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The Ultimate Neuschwanstein Castle Guide
Guide me to Neuschwanstein
Once upon a time, a fairy-tale fanatical king created an extravagant palace where he could dream of better times, which became the model of the famous Disney castle and nowadays is known as the crown jewel of Bavaria. While the bizarre and over-the-top colorful interior of Neuschwanstein is truly worth a visit, the outside of the castle really is the most impressive part. The Medieval-style palace towering above a charming Bavarian village and a deep blue alpine lake all set amidst the rolling green Bavarian Alps make this destination a spectacular sight you should not miss on your trip to Europe!
Not yet sure where to travel after Neuschwanstein?
How to plan your visit to Neuschwanstein
Plan your visit
1. Decide where to stay.
You can take a day trip to the castles from Munich and can reach them easily via bus, train or tour. However, depending on how much time you have on hand and your preferences, it’s much more recommendable to stay in one of the nearby alpine villages Füssen or Hohenschwangau. While both villages and other closeby towns preserve their typical adorable Bavarian charm with cobblestone streets and decorative buildings, Hohenschwangau is the most touristy one and therefore more expensive.
2. Book your tickets ahead of time!
The castle can get around 1,3 million visitors every day. You can reserve a time slot but double-check the exact tour start on your ticket since tours are booked in a time window. Make sure your preferred tour times will work with your transportation schedule.
3. Arrive at the ticket center to pick up your tickets at least 1 hour before your preferred tour time. Tickets must be picked up in person at the ticket office in Hohenschwangau, whether you reserve online or hope to get a same-day ticket. Waiting lines are long and you still have to make your way up to the castle before the tour starts.
4. Decide, if you want to visit both castles, Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. There are combi tickets available. The combi tour will start in Hohenschwangau castle.
things you need to know about the castle
Good to Know
If you want to enter either castle, you are required to book a guided tour. However, it is possible to see the castles from the outside as well as visit the viewpoints without buying a ticket.
Be aware of the fact that you cannot take pictures inside the castles (Hohenschwangau & Neuschwanstein!)
There are three ways to approach Neuschwanstein castle. It takes about 40 minutes to reach Neuschwanstein from the Hohenschwangau castle and it’s a steep uphill walk. Another option is to take the (paid) shuttle bus.
Wear comfortable cloth, especially shoes! There’s a lot of walking between the bus stop, the ticket office, the castles, the surroundings, etc. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat in summer, since it can get quite hot in waiting lines and on your way to and around the castles.
More activities around Neuschwanstein
More Activities
Schloss Neuschwanstein is by far the most visited sight around Bavaria and with good reason! While towering majestically over the stunning alpine landscape, it also comes with a fascinating story about a ‚mad‘ king and his mysterious death.
Spend a whole day in the area and learn about king Ludwig’s history during your visit to his birthplace Hohenschwangau and his private refuge, the Neuschwanstein castle. Both castles are located in very close proximity and the views from the outside are spectacular as well. Therefore, touring the castles is only one part of the magical adventure.
Take a walk to the bridge ‚Marienbrücke‘ for a picture-perfect view of Neuschwanstein castle. If you fancy a little walk, follow the path that winds up behind the bridge to another lookout for the panorama which is popping up all over Instagram.
After visiting the castles, spend some time walking around Lake Alpsee, which offers great vistas of both castles and their surroundings from across the lake and can be reached within a 10min walk from Hohenschwangau’s center.
To soak in some of the Bavarian village charms, take a stroll through Füssen and have a typical Bavarian meal in one of the many restaurants around town.
Take a train to Füssen’s train station where you’ll see bus No. 78 waiting in the parking lot clearly marked for the Hohenschwangau castles. If you’re traveling by bus or car, make your way directly to Hohenschwangau.