Neuschwanstein Castle Germany

Tips for independent travellers

Attractive tours to the fairy tale castle from Munich

Neuschwanstein Castle Germany, is it kitsch or genius? A little bit of both, I would say, but go and visit and find out for yourself. I did, and I loved my visit.
So this question is by no means meant disapproving, on the contrary.

More than one million visitors per year visit Neuschwanstein. King Ludwig's dream castle is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Germany. For many travellers a visit is a dream come true.

The stunning location of the castle, the eccentric architecture, the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, and the majestic Alps as a backdrop of the castle add up to make Neuschwanstein the huge visitor attraction that it is.
I admit, the beauty of Neuschwanstein is touching and captivating.

Are you ready to visit? Let me answer your questions, I know you have them.
*Is it best to go on my own? *What's the advantage of joining a tour?
*Is it worth to stay a couple of days in the immediate vicinity of the castle?

Neuschwanstein Castle, Southern Bavaria

Read on and find your answers on this page. Let me help you to plan a perfect journey.

Facts you should know | Public Transport | Tours from Munich | Where to stay

Facts for your Neuschwanstein Castle Germany visit

Despite the fact that Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles are busy places, a visit can be most enjoyable when you take your time. Walk around before or after your tour of the interior, and enjoy the stunning views and beautiful landscape.

Guided castle tours

With more than 1 million visitors per year, about 6,000 on busy summer days, Neuschwanstein can be a crowded place. July, August and September are the most busiest months.
You can only visit the interior of the castle on a guided tour, operated by castle staff. Tickets are only available at the ticket centre in Hohenschwangau or online on their website for a small reservation fee..
When you buy tickets in the ticket centre in Hohenschwangau, they are only valid for this day. The ticket shows the time and tour number, so be there in time and don't miss your tour. Be aware that there might be long queues on the ticket counter.
Online reservations have to be made until 3 pm the day before your visit at the latest. You can enter a desired entrance time when you book. There is a separate counter at the ticket centre in Hohenschwangau to collect reserved tickets.
Regular ticket price is 12 € for Neuschwanstein, 12 € for Hohenschwangau, or 23 € for the King ticket to see both castles within one day.
Guided tours are held in German and English, for other languages audio guides are available.
You are not allowed to take photos and videos inside Neuschwanstein castle.
Remember that the palace building has 5 floors, so you'll have to go 165 steps upstairs, and 180 steps downstairs.
Please note: Due to renovation works of the facade the western and northern facade will be scaffolded during 2012. Guided tours inside the castle are not affected by the restauration works.

Guided tours of the castle take about 30 to 35 minutes, and are well organised. Some people are happy with that, others feel rushed. For many visitors it is a highlight to see Neuschwanstein Castle, even if only from the outside. You can walk up to Marienbrücke for the most stunning views and photo opportunities.

Amazing panorama from Marienbrücke

Opening Hours & How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle Germany

Once you arrive in Hohenschwangau you have several options to get up to the castle.

Walk: Depending on where you start in the village, a walk up to the castle takes about 30 to 50 minutes.
Horse-drawn carriage: Departure point is in front of hotel Müller in Hohenschwangau. Tickets cost 6 € uphill and 3 € for the downhill journey. It is quite fun to use the horse carriage. The carriage stops just below of the Schlossrestaurant and hotel. From here it is a short walk of about 300m to the castle entrance.
Bus: The bus service starts in front of Schlosshotel Lisl and takes you to the "Jugend" lookout / Marienbrücke. Enjoy the stunning views to Neuschwanstein & to the Pöllat Gorge before you walk down to the castle. The 600m path is paved but very steep. The sign at the bus station says the walk is not suitable for the disabled.
On the way downhill you'll get a beautiful view over Hohenschwangau castle, the village, and to the Alpsee & Schwansee.
Ticket costs 1.80 € uphill, 1 € downhill. The buses don't run when there is ice or snow. Dogs are not allowed on the bus and in the castle.
Opening times: The Neuschwanstein Castle is open daily except Christmas Eve (24.12.), Christmas Day (25.12.), New Years Eve (31.12.) and New Years Day (01.01.).
Ticket sales: From 8am to 5pm (April - September) 9am to 3pm (October - March).
Please note: During the castle concerts week from 15th September until 23th September 2012 Neuschwanstein the ticket centre close 30 minutes earlier.

neuschwanstein castle germany the ticket centre in hohenschwangau

Ticket centre in Hohenschwangau

use the horse drawn carriage to neuschwanstein castle germany

Horse carriage up to the castle

Top of Neuschwanstein Castle Germany

How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle Germany by public transport

From Munich there is a train and bus connection to Fussen about every hour. It is a nice journey (2 1/2 hours) through the lovely countryside of the Allgäu. Make sure that you catch the direct train to Füssen which runs every 2 hours (07:50 and 09:50), otherwise you have to change trains additionally in Buchloe or Bissenhofen.

In Fussen take either Bus 73 to Steingaden Feuerwehrhaus or Bus 78 to Tegelbergbahn, Schwangau. The bus stop is called Hohenschwangau, Schlösser.

The regular fee is about 52 € for a return ticket from Munich (bus included). However, you can save money if you buy a Bavaria ticket, it costs 21 € for one adult, or 29 € for up to 5 adults. Children up to 14 years travel for free with their parents or grandparents.
You can purchase the Bavaria ticket online or at ticket machines. When you buy tickets on the DB counter they cost 2 € more. The Bavaria ticket is valid from 9am to 3am the next day on all regional trains and most busses (not on ICE & IC train).

Please note: There is no seat reservation on regional trains and busses. Older trains and buses might not be air-conditioned.

Top of Neuschwanstein Castle Germany

Guided Tours from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle Germany

These tours from Munich are great when you don't have your own car, and don't want to figure out yourself how to go by train to Neuschwanstein castle.
As the guided tours inside the castles are operated by castle stuff, they are are not included in the packages. However, the big advantage is that your tour guide will take care of the tickets.
Apart from the first tour listed below, you have the chance to also see Linderhof Castle, a fact many travellers appreciate.

Neuschwanstein Castle Small Group Day Tour from Munich

If you want a train ride but don't want to care for train tickets and avoid lining up for your castle ticket this is the right tour for you.
Your tour guide gives you interesting information about King Ludwig II and Neuschwanstein castle while you are on the train. You'll be also shown the best vantage spots and the waterfall gorge at the castle.
Tour price is 35 €, entrance fee for the castle tour is 9 € and not included and will be collected by your tour guide.

Overnight Royal Castles Tour - Linderhof, Hohenschwangau, Neuschwanstein

On the first day you are going to see Linderhof Castle and Oberammergau before you proceed to Hohenschwangau and a tour of Neuenschwanstein.
Stay overnight at Hohenschwangau and enjoy a tour of this castle the next morning. The afternoon is free. Walk to Alpsee or Schwanensee, or relax in a lovely cafe in Hohenschwangau.
The coach takes you back to Munich where you arrive at approximately 7 pm. Tour price is 219 € and includes transport by air-conditioned coach, overnight accommodation and breakfast.

Royal-Castles-of-Neuschwanstein-and-Linderhof-Day-Tour from Munich

Take the opportunity to visit Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Castle in one day.
Travel by air-conditioned coach from Munich to Linderhof, have a short stop in Oberammergau, and finally 4 hours to explore Neuschwanstein and join the optional tour inside the castle. Your tour guide gives you tips and the necessary information to make the most out of this long day.
Tour price is 49 €, entrance fees to both castles are not included. Save 50% of the price when you travel in February 2011.

Top of Neuschwanstein Castle Germany

Hotels near Neuschwanstein Castle Germany

When you have some time it is really worth to stay a day or two in Hohenschwangau or Fussen to explore the lovely surroundings. Discover why Ludwig II was fascinated by this area in southern Bavaria.

Hotels are nice and comfortable and offer great country hospitality. On this page I have picked a few hotels in Hohenschwangau and Schwangau, I hope you like them.

Tip! Schwangauer Hof Hotel and the Schlossrestaurant Hotel Neuschwanstein are traveller's favourites.

You can also use the box below to browse or book hotels in Hohenschwangau, Schwangau and Füssen.

neuschwanstein castle germany view to Hohenschwangau

View to Hohenschwangau, Alpsee and Schwansee

I hope I could help you to find the best way to visit Neuschwanstein Castle Germany. Don't miss the Neuschwanstein Castle main page with more facts about the fairy-tale castle.

More info and attractions for your Neuschwanstein Castle visit