Neuschwanstein Castle Tours and Activities

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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Best Lodging Options Near Neuschwanstein Castle

AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa

AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
Alpseestraße 21, Schwangau
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Hotel Müller Hohenschwangau

Hotel Müller Hohenschwangau

Alpseestraße 16, Hohenschwangau, Schwangau
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Luitpoldpark Hotel

Luitpoldpark Hotel

4 out of 5
Bahnhofstr. 1-3, Fuessen, BY
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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
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Hotel Sonne

Hotel Sonne

4 out of 5
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Hotel Hirsch

Hotel Hirsch

4 out of 5
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Hotel Waldmann

Hotel Waldmann

Parkstraße 5, Schwangau, BY
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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 the chance to explore the stunning surroundings through hiking or skiing. Take part in guided castle tours to fully appreciate its history and architecture. For a more leisurely experience, enjoy the local spa amenities. This iconic Bavarian landmark offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal stop on your Germany vacation.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, you can visit Forum Allgäu Kempten, located 37.0km away, offering a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family-friendly options. Additionally, Jamei - Laibspeis, situated 38.6km away, is perfect for unique gifts and local specialties.

Recreation

Enjoy a refreshing swim at Alpenbad Pfronten, located 14.5km from Neuschwanstein Castle, surrounded by a family-friendly atmosphere. For a fun challenge, try your skills at the Bad Hindelang Mini Golf Course, 29.0km away, perfect for adventure seekers. Golf enthusiasts can visit Golfclub an der Hammerschmiede, 41.8km away, for a day on the greens.

Adventure

Take a thrilling ride on the Eibsee cable car gondola, located 20.9km from Neuschwanstein Castle, offering stunning views and outdoor family fun. For skiing enthusiasts, the Buchenbergbahn ski lift, only 8.0km away, provides an exhilarating adventure with fantastic slopes.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Neuschwanstein Castle. Visit Füssen Music Hall for an engaging theatre performance or enjoy family fun at the Sommerrodelbahn Tegelberg amusement ride. For a unique theatrical experience, check out the Passionstheater, offering a blend of culture and romance only a short drive away.

*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'll find a delightful mix of culture, romance, and outdoor experiences. Explore iconic attractions such as Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, and the stunning lakes and hot springs nearby. These points of interest cater to a variety of interests and promise an unforgettable experience for every traveller.

  • Museum of the History of Wittelsbach: Located 1.1km from Neuschwanstein Castle, this museum offers a deep dive into the rich history of the Wittelsbach dynasty. With its engaging exhibits and cultural atmosphere, it provides visitors with a unique glimpse into Bavaria's royal heritage.
  • Falkenstein Castle: Approximately 11.3km away, Falkenstein Castle exudes romance and culture. Perched on a mountain, it offers stunning views and a fascinating history, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate medieval architecture and breathtaking landscapes.
  • Forggensee: Just 6.4km from Neuschwanstein Castle, Forggensee is a picturesque lake that invites outdoor activities. With its beautiful beaches and scenic views, it’s an ideal place for a romantic picnic or a leisurely stroll along the shores.

Best time to go to Neuschwanstein Castle

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.

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 and November, when accommodation prices drop. Booking your hotel about a month in advance typically yields better rates, especially if you check for last-minute deals on Expedia. Mondays are the most affordable days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s tools to filter for budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Always sort by price from lowest to highest for the best deals.

  • 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. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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 customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort 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.

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