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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5/5 - 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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Top Neuschwanstein Castle Hotel Deals

AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa

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4.5 out of 5
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Hotel Müller Hohenschwangau

Hotel Müller Hohenschwangau

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Luitpoldpark Hotel

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4 out of 5
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Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet

Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet

4 out of 5
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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
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Hotel Waldmann

Hotel Waldmann

Parkstraße 5, Schwangau, BY
Hotel Waldmann
Hotel Hirsch

Hotel Hirsch

4 out of 5
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Hotel Hanselewirt

Hotel Hanselewirt

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Hotel Hanselewirt
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

A trip to Neuschwanstein Castle offers a range of delightful activities, including exploring the castle itself through various tour options. Enjoy hiking trails above the castle for stunning views, and during winter, take advantage of nearby ski slopes. For relaxation, indulge in local spa facilities. Whether you're visiting the iconic castle or immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Bavaria, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

For souvenirs near Neuschwanstein Castle, visit local shops in Schwangau. If you're up for a drive, head to Forum Allgäu Kempten, 37.0km away, for a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment options, or explore Jamei - Laibspeis, located 38.6km from the castle.

Recreation

At Alpenbad Pfronten, enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool surrounded by stunning mountain views, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. For a fun-filled day, visit Bad Hindelang Mini Golf Course, offering a delightful mini-golf experience. Alternatively, challenge yourself at Golfclub an der Hammerschmiede with its scenic fairways.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Eibsee cable car, located 20.9km from Neuschwanstein Castle, offering stunning views and outdoor adventures. For skiing enthusiasts, the Hochalp Ski Lift, 12.9km away, provides exhilarating slopes. Alternatively, the Alpspitzbahn Gondola, also 20.9km distant, promises family-friendly outdoor fun.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Neuschwanstein Castle by visiting Füssen Music Hall for a delightful theatre performance, or enjoy the thrill at Sommerrodelbahn Tegelberg, an exciting amusement ride. For more cultural entertainment, head to Passionstheater, where romance and family vibes abound.

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

Find the best attractions near Neuschwanstein Castle

The Neuschwanstein Castle area offers a delightful blend of experiences, from the breathtaking lake views to the enchanting castles nearby, including Hohenschwangau Castle. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural exploration, outdoor activities, and romantic strolls, all within close proximity to Neuschwanstein Castle. A visit to these iconic sites promises to create unforgettable memories amidst Bavaria's stunning landscapes.

  • Forggensee: Located 6.4km from Neuschwanstein Castle, Forggensee is a picturesque lake perfect for a romantic day out. Enjoy its sandy beaches, stunning scenery, and various outdoor activities, making it an idyllic spot for relaxation and connection with nature.
  • Hohenschwangau Castle: Just 1.1km away, Hohenschwangau Castle offers a charming glimpse into Bavaria's royal heritage. With its romantic atmosphere and rich cultural history, visitors can explore the beautifully restored rooms and learn about the lives of the Bavarian kings.
  • Königliche Kristall-Therme Schwangau: Situated 3.2km from Neuschwanstein Castle, this luxurious hot spring is a sanctuary for wellness and relaxation. Enjoy the serene outdoor pools and therapeutic treatments, providing a perfect escape 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 on your trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, consider visiting during the cheaper months of March to April or November. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates, with Mondays being the least expensive days to stay. Use Expedia to find discounted last-minute deals and package offers that combine flights and activities. For public transport, look for local bus services to the castle, which are more affordable than taxis. Lastly, explore the surrounding area for free activities, such as hiking trails that offer stunning views of the castle.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Neuschwanstein Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation for Neuschwanstein Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.