Neuschwanstein Castle: First-Time Visitor's Guide
Neuschwanstein is one of the most visited castles in the world.
Our guide to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle includes tips on things to do, guided tours, tickets, how to get there, where to stay, and the best times to visit.
Located in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most iconic castles in the world. It's often referred to as a fairytale castle due to its stunning architecture, breathtaking location, and intriguing history.
We bet you have probably already seen at least one photo of Neuschwanstein before you started planning your trip. It was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century, whose personal story is as fascinating as the castle itself. Still, most people know it as that Disney castle. Over the years, it has become so famous that you'll find it on every Bavaria itinerary.
Now that we have the obligatory introduction behind us, we can start focusing on the practical side of your trip. We'll walk you through all the Neuschwanstein essentials and also visit the nearby Hohenshwangau. We aim to set your expectations right, as Neuschwanstein is incredibly touristy, which can negatively affect your experience.
So, if you're ready for breathtaking views, beautiful interiors, and rich history, we can dive into it! Here is our travel guide which includes everything you need to know when planning your trip to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.
Neuschwanstein is open all year round, even in winter.
Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle
Leaving Augsburg early in the morning gave us plenty of time to reach the castle's entrance just before 9 AM. The 90-minute drive down south was pretty uneventful, and once we passed by the Schongau, the traffic mostly disappeared.
The scenery was slightly changing, and once we drove past Steingaden, we could enjoy the first views of the majestic Bavarian Alps rising on the horizon. The morning was cold and cloudy, and the surrounding meadows were sprinkled with a fresh batch of snow.
The scenery around us was serene, almost monochromatic, and hauntingly beautiful. It also meant that the Marienbrucke was most likely closed, but that was something we were prepared for. Finally, we spotted the Neuschwanstein for the first time, though it was just a barely recognizable gray spot far away.
We Stopped at Colomankirche First
So we shifted our attention to the Colomankirche, which appeared right before us. This baroque church located on Colomanstraße is one of the most picturesque churches in Bavaria. The church looks relatively ordinary but has the Ammergau Alps in the backdrop. Even on such a cloudy day, the views were incredible. Without any doubt, Colomankirche is one of the best photo spots in the Neuschwanstein area.
Lucie was able to snap a few photos from a car, but there is also a small parking right next to the castle where you can safely pull over.
First on our list was Colomankirche, a beautiful church near Neuschwanstein.
Where We Parked at Neuschwanstein
The Hohenschwagau village was still very quiet when we pulled into Parkplatz 3, located down below the castle. There are four main designated parking areas in Hohenschwagau. Parkplatz 1, 2, and 3 are located closer to Neuschwanstein, while Parkplatz 4 is near Hohenschwagau Castle and Alpsee.
Parking was €12 for up to 6 hours; each additional hour was €1, and the full day cost €16 (that's the maximum you pay for a day).
Remember: Driving to the castle is not allowed.
Designated parking lots for Neuschwanstein Castle are located in the Hohenschwangau village.
Why is Neuschwanstein Castle so Famous?
There are several reasons why Neuschwanstein is so iconic, but only if you put them together can you understand the popularity of this site. Neuschwanstein was built from a vision of Ludwig II, the eccentric king of Bavaria. He lived during the 19th century, so unlike most castles founded during medieval times, this one features a more modern design.
When you see it for the first time, you can't fail to notice that the whole appearance, with all the towers, turrets, and overall design, is almost like a fairy tale book. It's not just a cliche phrase.
Walt Disney visited Neuschwanstein in the 1950s, and its dreamy architecture inspired him to create Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. The castle silhouette eventually became an iconic symbol of the Disney company. Then there's the story of Ludwig II himself. We'll talk about the history later in this post, but let's just say for now that he was nicknamed the Mad King, lived a vibrant and complicated life, and his death is still shrouded in mystery.
Lastly, the Bavarian Alps in the backdrop make the whole scene with a fairytale castle in the center almost surreal. There are several iconic views of the castle, one more picturesque than the other, at least if the weather cooperates.
Getting to Neuschwanstein from Parkplatz
So we have already established that you can't drive up to the castle, which is located on a rocky hill above the village. There are technically three ways to reach Neuschwanstein from the village below.
Walking
The walk to Neuschwanstein Castle is approximately 1.5-2 kilometers (depending on where you park), with an elevation gain of 150 meters. We knew it was a fairly steep walk to the castle, but we were pretty excited about it as we always look forward to some exercise when doing longer road trips.
From parking lot, we headed along Alpseestraße further uphill until we reached Hotel Alpenstuben (a lovely family-run hotel, by the way) after 100 meters, where we turned left onto the paved run that led to the castle. We picked up the pace and continued for about 300 meters until we reached the Neuschwansteinstraße (wide paved road), where we turned left and headed up to the castle.
Only a few people were heading up, and there were no horse-drawn carriages yet, so it was a lovely walk.
Cycling
It appeared you could cycle to Neuschwanstein, just not along the Neuschwansteinstraße. It's a pretty steep climb unless you have an e-bike.
Horse-Drawn Carriages
Keep in mind that the horse-drawn carriages don't go all the way up to the Neuschwanstein Castle but stop about 500 meters below the castle. So you still need to cover practically one-third of the trail on foot, whether you take a horse-drawn carriage or not.
The departing point for Neuschwanstein Castle is just across the Hotel Muller, and you pay the horse carriage driver directly as it cannot be booked in advance.
Horse-drawn carriages are a popular way to reach Neuschwanstein from Hohenschwangau.
Shuttle Bus
You can also take a shuttle bus to Neuschwanstein, which departs from the Alpsee parking area (Parkplatz P4) just below the Hohenschwangau Castle. Note that the bus also doesn't go all the way up to the castle but stops at Jugend Viewpoint/Mary's Bridge. From here, it's another 600-meter walk.
Is Photography Allowed at Neuschwanstein?
Our next steps brought us to Neuschwanstein's courtyard, where all the guided tours start. But before that, we need to say a few words about Neuschwanstein's photo policy. As you've probably guessed already, it's not allowed to take photos inside Neuschwanstein.
We hear you. We were also pretty disappointed about that. But there's a perfectly good explanation, which we'll get into in a few seconds. There's always the privacy thing that is common also in other palaces and castles (we experienced that, for instance, in Thurn und Taxis Palace in Regensburg).
In Neuschwanstein, practicality is also a key consideration. Guided groups consist of 30+ people, and the no-photo policy helps manage the flow of the huge numbers of tourists visiting Neuschwanstein each day. Simply put, this rule helps to avoid congestion and makes the experience more enjoyable for all visitors (they also have the same rule in Hohenschwangau Castle).
Intriguing History of Neuschwanstein
Before we enter the castle, it's good to say a few words about Neuschwanstein's history. The New Hohenschwangau Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who spent his childhood days at the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle.
He adored Hohenschwangau, which was full of medieval poetry and intricate decorations (particularly the theme of German legends of Lohengrin, the Swan Knight) while surrounded by beautiful mountains. As an adult, he wanted to build a more modern and romantic castle to retreat from Munich's tiring political life and as a homage to Richard Wagner, whom he deeply admired.
The main architect was Eduard Riedel, who designed the castle on the romanticized ideas of Ludwig II, Christian Jank's paintings, and the Wartburg Castle. Inspired by German knights' medieval castles, the final design combines Romanticism, Gothic, and Byzantine styles with the added touch of the Alpine foothills. The result is simply breathtaking.
Neuschwanstein was the inspiration for Disney's logo and Sleeping Beauty Castle.
The construction started in 1869, and he paid for the castle with the money he inherited when his grandfather, Ludwig I, died but eventually plunged into a cycle of debt. The construction was not easy, and he made several strange modifications over the years. For instance, a grotto was built there.
Ludwig II died before Neuschwanstein was completed, so he never saw the final masterpiece (though he lived in the unfinished castle for some time). After his death, the castle was finally finished in a few months and soon after opened to the public, despite Ludwig's intention never to make it accessible to visitors. Today, it's one of the most visited places in Germany, attracting tourists from all over the world.
By the way, Ludwig II was a complicated person, and his personal story is quite intriguing. He spent a fortune on Neuschwanstein and other projects, fell deeply into debt, and was eventually removed from power due to his deteriorating mental health. In 1886, the fairytale king was transported to Berg Castle, where he died the next day, together with his psychiatrist Bernhard von Gudden, under mysterious circumstances.
Are There Lockers?
Large backpacks and suitcases are not allowed at Neuschwanstein, but there are coin-operated lockers (you will need one euro) right next to the main viewing platform (here are the coordinates for the lockers: 47°33'30.9"N 10°45'02.5"E).
Smaller daypacks should be fine if you're comfortable wearing them in front so you don't knock anything valuable inside the castle.
How Good Was a Guided Tour at Neuschwanstein?
So, two important things to know before you go: Neuschwanstein can only be toured with a guide, unlike Munich Residenz or Nuremberg Castle. And booking is essential.
You can choose either an audio guide tour which has more scheduled times and has advantage that people of more nationalities can walk together or a proper guided tour in English or Deutsch. We met our guide at the turnstiles {there is a guide going with you even on an audio tour), which also showed times and details about upcoming tours so you can always know when it's your turn. All tours start on time, so punctuality is crucial.
Neuschwanstein can be visited by guided tour only.
Soon after, we headed inside the castle, climbed some stairs, received an audio guide, and after a short introduction, we started the tour. Our group was fairly small as it consisted of less than ten people. This was great as the overall experience was very relaxed, and we didn't feel pressured to move faster, as often happens with large groups.
On busy days, the next tour can be as little as 10 minutes behind yours, so there's literally no time to waste when inside. The guided tour at Neuschwanstein was a bit different from the excursions we had a chance to experience in different places, like Linderhof Palace. The audio tour was very straightforward and not very exciting.
However, the interiors were stunning and definitely worth seeing (despite the fact that a couple of rooms were still undergoing restoration). We could see all the highlights: Singers' Hall, Dining room, Drawing Room, Bedroom, and the magnificent Throne Hall. It was a bit of a shame that the tours are not very interactive, and you do feel like your tour is just one of many.
One of the coolest parts about Neuschwanstein is that the fairytale/medieval look is deceiving, and the castle was very modern at the time. It's equipped with a central heating system, running water (hot and cold), flushing toilets, an electric bell system, a dumbwaiter, and telephones, and the Throne Room is strengthened by steel construction. It looks like King Ludwig liked technology and comfort.
Tips for the Best Neuschwanstein Viewpoints
Now that the guided tour was over, we had a chance to explore Neuschwanstein's surroundings a bit, though our options were limited. Neuschwanstein has several amazing viewpoints, but access to them is restricted if the weather doesn't cooperate. And that was exactly our case.
Main Viewing Platform
The main viewing platform is located on the access road about 200m meters below Neuschwanstein. This is the most popular viewpoint as it's accessible all year round, even in winter when the Marienbrucke is closed. It gets busy, so be prepared for it.
Marienbrucke (Mary's Bridge)
The most iconic viewpoint in the Neuschwanstein area is known as Mary's Bridge (Marienbrucke), about 600 meters from the castle. A nice trail connects the castle with the footbridge, from which you can also get some lovely views of the Alpsee and Hohenschwangau Castle.
The viewpoint is actually a suspension bridge spanning the Pollat Gorge and offers arguably the best views of Neuschwanstein. Be prepared that this is the most crowded place in Neuschwanstein as everyone wants to see the castle from there.
Unfortunately, it was closed when we were there due to icy conditions. Hopefully, we'll be back someday in the future. You can find information whether the bridge is closed or open on the official website and note that when it says it closed it is really closed and all gates are locked.
By the way, there's no fee to Marienbrucke, so you can enjoy this stunning view without purchasing the expensive Neuschwanstein ticket. This is obviously great for budget travelers who want to explore this area without doing the guided tours.
Viewpoint with Marienbrucke
The Marienbrucke was closed, but we knew there was another lovely viewpoint just about 100 meters from the Jugend Stop. Jugend Stop is actually the place where you'll find the trailhead to Marienbrucke and the Neuschwanstein shuttle bus stop (GPS coordinates: 47°33'14.1"N 10°44'57.6"E).
It was a lovely viewpoint that showed us Neuschwanstein from another angle. It's also kind of cool to have the Marienbrucke in the frame, though it overlaps the upper turret, so the final photo is not that clean. But that's just my perspective as a photographer.
Marienbrucke is the best viewpoint at Neuschwanstein, but it was closed when we were there.
Tegelberg Cable Car
One of the most incredible viewpoints is from Tegelberg Cable Car (Tegelbergbahn). If you stand on the right side, you will get a chance to see both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles with the Bavarian Alps as a backdrop. Remember that you need a proper telephoto lens to get a good picture.
The lower station is located just three kilometers from Hohenschwangau, so you can drive there in less than five minutes.
Hike Through Pollat Gorge
It was time to return to the village as we booked the Hohenshwangau Castle tour for later that day. You can explore one more place before walking down to the village. It's called Pollat Gorge, and you will find the trailhead halfway between Neuschwanstein and a Jugend bus stop.
Unfortunately, it was another place that was closed. This time, the landslides and rock falls made Pollat inaccessible.
Anyway, Pollat Gorge is one of the more adventurous trails you can find here. You just need proper footwear and be moderately fit, though the trail is generally suitable even for families with kids. The scenic part is just 800 meters long, though the full loop that starts and ends at Parkplatz 3 is about three kilometers.
Walk Around the Alpsee
We had some time before the Hohenshwangau tour, so we first decided to explore the Alpsee. The 2-kilometer hike back to the village was very easy because it was downhill. The Alpsee Loop Trail (Rundwanderweg Alpsee) is about 5.2 kilometers long and is suitable for most fitness levels (even for families with kids).
The trail was lovely, fairly quiet, and offered some beautiful viewpoints along the way. We didn't have time to make the full loop, so we hiked along the northern side of the lake as far as we could and eventually turned back to catch the Hohenshwangau tour.
If you're pressed for time, make sure to make it to Pindarplatz's viewpoint at least. It's really worth it.
Alpsee is a stunning lake near Neuschwanstein.
If you make it all the way to the other side of the lake, you can enjoy some lovely views of Alpsee with Neuschwanstein in the backdrop.You will need a telephoto lens to get a good photo, though. By the way, the northern part of the trail was unsuitable for strollers, unlike the southern trail.
Oh, don't forget that you can actually take a dip in the Alpsee (swimming is allowed here). Well, at least during the summer, the lake looked pretty uninviting in April.
If you want to take a swim in the Alpsee, there is a small beach in the village, or you can follow the southern lake trail for about 1.3 kilometers until you reach each Alpseebad Hohenschwangau. The only difference is that Alpseebad Hohenschwangau offers a bit more relaxing experience as it's further from the village. Just be prepared that there's a small admission.
Take a Guided Tour at Hohenshwangau Castle
One of the coolest parts about Neuschwanstein is that it's not the only castle in this area. Only two kilometers from Neuschwanstein's main gate (or three hundred meters from the P4 parkplatz in the village) is Hohenshwangau, the less famous castle of the two. Neuschwanstein is the most famous and iconic of the two places, and we have to admit that we had no idea there was a second castle.
The name of this castle is also what makes this area a bit more confusing. To make everything as clear as possible, the Hohenshwangau village (sometimes referred to as Schwangau village) is home to two castles - Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenshwangau Castle. The distance between both castles is only 2 kilometers, so you can easily get from one place to another on foot.
Hohenshwangau Castle is often visited together with Neuschwanstein.
So, is Hohenshwangau worth seeing? Definitely! Hohenshwangau was commissioned by Maximilian II, the father of Ludwig II, so you can be sure it's very different from Neuschwanstein. The best part was that the guided tour was actually guided and much more immersive. Just note that photography is also not allowed in Hohenshwangau Castle.
Museum of the Bavarian Kings - More History
On the way to Hohenschwangau, we passed the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, which is a great place to visit if you're interested in Maximilian II and Ludwig II. As the name suggests, it's another piece to the puzzle of how the Bavarian royalty lived back in the day.
We didn't go in; we wanted to see the nearby Fussen instead. The entrance fee to the Museum of the Bavarian Kings is €14 (plus a €2.50 service fee if booking online). You can also get a combo ticket. Swan Ticket includes both castles and the museum. Prince Ticket is museum + Neuschwanstein. Wittelsbach Ticket is Hohenschwangau + museum.
The museum is located practically on the shores of the Alpsee, right next to the P4 Parkplatz, and just below the Hohenschwangau Castle.
The Museum of the Bavarian Kings contains information on Ludwig II and Maximilian II.
Tegelberg Cable Car & Hike
If you're looking for a challenging hike or just want to enjoy a 10-minute cable car ride with amazing views, the 1730-meter-tall Tegelberg should be on your list. Given the trail conditions, peaks, hidden in clouds, and the fact that we weren't prepared for any serious hikes, we knew right out of the start that Tegelberg was out of the question.
The Tegelberg Cable Car is open all year round, as the area is popular for luge rides, paragliding, country skiing, winter walks, and skiing.
Hopefully, that was not the last time we visited this part of Bavaria, so we'll keep Tegelberg on our to-do list.
Where to Head Next
The weather remained cold and cloudy throughout the day, but we were still not slowing down. After almost six hours in the Neuschwanstein area, we headed to Fussen. This charming little town is a great base for those who want to explore this part of Bavaria, but we just wanted to wander around its streets for a bit and, if time allows, tour the Hohes Schloss.
Then we stopped at the Wieskirche, a pilgrimage church that's on the UNESCO World Heritage list. And if time allowed, our last stop of the day would be Linderhof Palace. In the evening, we made it to Dachau, and the next day we explored the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial.
Technically, this was the final leg of our road trip before heading back to Prague, but we still enjoyed a few amazing days in Munich.
What Are the Opening Hours for Neuschwanstein Castle?
Neuschwanstein Castle is open to the public all year round; just remember it has seasonal opening hours. During summer, it's open from mid-March to mid-October, and the guided tours are available daily from 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM.
Neuschwanstein's tour depart every 10 minutes on busy days.
Unlike some other castles, Neuschwanstein remains open in winter between mid-October to mid-March), and the guided tours are available daily from 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM. Neuschwanstein Castle is closed on the following days: December 24th, December 25th, December 31st and January 1st.
Entry Fee & Tickets
The basic Neuschwanstein Castle ticket currently costs €18 for adults but will cost €21 from January 1st, 2025. They also charge an additional service fee of €2.50 for every ticket purchased online, which seems like just an unnecessary move to grab even more money from tourists.
Remember that they offer all sorts of combo tickets, but they cost about the same as if you buy tickets separately. We purchased the Kings Ticket for €43 as it included both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles (the final price included the service fee, which was, in this case, €5 because it's two tickets, right).
Can You See Neuschwanstein for Free?
You can technically see Neuschwanstein Castle for free if you don't take the tour, but obviously, only from the outside. You can walk up to the main gate, take pictures from the main viewing platform in front of the castle, and later explore surrounding viewpoints without spending a dime. The best part is that the Mary's Bridge is free to enter, giving you access to the most iconic view of the castle.
To see Neuschwanstein Castle for free, you'll have to stick to the outside.
Tips for Buying Neuschwanstein Tickets Online
Due to our relatively flexible itinerary, we were holding out on buying tickets for as long as possible. Our progress went reasonably well, so we bought Neuschwanstein tickets just three days before our visit. But that's not an ideal approach.
The first Audio Guide tour was available at 9:10 AM, so we booked that one without too much thinking. We would have preferred the English Tour with a guide, but that was booked out on the day of our visit. Then, we proceeded to pick the Hohenschwangau tour. The list of available tours was longer, so we chose the English Tour at 12:10 PM.
Two hours between the tours gave us time to walk to Marienbrucke (or at least the other viewpoint, as the bridge itself was closed) and explore the shores of the Alpsee. It was a minor inconvenience, but it helped us to keep our itinerary flexible.
I'm writing this post in October, and when I checked their reservation form for buying tickets, I found out that both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau tickets were sold out for the following two and half weeks. No matter when you plan to visit Neuschwanstein, we strongly recommend you buy the tickets online. In the peak season, tickets can be sold out even a month or two in advance, and the situation in the off-season is not that great either.
By the way, the official website is called Hohenschwangau (as the village) and not Neuschwanstein, which can be confusing for first-timers. You have two options if you visit the website and see no tickets available. The first option is to check the website again on the morning of your visit to see if any tickets are available again. The second thing you can do is to show up at the Ticket-Center office and try your luck there.
Ticket Center Neuschwanstein-Hohenschwangau
The official place selling tickets for Neuschwanstein and Hohenshwangau is called Ticket Center Neuschwanstein-Hohenschwangau, and you'll find it on Alpseestraße 12 in Hohenschwangau. They usually have some tickets allocated for day-trippers who arrive at Neuschwanstein without a ticket, but the availability is very limited.
If you don't have the ticket, you must visit the Ticket Center first. Don't go to the castle without a ticket; there are no kiosks, and you would need to walk back.
Tickets at Travel Agencies
If all the tickets are sold out, there's one more option: check the availability at one of the local travel agencies. Here, you can purchase the Neuschwanstein Castle Skip-the-Line Ticket online. You must pick it up in Fussen, but it's better than nothing, right?
How Long Should I Plan for Neuschwanstein
Estimating how much time you should spend at Neuschwanstein Castle is fairly easy, but you need to take into account additional factors, like weather and the fact that there are more places to explore than just the fairy tale castle. So, we'll take a look at Neuschwanstein first.
Neuschwanstein tours usually last about 30-40 minutes, but as we mentioned earlier, it's better to be at the entrance 10 or 15 minutes earlier just to be on the safe side.
The walk to the castle from the village officially takes about 30 minutes one way. We made it to the top in under 15 minutes but walked fairly fast and left our car at the nearest parking. If you're not in a rush, the walk from the parking lot to Neuschwanstein can take up to 40 minutes. You'll most likely need another 15-20 minutes to take photos and soak in the scenery from the main viewing platform.
The most iconic viewpoint, Marienbrucke, is another 15-minute walk from the castle entrance. If it's open, this is a must-see. The walk from Marienbrucke back to the village is also roughly 15-20 minutes.
So, all in all, we believe you will need about two to three hours to visit Neuschwanstein Castle. Our estimation includes the guided tour, Marienbrucke Viewpoint, and a walk to/from Schwangau.
Neuschwanstein's entry gate is about a 20-minute walk from Hohenshwangau village.
Don't forget that Neuschwanstein is extremely busy in the peak season, and there could be lines and longer waiting times, for instance, for the Marienbrucke Viewpoint, so the three hours sound more realistic. The tricky part is there's much more to see beyond Neuschwanstein, and you'll most likely want to spend more time in the Schwangau area.
The next and most obvious stop is the Hohenschwangau Castle (1 hour). Additionally, you can also explore the Pollat Gorge (1 hour), walk along the Alpsee (90 minutes), or take the challenging Tegelberg hike (the round trip is around 4-6 hours if hiking, or just take the cable car that will take you to the top in about 10 minutes). As you can clearly see, you can easily spend a full day at Neuschwanstein Castle's area without getting bored.
The Best Time to Visit Neuschwanstein
The good news is that you can visit Neuschwanstein any time of the year, but as you've already read in our post earlier, every season offers a different experience. It's often said that the ideal time to visit Neuschwanstein is either late spring or early autumn, but you need to be prepared for changeable weather.
We went during mid-April, which is technically mid-spring in Germany. And while we enjoyed our trip to Neuschwanstein, we didn't get a chance to see everything we wanted due to bad weather. It was freezing cold; the mountains were covered in clouds, and we experienced rain, snow, and a mostly gloomy atmosphere.
The main viewpoint for Neuschwanstein is about 200 meters below the castle.
Mary's Bridge was closed, and the scenic trail between it and the Neuschwanstein Castle's entrance was also closed. Tegelberg was out of the question due to bad trail conditions and, most importantly, no views. Pollat Gorge was also closed, unfortunately.
So, Martin, was anything even open? Yeah, we walked to the lower viewpoint that has Mary's Bridge in front of the Neuschwanstein, toured both castles, and later hiked for a bit around the Alpsee. We came to see the castles and saw them, so it was all good. Probably the best part was that there were relatively few people around, and the whole experience was remarkably calm and relaxed.
We could only imagine what Neuschwanstein would have been like if we had arrived a week earlier when the temperatures were hitting 30°C and wandered around Regensburg's cobbled streets. Weather plays a huge part in traveling, and you never know how it will affect your experience. In terms of months, May, June, and September are perfect for visiting Neuschwanstein.
You can definitely visit Neuschwanstein Castle in winter, but be prepared to have a very similar experience to ours. Neuschwanstein is magical when covered in snow, but most of the time, the wintertime is far less dreamy and more slushy. Also, be prepared that Mary's Bridge is closed due to icy/snow conditions during the wintertime.
Summer is the best time to visit Neuschwanstein due to the great weather and the highest chances of everything being open, but you need to embrace the fact that the whole area is overrun by tourists.
How to Avoid Crowds at Neuschwanstein
Neuschwanstein is one of the most famous attractions not just in Germany but in the world. Everyone wants to see that stunning castle with a fairy tale aura and Disney connection and hear the tragic story of King Ludwig II.
It's an easy equation. Neuschwanstein is one of those places where you need to plan ahead and also be prepared for the crowds. There's no way around it. Neuschwanstein is one of those places that are pretty much impossible to have just for yourself.
We visited during the shoulder season, on a weekday. The weather was pretty bad, Mary's Bridge was closed, and the place was still far from deserted. Those large bus tours arrive in Neuschwanstein all year round, so there are not many ways to avoid them.
That said, the general advice we always share with our readers regarding these extremely popular destinations still applies. Visit Neuschwanstein in the off-season (November and February are perfect months for this), arrive early in the morning (book the first or second guided tour if possible), and try to avoid weekends.
Packing Tips for Neuschwanstein
Neuschwanstein is generally not that different from other castles, so just wear something comfortable (check the weather forecast so you know what to pack). Keep in mind that Neuschwanstein sits at an elevation slightly above 800 meters at the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, so the weather is just a bit cooler there.
Here are a few thoughts on packing when visiting the castle during mid-spring. Layers are essential if you decide to walk to the castle on a cold day. The trail was relatively steep, and we had to remove our top layers on the way up to avoid sweating.
The Neuschwanstein interior was warm and heated (the castle has a central heating system), and our lightweight down jackets were ideal for this opportunity. When it started snowing later, we put our trusty rain jackets on. We knew serious hiking wouldn't be possible today, so we just wore regular runners.
It snowed and rained when we visited Neuschwanstein in spring.
It turned out somewhat okay, but some side trails were a bit muddy, and there were also puddles along the way, so proper trail shoes would be a better choice. Some female tourists were dressed like princesses (wearing only fairytale dresses) so they could have some nice photos, but since the temperatures were just above freezing, they didn't look very comfortable during the photoshoots.
In summer, you should still keep rain gear and an extra layer in your daypack if you decide to do some of the longer hikes in the area.
Hiking boots are great for the Tegelberg hike if the weather forecast isn't solely about the sun for the next day.
Best Ways to Reach Neuschwanstein
Neuschwanstein is located in the small village of Schwangau (precisely Hohenschwangau) in the south of Bavaria, near the German borders with Austria. The easiest way to get there is by car, though public transport is also a feasible option. We drove in our own car, but you can easily rent a car in Munich, or pretty much in every other German city.
By Car
Neuschwanstein is about 2-hours from Munich (depending on the current traffic), three hours from Nuremberg, and two and a half hours from Stuttgart.
We drove to Neuschwanstein from Augsburg (a beautiful city with Roman history and Legoland Deutschland within a short drive), and the journey took us under 90 minutes. We followed B17, which was a nice, wide road that was easy to drive on.
If you're continuing your journey to Austria, the next popular stop is Innsbruck, about two hours south of Neuschwanstein and Salzburg (3 hours east of Schwangau).
By Public Transport
If you're in Munich, you can take the train to Neuschwanstein instead of driving.
Train: The train run by DB (Deutsche Bahn) stops at nearby Fussen, about 4 kilometers from Hohenschwangau (so you need to add another 1.5 kilometers if you want to walk to the caste on your own). It is a two-hour journey (one way) if you choose a direct train.
Bus: So, how do you get from Fussen Bahnhof to Neuschwanstein? You can hop on the local bus, which runs between Fussen and Neuschwanstein Hohenschwangau village relatively frequently. Take either bus 73 or 78. The journey takes around 8-10 minutes.
By Bike
There's a cycling path from Fussen to Neuschwanstein, but we have a feeling you probably won't have a bike with you. Fortunately, you can rent a bike in Fussen and ride it to the village. This package also includes a Neuschwanstein ticket, which comes in handy if they're not available on the official website.
What About Neuschwanstein Tours?
If you're pressed for time, the most convenient way to reach Neuschwanstein is by taking a guided tour. Neuschwanstein is one of Munich's most popular day trips, so it's not surprising you can choose from various tours. This well-rated Neuschwanstein Castle Tour is extremely popular and also features nearby Linderhof Palace.
Where to Stay Near Neuschwanstein
Neuschwanstein is one of the most visited places in Bavaria, so you can be sure to find tons of great accommodations in this area. The most popular places to stay near Neuschwanstein are Hohenschwangau village (the main access point to the castle, Fussen (a beautiful town only a few kilometers from here), and Munchen (Bavaria's capital).
And, of course, anywhere in between, as the countryside is filled with small bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and apartments. For instance, we stayed overnight in Augsburg, drove to Schwangau, saw the castles, and then continued to Dachau in the evening. So, anyway, here are our top picks of the best hotels near Neuschwanstein Castle.
Hohenschwangau | Hotel Alpenstuben - This traditional, family-run hotel with cozy rooms, rustic decor, and a sun terrace is located right at the trailhead to Neuschwanstein.
Fussen | Hotel Sonne - Sonne is a well-situated hotel in Fussen. It has stylish decor, modern rooms, beautiful bathrooms, and underground parking (just be sure to reserve your spot in advance).
Munich | Rosewood - If you want luxury, you need to stay in Munich. This 5-star hotel offers amazing service, stunning rooms, an indoor pool, and probably everything you can think of.
Hostel | Bavaria City Hostel - If you're looking for a cheap place to stay near Neuschwanstein, you can pick Fussen. This popular hostel has all the essentials: clean rooms, a shared kitchen, and an excellent location.
Is Neuschwanstein Safe to Visit?
Neuschwanstein Castle is perfectly safe to visit, at least if you follow the official safety advice. Because many tourists ignored the official warnings, new fences and gates were installed to prevent them from entering hazardous areas near the castle. Don't ignore them. It's simply not worth it.
Some areas at Neuschwanstein can be closed for safety reasons.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more. Travel smarter and safer!
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Is Neuschwanstein Castle Worth Visiting?
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of Germany's top-rated attractions, and although the site is over-commercialized and attracts a constant flow of crowds, we believe it's worth seeing. The castle, as was the surrounding scenery, was just stunning (both exterior and interior). We also enjoyed the fact that there are plenty of things to see and do in Neuschwanstein besides the castle itself. Thanks to its location, it's one of the best day trips from Munich.
There are definitely a few things that could be better. We visited plenty of castles in the months prior to our Neuschwanstein trip and had various experiences. Our biggest gripe is that the guided part of the tour is mediocre, to put it mildly.
Don't get us wrong. The interiors were beautiful, but the tour was super short, and the audio guide didn't offer an immersive experience. The Hohenschwangau tour was much better. This could be much improved, especially in the off-season when things are slow.
Another thing that's not great is that the Marienbrucke is closed in winter or during icy conditions, so you can't enjoy the most photogenic spot for several months. Sure, you can't change the weather, but plenty of similar attractions are accessible in winter (like the Sky Bridge 721).
The last thing is the crowds, but that's what it is with similar places, whether you visit Yellowstone, Machu Picchu, or Neuschwanstein.
We hope this fairly long guide helps you plan your day at Neuschwanstein. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask in the comment section below. Happy planning!
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
