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

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

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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
Luitpoldpark Hotel

Luitpoldpark Hotel

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

Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet

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

Hotel & Restaurant Ludwigs

Reichenstr. 17, Fuessen, BY
Hotel & Restaurant Ludwigs
Hotel Sonne

Hotel Sonne

4 out of 5
Prinzregentenplatz 1, Fuessen, BY
Hotel Sonne
Hotel Hirsch

Hotel Hirsch

4 out of 5
Kaiser-Maximilian-Platz 7, Fuessen, BY
Hotel Hirsch
Hotel Waldmann

Hotel Waldmann

Parkstraße 5, Schwangau, BY
Hotel Waldmann
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, don't miss out on popular activities such as skiing, hiking, and enjoying a relaxing spa. Consider various tour options, including guided tours of the castle and day trips that offer insights into its history and stunning surroundings. A visit to Neuschwanstein Castle promises a blend of breathtaking scenery and enriching experiences, making it a must-see destination in Bavaria.

Shopping

For souvenirs, check out Jamei - Laibspeis', located 24 miles away. If you're up for a drive, visit Forum Allgäu Kempten, a shopping mall 23 miles away, where you’ll find a mix of entertainment, family-friendly spots, and a vibrant city atmosphere.

Recreation

At Bad Hindelang Mini Golf Course, enjoy a fun-filled family day with sporty vibes just 18 miles from Neuschwanstein Castle. For a refreshing swim, visit Alpenbad Pfronten, located 9 miles away, where outdoor activities abound. Golf enthusiasts will love the scenic Golfclub an der Hammerschmiede, 26 miles away.

Adventure

Experience the Eibsee cable car for stunning alpine views, located 13 miles from Neuschwanstein Castle. For ski enthusiasts, the Buchenbergbahn ski lift, 5 miles away, offers thrilling slopes. Additionally, enjoy fun at the Alpspitz-Bade-Center waterpark, 12 miles distant, perfect for family entertainment and adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Neuschwanstein Castle. Enjoy a performance at the Füssen Music Hall, just 3 miles away, or catch a show at the Passionstheater, 15 miles from the castle. For more entertainment, visit Modeon Marktoberdorf, located 17 miles away, for an unforgettable evening.

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

Find the best attractions near Neuschwanstein Castle

When visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Bavaria, you can explore a variety of attractions including beautiful lakes, the iconic castle itself, and nearby hot springs. This enchanting destination offers cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and romantic settings for all types of travelers. Don’t miss the chance to visit Schloss Neuschwanstein and discover the royal charm of this stunning castle, perfect for a memorable vacation in Germany.

  • Forggensee: Located 4 miles from Neuschwanstein Castle, Forggensee is a picturesque lake perfect for outdoor adventures. Enjoy the beautiful beach, striking scenery, and a romantic atmosphere—ideal for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing day by the water.
  • Hohenschwangau Castle: Just 0.7 miles away, Hohenschwangau Castle offers a blend of romance and rich culture. Explore its stunning architecture and learn about the history of the Bavarian royal family while soaking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Königliche Kristall-Therme Schwangau: Situated 2 miles from the castle, this wellness hot spring invites you to unwind and relax. With its outdoor settings and soothing thermal baths, it's the perfect spot to rejuvenate after a day of sightseeing.

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

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 or November, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates. Mondays are the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find and refine hotel deals, and check for last-minute offers. Combine hotel bookings with flights for additional savings, and join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Exploring free activities in the area can also enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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 Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Neuschwanstein Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To find the most affordable prices and special offers, 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 deal.
  • 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.

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