Neuschwanstein Castle

Photo provided by ©Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung - www.neuschwanstein.de
Photo provided by ©Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung - www.neuschwanstein.de
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle


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.

Plan a trip to see Neuschwanstein Castle

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Things to do near Neuschwanstein Castle

Visitors to Neuschwanstein Castle can enjoy a range of activities including skiing, hiking, and spa treatments. Key highlights include guided tours of the castle itself, fantastic excursions around the picturesque area, and the exhilarating alpine coaster adventure. This enchanting destination offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, making it an ideal spot for holidaymakers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

In Schwangau, enjoy local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, explore Forum Allgäu Kempten, 14.3km away, featuring diverse shops and entertainment options. Alternatively, visit Jamei - Laibspeis', located 14.9km away, for delightful local products.

Recreation

Alpenbad Pfronten, only 5.6km from Neuschwanstein Castle, offers a family-friendly outdoor pool experience. For a fun-filled day, try the Bad Hindelang Mini Golf Course, located 11.2km away, perfect for sports and adventure. Lastly, Golfclub an der Hammerschmiede, 16.2km away, provides a stunning outdoor golf experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Tegelberg Tram, located 435m from Neuschwanstein Castle, offering stunning views and adventure vibes. Alternatively, visit Eibsee and the Eibsee-Seilbahn, both situated 8.1km away, providing a fantastic outdoor experience for families and adventure enthusiasts alike.

Nightlife

Experience vibrant nightlife at Fuessen Music Hall, just 1.9km from Neuschwanstein Castle, where culture and entertainment blend beautifully. For a thrilling ride, visit Sommerrodelbahn Tegelberg, located 497m away. Alternatively, enjoy captivating performances at Passionstheater, 9.3km from the castle, offering a romantic atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Neuschwanstein Castle

Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle offers a captivating blend of cultural and romantic experiences, set against the stunning backdrop of lakes and mountains. Explore the enchanting Schloss Neuschwanstein, often dubbed the fairytale or dream castle, and take in the beautiful surroundings of Schwangau. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the area provides ample opportunities to soak in the natural beauty and indulge in local attractions, making it a perfect getaway for all types of travellers.

  • Hohenschwangau Castle: Nestled 435m from Neuschwanstein, this charming castle exudes a romantic atmosphere. It offers a glimpse into the lives of the Bavarian royal family and features stunning interiors and captivating views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Forggensee: Located 2.5km away, this picturesque lake is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With its lovely beaches and breathtaking scenery, it provides a serene backdrop for a romantic picnic or a leisurely stroll along the water's edge.
  • Königliche Kristall-Therme Schwangau: Just 1.2km from Neuschwanstein, this luxurious thermal spa offers a tranquil wellness experience. Enjoy the soothing hot springs and outdoor pools, making it an ideal spot for relaxation after a day of sightseeing.

Best time to go to Neuschwanstein Castle

The best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.5°F (-3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February26.6°F (-3.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May48.2°F (9.0°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.2°F (15.1°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August58.6°F (14.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September51.6°F (10.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November35.6°F (2.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December28.4°F (-2.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Neuschwanstein Castle

To save money on your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months of March to April and November, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can yield better rates, and check Expedia for last-minute deals. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Utilise Expedia’s search tools to compare room rates and find affordable, eco-certified hotels. Additionally, consider package deals that bundle flights and activities with your hotel for further savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Neuschwanstein Castle are March to April and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Neuschwanstein Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Neuschwanstein Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Neuschwanstein Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type—if you select the “Eco-certified” filter, you’ll be presented with sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel reservation for Neuschwanstein Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.