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.

Popular places to visit


Top Neuschwanstein Castle Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
Hotel Hirsch

Hotel Hirsch

4 out of 5
Kaiser-Maximilian-Platz 7, Fuessen, BY
Hotel Hirsch
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
Best Western Plus Hotel Fuessen

Best Western Plus Hotel Fuessen

4 out of 5
Augsburger Str 18, Fuessen
Best Western Plus Hotel Fuessen
Hotel Hanselewirt

Hotel Hanselewirt

Mitteldorf 13, Schwangau, BY
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 activities including a guided castle tour, exploring the stunning architecture, and enjoying the picturesque views. For outdoor enthusiasts, skiing at the Hausberg ski lift and hiking the surrounding trails are popular options. Don't miss the chance for a quick stop to take in the beauty of the castle and the Bavarian landscape. Relax and unwind at local spas after a day of adventure.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Neuschwanstein Castle, explore the Forum Allgäu Kempten, located 37.0km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, check out Jamei - Laibspeis, situated 38.6km from the castle for unique goodies.

Recreation

Alpenbad Pfronten offers a refreshing outdoor pool experience, perfect for families and sports enthusiasts alike, located 14.5km from Neuschwanstein Castle. For a fun challenge, visit the Bad Hindelang Mini Golf Course, 29.0km away, blending sports and adventure in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Eibsee cable car, located 20.9km from Neuschwanstein Castle, offering breathtaking views and a family-friendly atmosphere. Alternatively, ride the Buchenbergbahn ski lift, situated 8.0km away, perfect for skiing enthusiasts seeking adventure in the stunning Bavarian landscape.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Neuschwanstein Castle with a visit to Füssen Music Hall, showcasing local talent and culture just 4.8km away. For thrill-seekers, the Sommerrodelbahn Tegelberg offers exciting rides only 1.3km away, while Passionstheater, 24.1km away, promises enchanting performances.

*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 in Schwangau, Bavaria, is a captivating destination featuring stunning lakes, enchanting castles, and relaxing hot springs. Ideal for those seeking culture, romance, and outdoor adventures, visitors can explore nearby attractions like Hohenschwangau Castle and take in the beautiful surroundings. Consider activities such as evening strolls near the castle and discovering the scenic trails just a few kilometres away, making your trip truly unforgettable.

  • Hohenschwangau Castle: Nestled 1.1km from Neuschwanstein, this charming castle exudes romance and culture. Once the childhood residence of King Ludwig II, its stunning architecture and lush surroundings make it a captivating stop for history enthusiasts.
  • Museum der Bayerischen Könige: Located 1.1km away, this history museum delves into the fascinating lives of Bavaria’s royalty. With engaging exhibits and artefacts, it’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the region’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Forggensee: Just 6.4km from the castle, Forggensee is a picturesque lake offering stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach or a romantic boat ride while soaking in the magnificent Bavarian landscape.

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

When planning your trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, consider visiting during the cheaper months of March to April or November for lower accommodation prices. Booking about a month in advance or looking for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can save you money. Look for budget-friendly hotels, particularly on Mondays, and avoid Saturdays when rates peak. Combine your hotel stay with flights and activities for additional savings, and use Expedia’s filters to find eco-friendly options and compare prices easily. Don’t forget to explore free activities around the castle for a budget-friendly experience!

  • 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 wizard to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation options currently available. To discover the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Neuschwanstein Castle hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.