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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Torbräu
Rosewood Munich
Hotel Demas City

Popular places to visit


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
Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet

Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet

4 out of 5
Colomanstr. 12, Hohenschwangau, Schwangau
Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet
Design-ferienwohnung am Fuße der Königsschlösser: Ihr Secret Escape

Design-ferienwohnung am Fuße der Königsschlösser: Ihr Secret Escape

Schwangau-Alterschrofen
Design-ferienwohnung am Fuße der Königsschlösser: Ihr Secret Escape
Hotel Waldmann

Hotel Waldmann

Parkstraße 5, Schwangau, BY
Hotel Waldmann
Hotel Hanselewirt

Hotel Hanselewirt

Mitteldorf 13, Schwangau, BY
Hotel Hanselewirt
Hotel Das Rübezahl

Hotel Das Rübezahl

4.5 out of 5
Am Ehberg 31, Schwangau, Bayern
Hotel Das Rübezahl
Hotel Schlosskrone

Hotel Schlosskrone

4.5 out of 5
Prinzregenplatz 4, Fuessen, BY
Hotel Schlosskrone
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, explore a variety of activities such as skiing, hiking, and indulging in spa treatments. Consider joining guided tours of the castle and surrounding areas for the best experience, or embark on a trek to the castle itself. For a memorable adventure, look into day trips that showcase the stunning Bavarian landscape and enhance your journey to this iconic landmark.

Shopping

For souvenirs, check out local shops near Neuschwanstein Castle. If you're up for a drive, visit Forum Allgäu Kempten, a vibrant shopping mall 37.0km away, or Jamei - Laibspeis', a charming store located 38.6km from the castle, for unique gifts.

Recreation

Alpenbad Pfronten offers a refreshing pool experience with family-friendly and outdoor vibes, perfect for relaxation after exploring the castle. For a fun adventure, the Bad Hindelang Mini Golf Course provides an exciting mini-golf experience, while the Golfclub an der Hammerschmiede is ideal for golf enthusiasts seeking outdoor sports activities.

Adventure

Experience the breathtaking views from Eibsee, a stunning cable car gondola located 20.9km from Neuschwanstein Castle, perfect for family adventures. For ski enthusiasts, the Buchenbergbahn ski lift, situated 8.0km away, offers thrilling slopes and exhilarating snow activities, ensuring unforgettable winter fun.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Neuschwanstein Castle with a visit to Füssen Music Hall for live performances, or enjoy the thrilling Sommerrodelbahn Tegelberg ride. For a touch of excitement, head to Casino Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where romance and city vibes await.

Find the best attractions near Neuschwanstein Castle

When visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Bavaria, you can explore enchanting attractions such as the stunning lake, the iconic castle itself, and local hotsprings. This idyllic destination offers a blend of cultural richness and outdoor romance, making it perfect for all types of travellers. Don't miss out on experiencing the fairytale-like atmosphere, dining at Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein, and securing tickets to the breathtaking castle for an unforgettable adventure.

  • Museum of the History of Wittelsbach: Delve into the rich heritage of the Bavarian royal family at this fascinating museum. Located a short 1.1km from Neuschwanstein Castle, it offers a cultural experience showcasing artifacts and exhibitions that narrate the story of the Wittelsbach dynasty.
  • Hohenschwangau Castle: Just 1.1km away, this charming castle exudes romance and culture. Once the childhood residence of King Ludwig II, its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens make it a perfect spot for a leisurely exploration.
  • Forggensee: A scenic lake located 6.4km from Neuschwanstein, Forggensee offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities. Enjoy beach vibes, take a boat ride, or simply relax by the water while soaking in the picturesque surroundings.

Best time to go to Neuschwanstein Castle

Visitor numbers around Neuschwanstein Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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

When visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months of March to April or November for lower accommodation prices. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or taking advantage of last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can yield significant savings. Aim to stay on a Tuesday, as it's the cheapest day, while Saturday tends to be the most expensive. Enjoy free activities around the area, such as Forggensee and Hopfensee, and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for added savings.

  • 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 Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Neuschwanstein Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Take advantage of Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, 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. This option allows for a more economical and convenient travel experience.