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

Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany.; Shutterstock ID 166028657

Visit Neuschwanstein Castle

Activities

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.

Tours & day trips

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Royal Castles - Day Trip to Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Palace from Munich

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

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Neuschwanstein, Wieskirche, Oberammergau, Linderhof from Fuessen

Free cancellation available

Wildlife & nature

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Neuschwanstein Castle Tour with Skip the Line from Hohenschwangau

Popular places to visit

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

Hohenschwangau Castle

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

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 Hotel Deals

Check availability on hotels close to Neuschwanstein Castle

AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa

Alpseestraße 21 Schwangau

Hotel Müller Hohenschwangau

Alpseestraße 16 Schwangau

Hotel Hirsch

Kaiser-Maximilian-Platz 7 Fuessen BY

Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet

Colomanstr. 12 Schwangau

Hotel Schlosskrone

Prinzregenplatz 4 Fuessen BY

Hotel Waldmann

Parkstraße 5 Schwangau BY

Hotel & Restaurant Ludwigs

Reichenstr. 17 Fuessen BY

Das König Ludwig - Adult Only

Kreuzweg 15 Schwangau BY

Luitpoldpark Hotel

Bahnhofstr. 1-3 Fuessen BY

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Things to do near Neuschwanstein Castle

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, the Forum Allgäu Kempten, located 37.0km away, offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of business, entertainment, and family-friendly options. Additionally, Jamei - Laibspeis', situated 38.6km from the castle, is a delightful store worth exploring.

Recreation

Experience the enchanting Fuessen Music Hall, just 4.8km from Neuschwanstein Castle, offering a delightful blend of romance and culture. For outdoor family fun, visit Alpenbad Pfronten, located 14.5km away, featuring refreshing pools. For a bit of adventure, try the Bad Hindelang Mini Golf Course, 29.0km distant.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views on the Breitenberg Cable Car, located 12.9km from Neuschwanstein Castle, perfect for outdoor family adventures. Enjoy skiing thrills at Erlebnisberg Steckenberg, situated 20.9km away, or have fun at Sommerrodelbahn Tegelberg, an exhilarating toboggan ride only 1.3km from the castle.

Nightlife

In Schwangau, near Neuschwanstein Castle, enjoy a charming evening at local taverns and restaurants, where Bavarian cuisine and lively music create a warm atmosphere. For a unique experience, visit nearby Füssen, where quaint bars and riverside terraces offer a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment.

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

Find the best attractions near Neuschwanstein Castle

Discover the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Bavaria, where you can explore picturesque lakes, historic castles, and soothing hot springs. This region offers a blend of culture and romance, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss the chance to take guided tours to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and immerse yourself in its breathtaking beauty, making your visit truly unforgettable.

Hohenschwangau Castle: Nestled in the picturesque landscape, Hohenschwangau Castle offers a romantic glimpse into Bavaria's royal past. With its charming architecture and stunning views, it is steeped in culture, reflecting the romantic ideals of King Maximilian II, who once lived here.
St. Mang's Abbey: This remarkable church, known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere, exudes cultural significance. St. Mang's Abbey is a haven for those seeking peace and reflection, showcasing intricate artwork and a rich history that dates back to the 8th century.
Museum of the Bavarian Kings: Located near Neuschwanstein, this museum immerses visitors in the history of Bavaria's royal lineage. Its engaging exhibits and artefacts offer a fascinating insight into the lives of the Bavarian kings, making it a cultural gem in the region.

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

Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling to Neuschwanstein Castle during the low season (March to April and November) for more affordable options.
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