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.

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Things to do near Neuschwanstein Castle

At Neuschwanstein Castle, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including skiing, hiking, and indulging in spa treatments. A guided tour of the castle is a must-do, allowing you to explore its stunning architecture and learn about its fascinating history. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or relaxation, the area offers a perfect blend of experiences for a memorable visit.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Neuschwanstein Castle, visit the charming local shops and markets in Schwangau. If you're up for a drive, the Forum Allgäu Kempten shopping centre, located 37.0km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment and family-friendly options. Additionally, Jamei - Laibspeis' is 38.6km from the castle, perfect for unique gifts.

Recreation

Enjoy a refreshing swim at Alpenbad Pfronten, located 14.5km from Neuschwanstein Castle, perfect for families and sports enthusiasts. For a touch of fun, try Bad Hindelang Mini Golf Course, 29.0km away, offering adventure and family vibes amidst beautiful scenery.

Adventure

Eibsee, a thrilling cable car gondola located 20.9km from Neuschwanstein Castle, offers breathtaking views and outdoor family adventures. The Buchenbergbahn ski lift, 8.0km away, provides exhilarating skiing experiences, while Skizentrum Pfronten, 14.5km away, promises an exciting ski resort atmosphere amidst stunning alpine scenery.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Neuschwanstein Castle by visiting Füssen Music Hall, a charming theatre offering culture and romance, just 4.8km away. For a thrilling adventure, enjoy the Sommerrodelbahn Tegelberg, located only 1.3km away, or take in a performance at the Passionstheater, 24.1km from the castle.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Neuschwanstein Castle

At Neuschwanstein Castle, visitors can explore a variety of attractions including picturesque lakes, historical castles, and relaxing hot springs. These points of interest cater to those seeking cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and romantic getaways, making it an ideal destination for tourists looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Bavaria.

  • Forggensee: Located 6.4km from Neuschwanstein Castle, Forggensee is a picturesque lake offering stunning scenery and romantic vibes. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along its beaches, partake in outdoor activities, or simply soak in the tranquil surroundings.
  • Hohenschwangau Castle: Just 1.1km away, Hohenschwangau Castle enchants with its romantic atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. Explore this charming castle, which served as the childhood home of King Ludwig II, and marvel at its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
  • Königliche Kristall-Therme Schwangau: Situated 3.2km from Neuschwanstein Castle, this wellness oasis offers relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy the soothing hot springs amidst stunning outdoor settings, making it the perfect retreat for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Best time to go to Neuschwanstein Castle

The best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Neuschwanstein Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Neuschwanstein Castle falls in January, 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 LowAverage
March33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
May48.2°F (9.0°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
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 CloudyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Neuschwanstein Castle

To save money on your trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, consider visiting during the off-peak months of March to April or November, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or seeking last-minute deals on Expedia can yield significant savings. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for added savings. Look for discounts indicated by green banners on hotel listings to maximise your budget.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To uncover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel reservation for Neuschwanstein Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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