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 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
Das König Ludwig Inspiration SPA - Adult Only

Das König Ludwig Inspiration SPA - Adult Only

4.5 out of 5
Kreuzweg 15, Schwangau, BY
Das König Ludwig Inspiration SPA - Adult Only
Hotel & Restaurant Ludwigs

Hotel & Restaurant Ludwigs

Reichenstr. 17, Fuessen, BY
Hotel & Restaurant Ludwigs
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
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

Discover the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, where you can explore various tour options, including guided castle tours and day trips. Enjoy outdoor experiences such as hiking and skiing in the picturesque surroundings, or unwind at a local spa. Embrace the beauty and history of this fairy-tale destination, making it a perfect getaway for your vacation.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience near Neuschwanstein Castle, explore the local charm and souvenirs in Schwangau. If you're up for a drive, the Forum Allgäu Kempten, 37.0km away, offers a variety of shops and entertainment, while Jamei - Laibspeis’ is 38.6km away for delightful local specialties.

Recreation

Experience relaxation at Alpenbad Pfronten, a family-friendly pool perfect for a refreshing swim, located 14.5km from Neuschwanstein Castle. For a fun-filled day, challenge yourself at the Bad Hindelang Mini Golf Course, 29.0km away, offering an adventurous mini-golf experience in a picturesque setting.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views at Eibsee, a cable car gondola located 20.9km from Neuschwanstein Castle, perfect for outdoor family adventures. For ski enthusiasts, Buchenbergbahn, a ski lift 8.0km away, offers thrilling slopes, while Skizentrum Pfronten, a ski resort 14.5km away, boasts excellent skiing and outdoor vibes.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Neuschwanstein Castle. Enjoy a show at Fuessen Music Hall, just 4.8km away, or take a thrilling ride at Sommerrodelbahn Tegelberg, only 1.3km from the castle. For a unique experience, check out Passionstheater, located 24.1km away, for more cultural entertainment.

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

Find the best attractions near Neuschwanstein Castle

Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Bavaria, offers a delightful mix of culture, romance, and outdoor adventures. Explore stunning lake views, soak in nearby hot springs, and marvel at the impressive royal castles. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle and enjoy its picturesque surroundings. Whether you're after breathtaking castle views or a serene escape, this enchanting region has something for every traveller.

  • Forggensee: This picturesque lake, located 6.4km from Neuschwanstein Castle, offers stunning scenery perfect for a romantic outing. Enjoy beach activities, scenic walks, or simply relax by the water while taking in the breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps.
  • Hohenschwangau Castle: Just 1.1km away, this charming castle is steeped in history and romance. Explore the beautifully decorated rooms and learn about the lives of the Bavarian royal family while enjoying the enchanting surroundings.
  • Königliche Kristall-Therme Schwangau: Located 3.2km from the castle, this thermal spa is a haven for wellness and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the soothing hot springs while enjoying the serene outdoor atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

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 during your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, consider travelling in the cheaper months of March to April or November, and aim for a Monday stay, as Saturday is the priciest. Book your accommodation around a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Utilise their search tools to filter by budget and preferences, and look for Eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices. For additional savings, consider package deals that combine accommodation, flights, and activities. Don't forget to explore free attractions in the area to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Neuschwanstein Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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 accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Neuschwanstein Castle accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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