Neuschwanstein Castle Tours

Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein, Lovely Summer Landscape Panorama Picture of the fairy tale castle near Munich in Bavaria, Germany; Shutterstock ID 621068894
Neuschwanstein, Lovely Autumn Landscape Panorama Picture of the fairy tale castle near Munich in Bavaria, Germany with colorful trees in the morning hours

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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Boutique Hotel Germania

Boutique Hotel Germania

4 out of 5
Munich City Centre
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $2,077, price is now $1,458 per person
$1,458
per person
Apr 13 - Apr 19
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Miami (MIA) to Munich (MUC)
8/10 Very Good! (334 reviews)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had a wonderful stay at Germania Boutique Hotel. The staff was extremely helpful and welcoming, and it was such a relief that everyone spoke excellent English. They made check-out easy and took the time to clearly explain where to park, which was a huge help since we had a car. Breakfast was absolutely incredible far more than we expected and the beds were very comfortable, making it easy to relax after a long day. The hotel has a great vibe: warm, stylish, and inviting. We would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it.

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2026

Rosewood Munich

Rosewood Munich

5 out of 5
Munich City Centre
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $4,603, price is now $2,741 per person
$2,741
per person
Apr 13 - Apr 19
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Miami (MIA) to Munich (MUC)
9/10 Wonderful! (31 reviews)
Amazing stay. Warm and friendly

Reviewed on Nov 27, 2025

Mandarin Oriental, Munich

Mandarin Oriental, Munich

5 out of 5
Munich City Centre
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $4,414, price is now $2,719 per person
$2,719
per person
Apr 13 - Apr 19
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Miami (MIA) to Munich (MUC)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (197 reviews)
Great concierge service. Check in staff made the stay very easy.

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2026

Reviews of Neuschwanstein Castle

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
198
5 - Excellent 76%
4 - Good
53
4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

MMM

Beautiful castle but the way you get put in a large group and shuffled around, not cool. You only see the inside of a little bit of one part of the castle.

4/5 - Good

Jeff

Crowded and a challenging walk up to the castle.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Reserve a time for entry even if you are buying tickets there. Reserve online months in advance to get a day and time that works for you.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Don’t miss

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Reservations a must. Go early. Gets really grounded and touristy fast.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We took the horse carriage up the hill. However, there is still an additional walk for approximately 15 minutes uphill to the castle entrance. Once on the tour, there are about 250 steps to climb inside the castle. Very difficult for the elderly or handicapped. But this is a Must See while visiting Germany.

Popular places to visit

Neuschwanstein Castle at sunset in winter landscape. Germany; Shutterstock ID 246657790

Hohenschwangau Castle

4.5/5(163 reviews)

Imagine yourself on a hunting vacation or enjoying a summer hiking holiday while visiting this residence of 19th-century Bavarian kings.

Hohenschwangau Castle
Restaurant next to the museum

Museum of the Bavarian Kings

You can study the exhibits at Museum of the Bavarian Kings, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Schwangau. Discover the area's mountain views and top-notch restaurants.

Museum of the Bavarian Kings
Beim Tegelberg

Mt Tegelberg

5/5(1 review)

Explore the great outdoors at Mt Tegelberg and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Schwangau. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Mt Tegelberg
It's a shame that so many people on bus tours miss this attraction that is virtually right next to Neuschwanstein castle. It's adjacent to Hohenshwangau

Alpsee

4.5/5(13 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Alpsee and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Schwangau. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Alpsee
Lech in Vorarlberg,Austria

Lech

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lech during your travels in Haunstetten-Siebenbrunn.

Lech

St. Koloman

Learn about the local history of Schwangau when you spend time at St. Koloman. Discover the mountain views and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

St. Koloman

Best Lodging Options Near Neuschwanstein Castle

AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa

AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
Alpseestraße 21 Schwangau
AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa
Hotel Müller Hohenschwangau

Hotel Müller Hohenschwangau

Alpseestraße 16 Schwangau
Hotel Müller Hohenschwangau
Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet

Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet

4 out of 5
Colomanstr. 12 Schwangau
Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet
Hotel Waldmann

Hotel Waldmann

Parkstraße 5 Schwangau BY
Hotel Waldmann
Schlossblick - Cozy attic apartment near bavarian dream castle Neuschwanstein

Schlossblick - Cozy attic apartment near bavarian dream castle Neuschwanstein

Hohenschwangau BY
Schlossblick - Cozy attic apartment near bavarian dream castle Neuschwanstein
Luitpoldpark Hotel

Luitpoldpark Hotel

Bahnhofstr. 1-3 Fuessen BY
Luitpoldpark Hotel
Das König Ludwig Inspiration SPA - Adult Only

Das König Ludwig Inspiration SPA - Adult Only

4.5 out of 5
Kreuzweg 15 Schwangau BY
Das König Ludwig Inspiration SPA - Adult Only
Hotel Hirsch

Hotel Hirsch

4 out of 5
Kaiser-Maximilian-Platz 7 Fuessen BY
Hotel Hirsch
Hotel Das Rübezahl

Hotel Das Rübezahl

4.5 out of 5
Am Ehberg 31 Schwangau Bayern
Hotel Das Rübezahl
See all 1,729 properties in Neuschwanstein Castle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Neuschwanstein Castle

When visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Bavaria, make sure to explore a variety of activities nearby, including skiing, hiking, and relaxing at local spas. Popular options include guided tours of the castle, sightseeing tours, and day trips to fully appreciate its stunning architecture and breathtaking surroundings.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, visit Jamei - Laibspeis' 24 miles away for unique gifts and local delicacies. Another option is Forum Allgäu Kempten, located 23 miles from the castle, offering a lively mix of entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly activities.

Recreation

At Füssen Music Hall, enjoy captivating performances that blend culture and entertainment just 3 miles from Neuschwanstein Castle, perfect for a romantic evening. For sports enthusiasts, Golfclub an der Hammerschmiede, located 26 miles away, offers a scenic golf experience amid stunning Bavarian landscapes.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views on the Tegelberg Tram, a cable car located 0.7 miles from Neuschwanstein Castle, perfect for outdoor adventures. For family fun, visit the Alpspitz-Bade-Center waterpark, 12 miles away. Alternatively, hit the slopes at Erlebnisberg Steckenberg ski field, located 13 miles from the castle.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Neuschwanstein Castle features charming Bavarian pubs and cozy eateries. Visit the historic Schlossbrauhaus for local brews and hearty meals. For a unique experience, enjoy a night walk with stunning castle views, or catch a traditional music performance at nearby venues, immersing yourself in the local culture.

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

Find the best attractions near Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle, located in Schwangau, Bavaria, is surrounded by stunning lakes, charming castles, and relaxing hot springs. This enchanting destination offers a blend of culture, romance, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the castle's magnificent exterior and take guided tours of its beautiful interior. Don't forget to secure your Neuschwanstein tickets and enjoy the scenic vicinity that enhances your experience in this fairy-tale setting.

  • Forggensee: Forggensee is a picturesque lake located 4 miles from Neuschwanstein Castle, offering stunning scenery and a lovely beach. It's an ideal spot for outdoor activities and romantic strolls, where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature while taking in the breathtaking Bavarian landscape.
  • Hohenschwangau Castle: Just 0.7 miles away, Hohenschwangau Castle exudes romance and culture. This charming castle, once the childhood residence of King Ludwig II, features beautiful architecture and rich history, making it a captivating visit for those interested in Bavarian heritage.
  • Königliche Kristall-Therme Schwangau: Located 2 miles from the castle, this luxurious hot spring offers a wellness and relaxation experience. Surrounded by stunning outdoor views, guests can unwind in thermal baths and enjoy spa treatments, perfect for rejuvenation after a day of exploration.

Best time to go to Neuschwanstein Castle

The best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle is dependent 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 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

Tips to save on your trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically March to April and November) for more affordable package holidays to Neuschwanstein Castle.
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