Neuschwanstein Castle Tours and Activities

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

Visit Neuschwanstein Castle

Activities

Schwangau travel guide

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.

Popular places to visit

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

Hohenschwangau Castle

4.5/5(3 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Schwangau with a trip to Hohenschwangau Castle. Discover the area's mountain views and top-notch restaurants.

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 holiday in Schwangau. Discover the area's mountain views and top-notch restaurants.

Mt Tegelberg

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

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(2 reviews)

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

Lech

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

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.

Top Neuschwanstein Castle Hotel & Accommodation Deals

AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa

Alpseestraße 21 Schwangau

Hotel Müller Hohenschwangau

Alpseestraße 16 Schwangau

Luitpoldpark Hotel

Bahnhofstr. 1-3 Fuessen BY

Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet

Colomanstr. 12 Schwangau

Schlossblick - Cozy attic apartment near bavarian dream castle Neuschwanstein

Hohenschwangau BY

Vacation apartment with a view of the mountains and the royal castle

Schwangau BY

Hotel Waldmann

Parkstraße 5 Schwangau BY

Hotel Hirsch

Kaiser-Maximilian-Platz 7 Fuessen BY

Das König Ludwig Inspiration SPA - Adult Only

Kreuzweg 15 Schwangau BY

See all 1,724 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

During your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Bavaria, explore the enchanting castle through guided tours and immerse yourself in the Neuschwanstein experience. Enjoy a day trip that includes scenic hikes and opportunities for skiing nearby. After your adventures, unwind at a local spa for relaxation. This blend of history, nature, and wellness makes for a memorable holiday.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Neuschwanstein Castle, visit local boutiques for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, head to Forum Allgäu Kempten, 37.0km away, or Jamei - Laibspeis', located 38.6km away, for a variety of gifts and treats.

Recreation

The Fuessen Music Hall, a charming theatre located 4.8km from Neuschwanstein Castle, offers a delightful blend of romance and culture through various performances. For outdoor fun, visit Alpenbad Pfronten, a family-friendly pool 14.5km away, perfect for sports and relaxation amidst nature.

Adventure

Experience the breathtaking Eibsee cable car, located 20.9km from Neuschwanstein Castle, offering stunning views and outdoor adventure. For skiing enthusiasts, the Hochalp Ski Lift, 12.9km away, provides thrilling slopes. Don’t miss the Sommerrodelbahn Tegelberg, an exhilarating ride merely 1.3km from the castle.

Nightlife

In Schwangau, near Neuschwanstein Castle, enjoy a charming evening at local pubs offering Bavarian hospitality. Explore nearby Füssen for vibrant bars and live music venues, where you can savour regional brews and mingle with locals, creating a delightful night-time atmosphere filled with culture and warmth.

*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 a breathtaking destination renowned for its romantic architecture and picturesque surroundings. Visitors can explore nearby attractions, including the enchanting Hohenschwangau Castle and serene lakes, perfect for outdoor experiences. This area caters to those seeking cultural enrichment and romance, making it an ideal spot for memorable excursions and iconic sightseeing in Germany's stunning landscape.

Hohenschwangau Castle: Nestled 1.1km from Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau Castle exudes a charming romantic atmosphere. This picturesque castle, once the childhood residence of King Ludwig II, offers a glimpse into Bavarian history and stunning architectural beauty amidst lush landscapes.
Forggensee: Located 6.4km away, Forggensee is a serene lake perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, romantic beaches, and leisure activities like boating and swimming, all set against a stunning backdrop of the Alps.
Königliche Kristall-Therme Schwangau: Just 3.2km from Neuschwanstein, this wellness oasis features soothing hot springs, saunas, and relaxation areas. Immerse yourself in a tranquil atmosphere that promotes rejuvenation and wellness amidst beautiful surroundings.

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.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	25.5°F (-3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	26.6°F (-3.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	33.1°F (0.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	41.2°F (5.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly Low
May	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	59.2°F (15.1°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	51.6°F (10.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	35.6°F (2.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	28.4°F (-2.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly 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.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Fuessen Holiday Rentals