Neuschwanstein Castle Visit Guide

Neuschwanstein Castle is a true architectural marvel and one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks. It is a 19th-century, hilltop fortress built for King Ludwig II in Bavaria, Germany. The so-called “fairytale castle” was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and is famous for its intricate architecture and stunning alpine surroundings.

Visitor information

Operating hours: The castle is open daily. From April to mid-October, hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from mid-October to March, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..
Best time to visit: The castle receives about 1.5 million visitors annually and sells a limited number of tickets each day. To avoid long waits and large crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Tickets: Tickets for castle tours can be purchased online in advance and are timed for entry. Tickets for specific tour slots can sell out early, especially during peak seasons, so advance booking is highly recommended.
- Prices: As of April 2025, regular adult tickets cost €21. There are reduced-price tickets for certain groups, and children under 18 enter for free.
Guided tours: All visits to the castle interior are conducted as mandatory guided tours with limited capacity. The tour lasts about 30 minutes.
- Tours are offered in German and English, with audio guides available in many other languages.
No photos: Photography and filming are prohibited inside the castle.

Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle

Visitors must reach the village of Hohenschwangau at the bottom of the castle hill, as private vehicles are not allowed to drive to the castle itself.

From Füssen: From the Füssen train station, take bus 73 or 78 to Hohenschwangau.
From Hohenschwangau to the castle: From the ticket center in Hohenschwangau, you have three options to get up the steep hill to the castle entrance:
- Walk: The walk takes approximately 30–40 minutes uphill.
- Shuttle bus: A shuttle bus runs frequently to a viewpoint near the Marienbrücke bridge. From there, it is a 10–15 minute walk downhill to the castle. Bus service is limited in winter, especially during snow and ice.
- Horse-drawn carriage: Carriages run throughout the year, dropping passengers about 10–15 minutes uphill from the castle entrance.

Must-see rooms inside

While the entire interior is impressive, some of the most notable features include:

Throne Room: Though the throne was never completed, this Byzantine-style room features a stunning mosaic floor and painted murals.
Singer’s Hall: Designed for musical performances, this is the largest room in the castle and is lavishly decorated with Wagnerian themes.
Grotto: An artificial cave, which connects the living room and study, features a small waterfall and offers an otherworldly escape.

Features outside the castle

Marienbrücke (Queen Mary’s Bridge): Located near the shuttle bus drop-off, this is the best spot for taking photos of Neuschwanstein Castle. Be prepared for long lines at the viewpoint during peak season.
Hohenschwangau Castle: Neuschwanstein’s neighbor is the childhood home of King Ludwig II and was rebuilt by his father. Tours are available, and the castle offers a different, more lived-in perspective on royal life.

Accessibility

Reduced mobility: Visitors with reduced mobility should book their tickets in advance with the ticket center.
Elevator access: The castle has an elevator to accommodate wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility. However, only one wheelchair or walker user is allowed per tour for fire and safety reasons.
Steep terrain: The path from the shuttle bus stop to the castle entrance is very steep and may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility.

Other important tips

What to wear: Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear, as the paths are steep and can be uneven.
Time commitment: Plan for plenty of time. Including transportation, ticket pickup, and the guided tour, a visit to Neuschwanstein and the surrounding area can take several hours.

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