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.

Reviews of Neuschwanstein Castle

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5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 70%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 10%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 20%
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5/5 - Excellent

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Queues build up for entry at specific 5 minute intervals, so arrive early if you don't want to queue for one to two hours.

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Things to do near Neuschwanstein Castle

While visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, adventure enthusiasts can enjoy various activities such as skiing and hiking in the stunning Bavarian landscape. Additionally, there are excellent spa facilities nearby for those seeking relaxation. Don't miss out on the amazing tours that reveal the castle's history and the surrounding attractions, making for an unforgettable experience in this enchanting region.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Neuschwanstein Castle, visit local souvenir shops for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, check out Forum Allgäu Kempten, 37.0km away, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment, or Jamei - Laibspeis', located 38.6km from the castle.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation at Alpenbad Pfronten, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool surrounded by scenic beauty. For a bit of fun, the Bad Hindelang Mini Golf Course offers an adventurous outing for families, while the Golfclub an der Hammerschmiede is perfect for a leisurely round of golf.

Adventure

Experience the breathtaking Eibsee cable car, located 20.9km from Neuschwanstein Castle, offering stunning views and outdoor adventure. The Buchenbergbahn ski lift, 8.0km away, is perfect for thrill-seekers, while Skizentrum Pfronten, 14.5km distant, invites you to enjoy skiing amidst enchanting alpine scenery.

Nightlife

In Neuschwanstein Castle, the Fuessen Music Hall offers an enchanting theatre experience with a cultural touch, only 4.8km away. For an exhilarating ride, the Sommerrodelbahn Tegelberg, located 1.3km away, promises fun. Alternatively, the Passionstheater, 24.1km away, captivates with its romantic atmosphere and family-friendly entertainment.

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

Find the best attractions near Neuschwanstein Castle

Visitors to Neuschwanstein Castle can indulge in a variety of attractions, including the picturesque nearby lakes, stunning castles, and relaxing hot springs. This enchanting region offers a blend of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and romantic settings, making it an ideal destination for all types of travellers. Whether you seek history, nature, or a touch of romance, Neuschwanstein and its surroundings provide a memorable getaway.

  • Forggensee: A picturesque lake located 6.4km from Neuschwanstein Castle, Forggensee offers stunning scenery and a tranquil beach atmosphere. It's perfect for outdoor activities and romantic strolls, making it a serene escape.
  • Hohenschwangau Castle: Situated a mere 1.1km away, Hohenschwangau Castle boasts rich cultural heritage and breathtaking views. With its romantic ambiance, it invites visitors to explore its fascinating history and stunning architecture.
  • Königliche Kristall-Therme Schwangau: Located 3.2km from the castle, this wellness oasis features soothing hot springs. Enjoy relaxation in a beautiful outdoor setting, ideal for rejuvenating after a day of sightseeing.

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, visit during the off-peak months of March to April or November, when accommodation prices tend to be lower. Booking your hotel a month in advance can also yield better rates, particularly for stays on Mondays, which are typically cheaper than Saturdays. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities to maximise savings. Don't forget to check for last-minute deals and filter for eco-friendly hotels for economical yet sustainable choices.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel accommodation near Neuschwanstein Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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