliffside castle in 1868, just two years after Austria and Bavaria were conquered by Prussia during the Austro-Prussian War (sometimes called the Seven Weeks' War), effectively stripping Ludwig II of his powers. He quickly retreated into a private fantasy world, surrounding himself with opulent castles where he could live out his dreams of being a true, sovereign king.

Ludwig II never saw the final Neuschwanstein, according to the Bavarian Castle Administration — he died in 1886 and the final towers weren't completed until 1892. But within weeks of his sudden and mysterious death, the magnificent castle was opened to the public and quickly became one of the region's most popular attractions.

Today, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most-visited castles in the world . Here's everything you need to know about this charming attraction before you make the trip.

Where is Neuschwanstein Castle?

Neuschwanstein Castle, which literally translates to "New Swan Stone" castle, is located in the Bavaria region of southeastern Germany. It was originally called New Hohenschwangau Castle, as it was meant to be a grand recreation of Hohenschwangau Castle, where Ludwig II spent his childhood. The older Schloss Hohenschwangau now sits in Neuschwanstein's magnificent shadow.

Its modern name, thought to be a reference to Wagner's character, the Swan Knight, was not acquired until after Ludwig II's death.

Travelers visiting Neuschwanstein Castle will need to first travel to the village of Hohenschwangau, where the ticket center is located.

How tall is Neuschwanstein Castle?

Though not particularly tall — Neuschwanstein Castle's highest tower reaches a height of just 213 feet — its perch on a hill gives it an imposing silhouette.

When was Neuschwanstein Castle built?

De Agostini / Getty Images

While the construction of Neuschwanstein Castle broke ground during the summer of 1868, the first foundation stone wasn't laid until September 5, 1869. By 1873, parts of the castle could be occupied by Ludwig II, though he never lived to see his full vision realized. The Bower and Square Towers were completed in 1892, nearly a quarter of a century after work on the castle began, and many years after Ludwig II passed away and the castle was opened to the public.

According to plans, the castle was meant to have more than 200 rooms, but just over a dozen were finished before funds for the project were cut. Estimates put the total square footage at roughly 65,000 square feet.

Why was Neuschwanstein Castle built?

Ludwig II's reputation as an eccentric, reclusive king makes it easy to see why Neuschwanstein Castle is so often called "the castle of the fairy-tale king." In a letter to his friend, German composer Richard Wagner, Ludwig II said his intentions with Neuschwanstein Castle were to "rebuild old castle ruin of Hohenschwangau…in the authentic style of the old German knights' castles."

He described "guest rooms with a splendid view of the noble Säuling, the mountains of Tyrol, and far across the plain;" and spoke of a Singer's Hall and an ample castle courtyard.

"This castle will be in every way more beautiful and habitable than Hohenschwangau," Ludwig II told Wagner.

That said, it is believed — almost without dispute — that Ludwig II built Neuschwanstein Castle for political and deeply personal reasons. In 1866, Prussia emerged victorious from the Austro-Prussian War, forcing Bavaria to accept an alliance with the empire. King Ludwig II of Bavaria essentially lost his power. It is thought that Neuschwanstein Castle became the centerpiece of Ludwig II's imagined kingdom, where he could act as a true royal.

What were King Ludwig II of Bavaria's early days like?

ullstein bild / Getty Images

Before King Ludwig II of Bavaria found himself a servant to Prussia, he had a rather comfortable childhood at Schloss Hohenschwangau. His parents noted an inclination for play-acting (a proclivity that would only deepen in later years), and he was fond of the musical dramas created by the great German composer, Richard Wagner.

At the young age of 18, Ludwig II became King of Bavaria, but he would only reign for two years before Bavaria's foreign policy and military powers were seized by Prussia.

Did Neuschwanstein Castle really inspire Disney's castles?

Neuschwanstein Castle, with its white limestone façade and deep blue turrets, is rumored to be real-life inspiration for the castle in the Disney classic, "Cinderella," released in 1950 . The resemblance, after all, is striking.

But there's another Disney castle that looks quite a bit like Neuschwanstein as well: "Sleeping Beauty's" castle in Disneyland. Before Walt Disney began constructing his California theme park, he and his wife took a trip to Europe that included a stop at Neuschwanstein Castle. Representatives of the park later told The Orange County Register that Disney did have Ludwig II's remarkable home in mind for Sleeping Beauty's fairy tale palace.

When is the best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle?

Flickr Vision / Getty Images

Whether flanked by snow-covered peaks or gleaming-white in the summer sun, there's no bad time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle. But with some 6,000 tourists streaming through the ramparts every day, visitors may at least want to avoid the peak summer months of July and August. If possible, schedule your Neuschwanstein Castle tour on a weekend or plan your visit in the off-season. Save for major holidays (Christmas, for example) the number of visits drops significantly between November and April.

To skip the long lines, order your tickets online ahead of time, or, to book in person, get to the Ticketcenter Hohenschwangau very early (even before opening) or after 3 p.m., when the crowds begin to thin.

What is it like to visit Neuschwanstein Castle in the fall?

A strong argument could be made for visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in the fall, when the Bavarian Alps are transformed by autumn foliage, temperatures are mild, skies are relatively clear, and the summer crowds have dissipated. Munich is a popular home base for travelers who come to see Neuschwanstein and other beautiful Bavarian castles scattered throughout the region.

What is it like to visit Neuschwanstein Castle in the winter?

While a snow-covered Neuschwanstein Castle is the stuff of travelers' dreams, it can be tricky to visit this time of year. One of the best viewpoints — Marienbrücke, or Mary's Bridge — is typically blocked off during the winter, and the temperatures can plummet below freezing.

What is it like to visit Neuschwanstein Castle in the spring?

An off-season, springtime trip to Neuschwanstein Castle in March or April will offer travelers pleasant weather, photographs of the white castle against a lush green back drop, and slight crowds. Travelers visiting in May or June will enjoy similar benefits during their shoulder-season tour of Neuschwanstein Castle.

What is it like to visit Neuschwanstein Castle in the summer?

Balmy weather, school holidays, and longer hours make Neuschwanstein Castle a particularly popular attraction in the summer. As such, visitors during peak months (July and August) should be prepared for long lines and considerable crowds.

What can you see inside Neuschwanstein Castle?

UIG / Getty Images

Despite Ludwig's grand plans, only 14 rooms are currently finished and on view for visitors. On the guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle's interior, you'll have access to the cave-like grotto, the king's bedroom, and the Singer's Hall, among other interesting parts of the castle.

What's so special about Ludwig's dressing room?

United Archives GmbH / Alamy

Highlights of the Dressing Room include the magnificent ceiling painting and murals illustrating the works of poets Walther von der Vogelwide and Hans Sachs. The entire room is finished in rich gold and violet silks.

What is the throne room like?

Elena Korchenko / Alamy

Few rooms in Neuschwanstein Castle capture Ludwig's obsession with being king quite as well as the Throne Room. The two-story space highlights the majesty of Byzantine churches and is finished with a 13-foot-tall chandelier, a painted cupola, and elaborate floor mosaics. Ironically, there was never an actual throne in this space.

What else can you see outside Neuschwanstein Castle?

Hemis / Alamy

One of the highlights beyond the castle's walls is Marienbrücke, the bridge which hangs over a waterfall and offers the most iconic views (and photo opportunities) of Neuschwanstein Castle. After your tour, be sure to spend some time checking out the wooden trails around the castle, which provide countless opportunities to admire the surrounding Bavarian Alps.

What kinds of Neuschwanstein Castle tours are available?

AM WORLD IMAGES / Alamy

While tour groups arranged by the Bavarian Palace Department are the only way to see inside Neuschwanstein Castle, many tour companies do arrange day trips from Munich and other surrounding areas. Travelers interested in joining a tour company should look for an itinerary that includes stops at nearby Linderhof Castle, Hohenschwangau, and others.

How do you get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich?

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Travelers wondering how to get to Neuschwanstein from Munich without joining a tour group will find there are many options available for making the journey, including public trains and buses.

Neuschwanstein is approximately two hours from Munich by car, with A7 being the primary motorway until either Füssen or Kempten. Parking for Neuschwanstein Castle is located in the village of Hohenschwangau. Trains to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich will go as far as Füssen, at which point visitors will need to transfer to a local bus. Trains and intercity buses are also available for travelers seeking transportation from Garmsich or from Innsbruck to Neuschwanstein Castle.

How do you reach Neuschwanstein Castle from Hohenschwangau?

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All travelers visiting Neuschwanstein will first arrive in Hohenschwangau, where you'll find the Ticketcenter , parking lots, Museum of the Bavarian Kings , and other popular attractions. From Hohenschwangau, visitors can reach Neuschwanstein Castle by foot, shuttle bus, or horse-drawn carriage.

Walking to Neuschwanstein Castle takes 30 to 40 minutes, and travelers should note it's a fairly steep, uphill climb.

Shuttle buses cost 3 euros round-trip and take visitors from the parking lot P4. Buses cannot be driven directly to the castle, and visitors should expect to walk an additional 10 to 15 minutes afterward. In severe weather, the shuttle buses do not run, and travelers must either reach Neuschwanstein Castle by foot or by carriage.

Taking a horse-drawn carriage to Neuschwanstein Castle will likely complete your fairy tale experience. The round-trip cost changes, but is approximately 12 euros. Like the shuttles, carriages cannot go directly to the castle, and travelers must be prepared to walk an additional 5 to 10 minutes before reaching the entrance.

How much does it cost to tour Neuschwanstein Castle?

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Neuschwanstein Castle tickets cost 17.50 euros for adults and include a guided tour at a specified hour. Tickets for visitors under 18 are just 2.50 euros, and there are also reduced entry prices for seniors, students, and large groups.

Tickets must be purchased at the Ticketcenter in Hohenschwangau, though they can be reserved online — this is particularly helpful during peak season and holidays, when they can very easily sell out.

Are there guided tours of Neuschwanstein Castle?

age fotostock / Alamy

Travelers can only get inside Neuschwanstein Castle on a guided tour, which is included in the price of admission. Tours are given in either English or German, though travelers can also take advantage of an audio tour, which is available in 17 additional languages. Tours last approximately 30 minutes, and include stops in the two-story throne room and the Tristan and Isolde-inspired bedroom, with a carved oak bed draped in blue silks.

What are Neuschwanstein Castle's hours of operation?

Alexandre Fagundes / Alamy

Neuschwanstein Castle is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. between Apr. 1 and Oct. 15. From Oct. 16 through March, the hours are 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The castle is open every day of the week, except for December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

Where should I stay near Neuschwanstein Castle?

Travelers who want to stay close to Neuschwanstein Castle should look at one of the hotels in the village of Hohenschwangau. For a romantic, fairy tale experience of your own, consider Villa Ludwig , one of the village's newer properties. There are also a number of cozy hotels and inns in nearby Füssen. For more lodging options, try using larger Bavarian cities like Munich or Augsburg, each a little over 90 minutes away by car, as your base for checking out the region's castles.

Where should I eat near Neuschwanstein Castle?

Visitors can eat in the castle at Neuschwanstein's Café & Bistro , or at the eponymous Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein in the village. The latter boasts a sweeping terrace and gardens overlooking the castle. Craftsmen who built the castle reportedly dined at this site when it was a canteen back in the 19th century.

What other attractions are nearby?

Stefano Paterna / Alamy

Visitors making the trek to Neuschwanstein Castle should absolutely make time to visit Linderhof Palace (another castle commissioned by King Ludwig II) and his childhood home, Hohenschwangau Castle .

What are some other important things to know about visiting?

Travelers with disabilities may not find Neuschwanstein Castle to be particularly accessible, as even the shuttle buses and horse-drawn carriages to the entrance are followed by a short walk.

And while the castle is one of the most photographed attractions in all of Germany, no photography is permitted inside it — meaning you'll need to snap those Instagram pictures from outside.

Neuschwanstein Castle is the most visited castle in Germany and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

• HISTORY & CULTURE

This Immense, Fairy-Tale Castle was Built for One Person

The “fairy-tale” king built a dazzling site with a curious history.

High in the Alpine foothills of Germany sits one of the most iconic castles in Europe. The “fairy-tale” king, Ludwig II of Bavaria, built this dazzling Neuschwanstein palace to withdraw from public life after losing his power in the Austro-Prussian war. It’s believed that he built his new castle as the centerpiece for an imagined kingdom—one in which he was the true king.

It became a real-life fantasy world modeled after medieval legends: the pictures on the wall express love, guilt, repentance, and salvation, particularly in the depiction of lovers, poets, knights, and kings.

Construction began in 1869 on top of castle ruins and workers labored day and night for more than a decade to complete enough of the home for Ludwig II to move in. Theatrical designers and artisans worked alongside architects to create the palatial home with state-of-the-art technology. Despite its enormous size and original plan to have 200 rooms, it was built for only one person to live in.

King Ludwig II dedicated the castle to Richard Wagner, the famous composer who was a close friend and confidant for many years.

“The location is one of the most beautiful to be found, holy and unapproachable, a worthy temple …” Ludwig wrote to Wagner.

However, Ludwig’s fantastical vision for his kingdom soon deteriorated. Foreign banks threatened to seize his massive property in 1885, but he refused to respond rationally. In retaliation, the government declared him insane and forced his removal from the throne.

The private king was found dead just weeks after moving into his new home in 1886. His corpse was discovered in nearby Lake Starnberg; many believed it was suicide but others believed it was assassination. His psychiatrist, who certified him as insane, was found dead with him.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Seven weeks following the mysterious death of the eccentric king, Neuschwanstein opened to a fascinated public, and remains the most visited castle in Germany and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

More than a million people have visited the dreamy castle, and visitors trickle in to see the lavish rooms, including a grotto and conservatory, “Singer’s Hall,” and throne room. Beyond the opulent rooms is a sweeping view of Bavaria, most notably the mountains of Tyrol, Alpsee lake, and Hohenschwangau valley.

The fairy-tale design and picturesque surroundings inspired Walt Disney to create the Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland . It’s also rumored to be the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s 1950 film Cinderella . Despite the hermit king’s unhappy ending, his vision has inspired many more happily ever afters.

Related: Top 10 Castles of Europe

Related Topics

• HISTORY AND CIVILIZATION

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Here you will find the most important information about your visit and stay in hohenschwangau. on the start page of our homepage under "current information" you will find all the latest news about hohenschwangau..

How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany: What to Know Before You Go

You’ve probably seen Neuschwanstein Castle before without realizing it—Schloss Neuschwanstein is the real-life castle in Germany that inspired Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World, and the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. Of course, needing to fulfill my Disney princess dreams, I set out to figure out how to visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich.

Overlooking the Alpsee, a stunning lake in Ostallgäu, Neuschwanstein Castle truly looks like something out of a fairytale. Unlike a true fairytale, this one is actually attainable—Neuschwanstein is just a 1.5 hour drive from Munich. This area of Bavaria is rich in charming, painted towns such as Oberammergau and Mittenwald, along with other beautiful castles like Schloss Hohenschwangau and Linderhof Palace.

Of course, I couldn’t resist visiting Neuschwanstein Castle to live out my princess dreams. When visiting Munich for Oktoberfest, I finally got the chance to! Here’s what you should know before visiting:

How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany: What to Know Before Visiting

How to get to hohenschwangau from munich.

To get to Neuschwanstein Castle, you’ll first need to get to Hohenschwangau. From Munich, you’ll be able to reach Hohenschwangau by driving, taking a train, or booking a tour.

Driving and Rental Car

Renting a car and driving is the best option for travelers looking to explore Bavaria freely, and save time.

Driving to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich takes around 1.5 hours (faster if you like to floor it on the Autobahn). For most of the drive, you’ll be on the autobahn, Germany’s freeway. From Munich, you’ll take the A95 or A96, before exiting onto the the B17, Germany’s famous Romantische Straße (romantic road).

Driving on the Autobahn is not for the faint of heart—in many areas, there is no speed limit. If the Autobahn isn’t your speed (literally), you do have the option to stay on the Bundestrasse, the regional roads in Germany, the whole drive, taking the B2 from Munich, then exiting to the B17.

We were on a time crunch, so we chose to rent a car and take the Autobahn.

While navigating Munich’s streets and traffic can be confusing to a foreign driver, once you’re out of the city and on the Autobahn, the drive becomes much more straightforward (unless you’re like us, and your phone’s GPS can’t figure out where you are). The drive passes through Bavaria’s beautiful countryside, filled with lots of hop farms (because you are in Germany, after all) and quaint cottage homes.

When you reach Neuschwanstein Castle, you’ll be able to park in lots P1 and P4. We made the mistake of parking in P1 immediately because it was the first one we saw, when in reality, P4 is a lot closer to where the ticket office and walking trail to the castle are.

If you’re planning on driving to Neuschwanstein Castle and are going as a day trip from Munich, be sure to leave early , around 7-7:30am. If you’re opting to book a hotel in Füssen or another surrounding town for a few days, I recommend visiting Neuschwanstein in the morning after waking up, rather than on your drive in. The castle is a hotspot for tourists and large tour groups, getting busy very quickly.

Keep in mind that while rental cars in Munich are not very expensive, Germany has some of the most expensive gas in the world. We paid over $7 a gallon at some gas stations, which adds up quickly!

Public Transportation

Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle via public transportation is doable and relatively easy, but it’s not for the traveler stressed for time. There’s no direct train to Hohenschwangau. You’ll need to take a train to Füssen, then transfer to a bus. It takes about an hour longer to reach Neuschwanstein from Munich by train, rather than by driving.

You’ll catch the train to Füssen at München Hauptbahnhof, Munich’s central station. On arrival, you’ll take a right at the end of the train platform, then hop on Bus 73 or 78 from Füssen to Hohenschwangau. While the trip is just 10-15 minutes, busses only come once every 30 or so minutes.

The train costs about €25 each direction if booking tickets separately, but luckily, there’s a much more affordable solution. The Bayern Ticket is a day pass you can purchase for unlimited train trips throughout Bavaria. The ticket is €27 for one person, making it much more cost effective than booking separate tickets! Additional travelers don’t need to purchase their own Bayern Ticket—you can add them for just €9 per person (up to five people).

Of course, there’s a catch. On weekdays, the Bayern Ticket is only valid from 9am onwards, meaning that you’ll end up visiting Neuschwanstein Castle during peak tourist hours.

Click here to check train schedules to Neuschwanstein from Munich.

Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich

If the idea of navigating the hectic autobahn or trying to figure out Bavaria’s train system is overwhelming, there’s tons of day trip tours to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich available.

Tours to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich will run you anywhere from $50-$200 USD per person, depending on if castle admission is included, and the other attractions on the itinerary. Typically, Neuschwanstein Castle day tours include stops at Linderhof Palace, Oberammergau, Bavarian cheese farms, and more.

Neuschwanstein Castle day tours from Munich typically last 9-10.5 hours, depending on the tour you take.

While tours are not the most inexpensive option for visiting the castle, and I’m anti-tour generally speaking (it’s just not my speed), I have to admit that this $58 round trip tour to Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderof Palace, and Oberammergau is still a great solution for the solo traveler looking to do it all without the hassle of self-navigation.

Click here to discover Neuschwanstein Castle tours including transportation from Munich.

How to Get to Neuschwanstein Castle

You’ve reached Hohenschwangau. Now what? Neuschwanstein Castle is located high above the village, and you’ll need to find a way to get up there!

The journey to actually reach the castle from Hohenschwangau took much more time than I was expecting. Depending on if you walk, take the bus, or hire a horse and carriage, expect to spend up to 1.5-2 hours round trip, getting up and down from the castle.

Although there is a shuttle bus and horse and carriage available to reach the castle, both of those methods require at least 20-30 minutes of additional walking, roundtrip. Some of the walking is uphill, which I’d take into consideration if yourself, or anyone you’re traveling with, has accessibility challenges.

Bring your tennis shoes, because there’s nothing princess-y about this walk! Once reaching Hohenschwangau, follow the road to the ticket office. From there, keep going. Eventually, you’ll see a trailhead on the left side of the road (there will likely be several tourists on it already).

You can decide whether you want to walk to Marienbrucke, the most popular viewpoint of Neuschwanstein Castle, or if you want to walk to the castle directly. We chose to walk to the castle first, then walk around the castle to Marienbrucke before coming back down.

Walking from the parking lot to the ticket office will take 10-20 minutes. From there, it’s about 40 minutes from the ticket office to get up to the castle. Walking to Marienbrucke from Neuschwanstein Castle will take another 10-15 minutes.  Although a 40 minute walk may sound long, when factoring in wait times for buses during peak tourist times in the summer, it is usually the quickest option.

As mentioned above, wear good walking shoes. The walk is steep, and you’ll definitely feel the incline. The path is dirt, and tends to get muddy and slippery after rain.

Shuttle Bus

Take the shuttle bus to Neuschwanstein Castle if walking 40 minutes uphill isn’t appealing to you, or you’re not physically able to. The bus runs between P4 and Marienbrucke. It gets busy, so I’d plan on arriving to the castle early if this is your plan!

The Neuschwanstein Castle shuttle bus costs €2.50 for uphill trips, €1.50 for downhill trips, and €3 for a roundtrip ticket. You’ll need to pay your bus driver directly, and you will need exact change.

The bus drops off right at Marienbrucke (you’ll probably be able to see the line for it from the stop). From Marienbrucke, you can walk 10-15 minutes to the castle, as described above.

Horse-drawn Carriage

If you really want to embrace the fairytale, you can hire a horse and carriage to take you up to the castle. To do this, you’ll need to find Hotel Müller, just past the ticket office.

Horse-drawn carriage trips are surprisingly affordable for a tourist attraction of this magnitude. Expect to pay €8 for uphill trips, and €4 for downhill trips. Tickets need to be purchased from your carriage drive, so have exact change.

It’s worth noting that like the bus, your horse-drawn carriage can’t go all the way up to the castle. You’ll go on a 20 minute ride up to the castle, and be dropped off a 10-15 minute walk away. If accessibility is an issue, the walk from the bus drop-off point is much flatter.

I know that animal rights for experiences such as these can be a touchy subject. In full disclosure, like the shuttle bus, horse-drawn carriages are not operated by the Bavarian Palace Administration, but instead by individual companies. When I was there, I was concerned about how tired some of the horses looked, which is part of why we opted not to do this. Of course, I’m no animal expert and have no insight into how these horses are actually treated—that’s just my quick observation.

When to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle

Autumn is the best season to visit Neuschwanstein Castle. The first week of October is the best time to visit the castle, as all of the leaves will be changing around it. The shoulder season months of May, June, and October are all great times to visit, as you’ll likely have decent weather, and lowered crowds.

Avoid visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in the summer. The castle grounds will be packed, and you’ll likely experience long lines.

If avoiding tourists entirely is your goal, visit during the low season of November through April. Although I wouldn’t recommend climbing up to the castle in the winter months, you can take the bus, or admire the castle in the snow from afar.

We visited when we were in Munich for Oktoberfest, at the end of September. Due to the wiesn, there were a ton of tourists, but we still avoided the crowds of summer tourism, and we got to see the castle when the leaves were just starting to change color. If we would’ve waited one, maybe two weeks to visit in October, the leaves likely would’ve been perfect.

Neuschwanstein Castle Hours and Admission Times

Pay close attention to the dates that you’ll be visiting Neuschwanstein Castle on—the castle’s hours change seasonally.

In the winter, from October 16th-March 31st, Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle are open from 10am to 4pm.

In the summer, from April 1st-October 15th, Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle are open from 9am to 6pm.

Both castles are closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Neuschwanstein Castle Entrance Ticket Price

Neuschwanstein Castle guided tour tickets prices are as follows:

• Adults: €15
• Children under 18: Free (if accompanied by an adult)
• Seniors over 65, students, handicapped individuals, and guests from qualifying hotels: €14
• Companions of disabled individuals: Free

You will need to add on a €2.50 processing fee if booking in advance online, which I highly, highly recommend that you do.

Neuschwanstein Castle is so busy that tickets sell out days, weeks, sometimes months in advance. When we were there, we arrived around 10am, only to find out that the next available entrance wasn’t until 3:30pm.

Buy your tickets in advance, and only buy them through this link . If you purchase them from a 3rd-party vendor, you’ll likely show up to find that they’re invalid.

Neuschwanstein Castle Guided Tours: How to See the Inside

Do I need to buy a ticket to visit the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle?

You need a ticket to visit the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle. Unfortunately, there’s no way to view the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle without being on a ticketed, guided tour. 

A ticket is not needed to walk around the exterior of the castle—that’s completely free.

Guided tours last about 30 minutes, and cover the 14 finished rooms that King Ludwig II lived in before he died (there were over 200 planned rooms in the castle).

To be honest, the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle might feel underwhelming if you’re already visited other palaces in or near Munich, such as Residenz and Nymphenburg Palace. That’s because the palace was never actually finished.

Neuschwanstein Castle’s castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II, but he died before the castle could actually be completed. After his death, his family did finish constructing the exterior of the castle, but didn’t pay attention to finishing the rooms inside.

On top of that, the castle is also currently under construction for restoration efforts.

The cost of Neuschwanstein Castle feels a little steep for the actual tour duration, especially when considering that entrance to the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle is much more expensive than entrance to other popular palaces in Bavaria, such as Nymphenburg Palace and Residenz in Munich, where an €8 tickets grants you untimed, open access.

Is it worth visiting the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle?

That’s for you to decide. For us, after reading so many disappointing reviews of the tour, we decided that if tickets were available when we arrived, that it was, but if we had to wait for entrance, it wasn’t.

Best Neuschwanstein Castle Views

Marienbrücke.

The Marienbrucke is a bridge suspended across from Neuschwanstein, with a dramatic view of the castle. Marienbrucke is by far the most well-known Neuschwanstein Castle viewpoint. It’s also the easiest to access.

To reach Marienbrucke, you’ll follow the main path to the castle (in red), then walk another 10-15 minutes past the castle (purple trail). This is the official way to to reach both the castle, and Marienbrucke in one go, but it’s also the longest.

There’s two walking shortcuts to Marienbrucke you can take:

The first option is similar to the full trail, but instead of starting at the main trailhead, you’ll start by walking up the concrete stairway behind P3 on Alpseestraße. From there, you’ll connect into the red trail, then follow the same path around the castle.

The second method is by taking the red trail, then immediately following the sign on the right side that says “Marienbrücke.” You’ll reach Marienbrücke in about 35 minutes rather than an hour, but won’t pass by the castle at all.

Of course, if you don’t want to bother with walking at all, the bus drops off right at Marienbrucke. Easy .

If you think you’ll get the bridge to yourself, think again. Even if you arrive at 9am, expect to have at least a few people up there with you (although, a little morning sprint would definitely help your chances here).

When we visited, we waited in line for 15-20 minutes to get on the bridge. When we did, the bridge was absolutely packed . Staff was yelling at people to move, people were forcing their way through the crowd, and it was all around chaotic. I noticed that bridge traffic was definitely dependent on bus and tour group timing—as tour groups left, it got somewhat more breathable, but was still very crowded. Trying to get a nice photo was a bit of a struggle, as fellow tourists weren’t necessarily the most considerate bunch.

Up-close Observation Decks

When you reach Neuschwanstein Castle, you’ll notice that there’s a glass observation deck right in front of the castle itself! Although this deck doesn’t have the dramatic view that the castle is known for, it does have the best view of the front of Neuschwanstein Castle.

The observation deck in front of the castle is nowhere near as busy as Marienbrucke. With a little patience, it’s easy to get a good photo here.

The deck is also a great spot to admire the landscape around Neuschwanstein—it’s not talked about enough, but there’s some really beautiful forest around the castle!

View of Neuschwanstein Castle from Above

So you saw Marienbrucke and were over the crowds of tourists that made the view less-than-relaxing. I get it. Luckily, there’s a view to view the castle from above, that’s much quieter.

To reach this birds-eye viewpoint, you’ll cross Marienbrucke and continue the trail uphill. You’ll find yourself on a long dirt road that’s not in quite the same condition as the main paths, but eventually, you’ll reach a fenced in overlook of the castle.

If that isn’t enough for you, you can continue hiking up the hill further, where you’ll reach a view from above. It’ll be marked by a log with a cross on it. The view will be a little obstructed by tress.

Hidden Neuschwanstein Castle Viewpoint

The Neuschwanstein Castle view taking Instagram by storm isn’t an official viewpoint (and technically, requires trespassing), but isn’t far away from Marienbrucke.

To reach it, you’ll get on the trail that leads between Marienbrucke and the castle. Where the path curves towards the river, near Marienbrucke (but before the angle), you’ll have to dodge under the fence, then walk for another couple minutes down the road, turn, and climb up a small dirt hill. 

The hill is not marked, but after getting up it and turning left, you’ll be back on an abandoned hiking trail. If you follow that trail, it will lead you to the best view of the castle.

I really wanted to find this spot, but unfortunately because it was raining, cold, and slippery when we visited, we decided it wasn’t safe to attempt. If you do try it, be careful. The viewpoint is on a steep cliff with no gate, and it is considered trespassing to go up there.

Dramatic View of Neuschwanstein Castle from the Valley

I stumbled upon this Neuschwanstein Castle by complete accident. After coming down from the castle, we got back to the car and started leaving to head to Oberammergau. On the way, we drove past this wide open field with a fairytale-like view of the castle above.

If you’re driving, you’ll likely pass by this view regardless (it’s on Schwangauer Straße, which is the only road you can take to exist the castle parking lots).

The field is across from Restaurant-Cafe Allgäu (früher Restaurant Meier). Just past the restaurant, there’s no buildings on either side, so you can easily pull over and park.

We almost didn’t pull over in my usual “no, it’s okay” approach, but luckily my boyfriend knew I’d regret it if we didn’t. I’m so glad we did! I love how romantic this view of the castle is.

Where to Go Near Neuschwanstein Castle

Oberammergau.

Pairing Oberammergau with Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the best day trips from Munich. This is the trip we chose to take, and I’m so glad that we chose to stop at this charming, painted town.

Oberammergau is best known for its beautiful painted buildings, woodcarvers, and the Passion Play that it puts on once every 10 years, as part of an agreement with God that they made all the way back in 1633, when the bubonic plague was raging through the town.

When we visited, Oberammergau was performing the play for the first time since it was put on hold for the pandemic. It was so interesting to see how the play really affected the town! The play lasts 6 hours, is performed five nights a week, and basically closes down the town while the curtain is up. Despite being entirely in German, it’s a huge tourist attraction that sells out every show.

I recommend stopping at Oberammergau after Neuschwanstein Castle for a bite and a calm stroll around town to see all the buildings, and visit the cute woodcraft souvenir and Christmas shops.

Alpsee is a beautiful lake near Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle. On your way to Neuschwanstein Castle, you’ll actually be able to catch a glimpse from the trail between the castle and Marienbrucke.

Alpsee was King Ludwig II’s favorite lake. From it, you’ll be able to see both Schloss Neuschwanstein and Schloss Hohenschwangau. For €10, you can rent a paddleboat or rowboat for 30 minutes.

Keep in mind that the boathouse is only open from May until September or October, and is only open when the weather is good. Hours are 10am to 7pm. Had we visited with good weather, this would have been such a pretty place to go!

Mittenwald is a true Bavarian alpine town, with lovely painted buildings, and a view of the mountains from the cobbled streets. The town repeatedly makes lists for the best towns in Bavaria to visit, and I can see why.

Mittenwald is best known for its history of violin craftsmanship—there’s a museum dedicated to it. It also acts as a base for exploring and skiing the stunning Karwendel Alps.

I really wanted to visit Mittenwald, but unfortunately, we just didn’t have the time (squeezing Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau, and Mittenwald would’ve been way too much in one day).

Linderhof Palace

Linderhof Palace is the most common attraction you’ll visit on a Neuschwanstein Castle tour. Most tours from Munich include Linderhof Palace, if they’re stopping at an additional destination.

Linderhof Palace , located in Ettal, is the smallest of the three castles built by King Ludwig II. Although it sounds funny to call a palace “small,” by Bavarian standards, it is. Linderhof Palace wasn’t built to be an all-out royal palace, it was meant to be a hunting lodge. For a hunting lodge, it’s definitely posh.

Like Neuschwanstein, you can only visit with a guided tour, which lasts 25 minutes. You have the option to visit just the palace and park buildings, just the park buildings, or only the royal lodge. I recommend against visiting Linderhof Palace in the winter, as you can only visit the palace.

Linderhof Palace was on my list, but due to time restraints, we couldn’t make it (getting to Neuschwanstein took longer than expected due to GPS issues). I wish we could’ve—while Linderof Palace is similar to many of the royal hunting lodges around Munich, the park, including the Moroccan House and Music Pavilion, make it noteworthy.

Click here for Linderhof Palace tours from Munich.

Hohenschwangau Castle

You’ll spot Hohenschwangau Castle before even making it to Neuschwanstein Castle. Hohenschwangau Castle is the yellow castle overlooking Alpsee lake. 

Hohenschwangau was the childhood home of King Ludwig II, built by his father, King Maximillian II. The castle is lesser known that Neuschwanstein Castle, for reasons that I can only attribute to Disney. Despite being not quite as well known, it’s just as beautiful. When I first saw it, my first thought was that it looked exactly like what I’d expect Belle’s castle to look like.

Like Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace, you’ll need to be on a guided tour to visit. Tours last 35 minutes and are €21 for adults.

Visiting from Neuschwanstein is easy. If you parked in P4, the castle is just a 20-minute walk away. Most Neuschwanstein Castle tours from Munich skip Hohenschwangau Castle, so if you’re looking to visit, your best option is to drive to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich or take the train to Füssen.

We didn’t visit the interior of Hohenschwangau Castle, but it was absolutely picturesque from afar.

Neuschwanstein Castle inspired both Cinderella’s Castle in Disney World, and the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland.

You can visit the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle, as long as you’re on a guided tour. Tours last about 30 minutes, and photos are not allowed.

You need more time at Neuschwanstein Castle than you think. Expect to spend 3-4 hours here. The amount of time you need to visit the castle is dependent on whether you’re walking to it, taking a horse and carriage, or are hopping on the shuttle bus. If you think Neuschwanstein Castle can be done as a half day trip from Munich, think again. Even if you’re driving, between the round trip drive and time spent at the castle, you’ll need at least 6-7 hours to visit.

All parking at Neuschwanstein Castle is private, and costs €10 for cars, €13 for RVs and campers, €3 motorbikes, and €30 for buses for up to eight hours. Each additional hour is €1, with a max of €15 per day.

Neuschwanstein Castle is located in Germany’s Bavaria region, overlooking the village of Hohenschwangau. The towns of Füssen and Schwangau are nearby.

Neuschwanstein Castle is 1.5 hours away from Munich driving, and 2.5 hours away via train and bus.

Looking for more Germany travel guides? Click here for more of the best day trips from Munich , Oktoberfest guides, and what Munich solo travel is like.

One Day in Oberammergau: Your Guide to Exploring Bavaria’s Most Charming Town from Munich

A Single Girl’s Guide to Munich, Germany: Unique Things to Do, Eat, and Shop for Solo Travelers

Oktoberfest Tents: Complete Guide to the BEST and WORST Beer Tents

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Eva Phan is the founder of Eva Darling, a travel and style website aiming to empower women to see the world solo while sharing on-trend, luxury feminine style inspiration. Featured in publications including Forbes, Thrillist, and Yahoo News, Eva has combined her education from Parsons School of Design with her incurable case of the travel bug to create a global destination that encourages others to romanticize their everyday.

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Neuschwanstein today– Record numbers of visitors and preservation problems

Seven weeks after the death of King Ludwig II in 1886, Neuschwanstein was opened to the public. The shy king had built the castle in order to withdraw from public life – now vast numbers of people came to view his private refuge.

Today Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular of all the palaces and castles in Europe. Every year 1.4 million people visit "the castle of the fairy-tale king". In the summer around 6,000 visitors a day stream through rooms that were intended for a single inhabitant. This – in combination with the alpine climate and light – leads to considerable stress on the valuable furniture and textiles, which we are working hard to preserve.

The setting of Neuschwanstein could not be more idyllic. However, movement in the foundation area has to be continuously monitored, and the sheer rock walls must be repeatedly secured. The harsh climate also has a detrimental effect on the limestone façades, which will have to be renovated section by section over the next few years.

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Welcome to Schwangau, the royal castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau

The royal Bavarian castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau , Tegelberg-Cable Car , Royal Crystal-Spa , Museum of the Bavarian Kings , Hotels, Pensions, Apartments and two Campsites, make Schwangau remarkable, unique and gain its widespread royal fame. While experiencing hiking, mountain climbing, cycling or cross-country skiing , you'll also be able to relax and truly enjoy the beauty of the surroundings with tranquility beyond your imaginations. As we had installed several webcams all around the castles, please feel free to view them at your leisure.

If you have further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Information for visitors:

Neuschwanstein castle

Hohenschwangau castle

Museum of the Bavarian Kings

Camping and accommodation

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Video: Schwangau, village of the royal castles

City-map hohenschwangau.

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Hotels, Apartments and Rooms

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Neuschwanstein Castle

Hohenschwangau Castle

Tegelberg Cable Car

Germany's most beautiful webcams

We have installed quite a few webcams all around the royal castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.

Show Webcams and Livestreams

Things to do in Schwangau

Tegelberg - cable car.

Tegelberg-Cable Car

It's an ideal starting point, awaiting the most adventurous hikes with many possible hiking trails to Neuschwanstein Castle and around the mountainous region. There are several ski and flight schools as well as mountain climbing recreational center, who will gladly help you gain a wonderful learning experience.

Recreational sports like Paragliding and Hang gliding can be found here.

All about the Tegelbergbahn

Health therapy, Spa and Relaxation

Schwangau has been renowned as an excellent climatic health resort, best air quality, beautiful parks and spas. You will also find qualified medical and therapeutic facilities here. Do combine your holiday with all these splendid offers for an exciting and wonderful stay. Promise you will be fully charged and will plan for your next return! 

All about health, prevention, cure, spa and relaxing.

Forggensee boat trip

The boat trip is only available in Summer. The cruise takes you to a panoramic view of the Alps, gives you an unforgettable experience with serenity and freshness, brings you a memory of a lifetime!

All about boat trips on lake Forggensee

Royal Spa - Königliche Kristall Therme

Enjoy a unique pool and spa overlooking Neuschwanstein Castle. Learn the realm of the elements of fire, water, earth, crystals and gemstones. All rooms built within the spa were taken from the Byzantine period.

All about the Königliche Kristall-Therme

The Colemans feast and the Colemans ride.

Traditionally, the feast is held on the second Sunday in October.  

About 200 horseback riders in splendid costumes with their beautifully attired horses, ride round the church in this annual festival.   

All about the Colemansfeast

The Museum of the Bavarian Kings

The museum presents many centuries of historic artifacts and treasures from the Wittelsbach family, one of Europe's oldest dynasties. Here, you can relive the history of the royal family and the life of King Ludwig II which is vividly shown.

All about the Museum of the Bavarian Kings