A Complete Guide To Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle
A Fairytale Dream Come True
Ever since I was a child, I had one castle on my bucket list: Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. Maybe it was the fact that it inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle, or maybe it was the dreamy towers perched on a cliffside overlooking the Bavarian Alps. Either way, visiting Neuschwanstein felt like stepping into a fairytale and it didn’t disappoint.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, from how to get there to how much time to plan and where to buy tickets. I’ll also tell you why you shouldn’t skip the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, a lesser-known gem that completes the fairytale experience.
How to get to
Neuschwanstein Castle
Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle is easy, whether you’re coming from Munich, Innsbruck, or elsewhere in Bavaria.
From Munich:
By Train: Take a direct train to Füssen (around 2 hours) from Munich’s central station. From Füssen, hop on bus 73 or 78 to Hohenschwangau.
By Car: The drive takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, and there is parking in Hohenschwangau.
From Füssen:
Once in Hohenschwangau, you’ll find the ticket center and start your short journey up to the castle. You can:
Hike up (around 30–40 minutes, moderately uphill)
Take a shuttle bus (around €3) that drops you near Marienbrücke, a viewpoint overlooking the castle
Please do these beautiful animals a favor and don’t take the horse-drawn carriages
Neuschwanstein Castle is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Munich. By train and bus, the journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours one way. Driving takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes depending on traffic.
What is Neuschwanstein Castle? - A Brief History
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most famous castles in the world. Located in the Bavarian region of southern Germany, near the town of Füssen, this 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace is surrounded by forested hills, alpine lakes, and panoramic mountain views.
Commissioned by the mysterious and reclusive King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869, the castle was meant to be a personal refuge, inspired by medieval legends and operas composed by his friend Richard Wagner. Ironically, Ludwig only lived in it for a few months before he died under suspicious circumstances — and the castle was opened to the public shortly after.
Though it looks medieval, the castle was never built for defense. It was more of a romantic fantasy, with lavish halls, murals, and even an artificial cave inside.
Tickets, Entry, and Tours
You must book a timed ticket in advance to tour the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle. You cannot enter the interior without a guided tour.
Ticket Prices (as of 2025):
Adults: €18
Reduced: €17
Under 18: Free
Combo tickets with Hohenschwangau Castle are available
Pro Tip: Book online through the official ticket website to avoid long queues. In peak season (May to October), tickets often sell out days in advance. So I can definitely recommend to buy them a few weeks in advance
What’s Included in the Tour?
Guided tours last around 30–40 minutes
You’ll visit the Throne Hall, Singer’s Hall, King Ludwig’s bedroom, and more
Tours are available in multiple languages or with an audio guide
Unfotunatly, Photography is not allowed inside the castle.
How Long Should You Plan for a Visit of Neuschwanstein Castle?
I recommend at least half a day, or better yet a full day, especially if you want to visit both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.
Here’s a sample itinerary:
Morning: Arrive in Hohenschwangau, grab your tickets
Late morning: Tour Hohenschwangau Castle
Lunch: Eat in one of the cozy Bavarian restaurants in the village
Afternoon: Hike or ride up to Neuschwanstein and join your timed tour
Before sunset: Stop by Marienbrücke for the iconic photo
You’ll also have time for the museum of the Bavarian Kings if you’re interested in history.
What to Bring to Neuschwanstein castle
These are a few things to consider bringing to Neuschwanstein Castle (or basically any hike in the mountains):
- Comfortable walking shoes (there’s a lot of uphill walking)
- Water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike
- Layers, as the weather in the mountains can shift quickly
- A Camera, but remember photos are only allowed outside
When is the Best Time to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle?
- Spring (April to June): Fewer crowds, blooming nature
- Summer (July to September): Peak tourist season with long daylight, but busier
- Fall (October): Golden forests and fewer visitors
- Winter (November to March): Snowy fairytale vibes but occasional closures due to snow
Tip: Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid tour bus crowds.
Where to Stay Near Neuschwanstein
You can stay directly in Hohenschwangau, or opt for the charming nearby town of Füssen.
Cute places to stay, that i would recommend:
Hotel Müller: Classic and right next to the ticket center
Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel: Luxury with castle views
Old Kings Hostel in Füssen: Budget-friendly and cozy
Don’t Miss: Hohenschwangau Castle
Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Hohenschwangau Castle is absolutely worth visiting. It’s where King Ludwig II grew up, and it sits just below Neuschwanstein.
The tour includes historic rooms, period furnishings, and stories of royal life. The castle has a warmer, lived-in feel compared to the theatrical grandeur of Neuschwanstein.
Combined tickets make it easy to see both castles in one day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan to spend at least 3 to 5 hours for your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, especially if you include the hike, photo stops, and the guided tour. If you’re also visiting Hohenschwangau Castle, set aside a full day.
No, the interior of Neuschwanstein Castle can only be visited on a guided tour. You can walk around the exterior and surrounding trails without a ticket, but entry into the castle requires a reserved, timed tour.
The official guided tour lasts around 30 to 40 minutes. It’s a fast-paced tour that takes you through the main rooms of the castle, including the Throne Hall, Ludwig’s bedroom, and the Singer’s Hall.
From Neuschwanstein Castle, it’s about a 10 to 15 minute walk to Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), the iconic viewpoint that offers postcard-perfect views of the castle. The trail is relatively flat but can be slippery in winter.
From the parking area in Hohenschwangau village, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to walk up to the castle. The path is paved but uphill, so wear good walking shoes. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle or horse-drawn carriage.
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