Neuschwanstein Castle Tours

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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Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel
Boutique Hotel Germania
Rosewood Munich

Popular places to visit


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, Hohenschwangau, Schwangau
Hotel Müller Hohenschwangau
Schlossblick - Cozy attic apartment near bavarian dream castle Neuschwanstein

Schlossblick - Cozy attic apartment near bavarian dream castle Neuschwanstein

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

Luitpoldpark Hotel

4 out of 5
Bahnhofstr. 1-3, Fuessen, BY
Luitpoldpark Hotel
Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet

Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet

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

Hotel Waldmann

Parkstraße 5, Schwangau, BY
Hotel Waldmann
Hotel Hanselewirt

Hotel Hanselewirt

Mitteldorf 13, Schwangau, BY
Hotel Hanselewirt
Hotel Das Rübezahl

Hotel Das Rübezahl

4.5 out of 5
Am Ehberg 31, Schwangau, Bayern
Hotel Das Rübezahl
Hotel Schlosskrone

Hotel Schlosskrone

4.5 out of 5
Prinzregenplatz 4, Fuessen, BY
Hotel Schlosskrone
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, enjoy activities like skiing, hiking, and relaxing at nearby spas. Consider a quick stop at the castle, explore various tour options, or visit the vantage platform for stunning views. Bus tours and city guides are also available for a comprehensive experience, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this enchanting destination in Bavaria.

Shopping

For souvenirs, visit Jamei - Laibspeis', a unique store located 24 miles away from Neuschwanstein Castle. If you're up for a drive, check out Forum Allgäu Kempten, a shopping mall 23 miles away, offering a variety of shops and a lively atmosphere for family fun.

Recreation

Enjoy a fun-filled day at Bad Hindelang Mini Golf Course, featuring family-friendly mini-golf amidst scenic views, located 18 miles from Neuschwanstein. For relaxation, visit Alpenbad Pfronten, a pool offering outdoor vibes just 9 miles away, perfect for swimming and family outings.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views from the Eibsee cable car gondola, located 13 miles from Neuschwanstein Castle, perfect for family adventures. For skiing enthusiasts, the Buchenbergbahn ski lift is only 5 miles away, offering thrilling slopes. Enjoy fun-filled water activities at the Alpspitz-Bade-Center, situated 12 miles from the castle.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Neuschwanstein Castle by visiting Füssen Music Hall for a captivating show, or try your luck at Casino Garmisch-Partenkirchen for an exciting evening. For a unique cultural experience, enjoy a performance at Passionstheater, where entertainment meets romance.

Find the best attractions near Neuschwanstein Castle

Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Bavaria, offers a magical blend of culture, romance, and outdoor adventure. Explore the enchanting fairytale castle, majestic views, and nearby attractions like beautiful lakes and relaxing hot springs. This destination is perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience at the iconic Schloss Neuschwanstein.

  • Hohenschwangau Castle: Nestled 0.7 miles from Neuschwanstein, this enchanting castle offers a glimpse into Bavaria's romantic past. With its picturesque architecture and lush surroundings, it embodies cultural charm and historical significance.
  • Forggensee: Located 4 miles away, Forggensee is a stunning lake perfect for outdoor activities. Enjoy serene beach vibes, breathtaking scenery, and romantic sunsets that create unforgettable memories.
  • Königliche Kristall-Therme Schwangau: Just 2 miles from Neuschwanstein, this luxurious hot spring provides a perfect escape for wellness and relaxation. Immerse yourself in soothing waters amidst beautiful outdoor settings.

Best time to go to Neuschwanstein Castle

Visitor numbers around Neuschwanstein Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 cheaper months of March to April and November, as well as booking your hotel about a month in advance. Tuesdays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the most costly. Use Expedia to find deals, filter for eco-certified hotels, and take advantage of package discounts that combine flights and accommodations. Additionally, consider joining Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive offers and rewards to save on future bookings.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Neuschwanstein Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Neuschwanstein Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Neuschwanstein Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to tailor your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Neuschwanstein Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.