One Day in the Neuschwanstein Castle - Travel Guide to the Wonder of Bavaria

Explore Neuschwanstein Castle, an iconic beauty amidst the Bavarian Alps. Marvel at its fairytale architecture and panoramic views, immersing yourself in the romance of Bavarian history and culture.

Since our first visit to Neuschwanstein Castle in 2018, we couldn’t resist returning in 2025 to experience its magic all over again. The region left such a lasting impression on us that we knew we had to come back, not only to see the castle again but also to explore more of its surroundings. This time, we took the opportunity to revisit familiar spots, discover new ones, and update this blog post with fresh insights to help fellow travelers plan their perfect trip to the Bavarian Alps.

Back in 2018, Thomas was based in Frankfurt, and we were looking for a winter getaway — possibly even a skiing day. While I love snowy landscapes, my skiing skills aren’t the best, so we considered both Bavaria and Switzerland, ultimately choosing Bavaria for budget reasons. Nestled in southeastern Germany near the Austrian border, Bavaria offers stunning Alpine scenery and easy access to the beautiful Tyrol region.

Our destination? Southern Germany, home to one of the country’s most breathtaking and well-preserved treasures: Neuschwanstein Castle. Füssen was the perfect base for exploring this architectural wonder (check out our post here). Now, in 2025, we live together in The Hague, but our love for travel remains as strong as ever. We've updated this guide with new insights to make your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle even more unforgettable!

GENERAL INFORMATION

On the day of our visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, we made sure to get up early to avoid missing our 1 p.m. reservation. Since it's one of the most popular attractions in the region, it's important to buy tickets online in advance. There's no need to pick up physical tickets beforehand — simply show your online confirmation at the entrance when it's time for your tour.

We also made sure to arrive earlier than our scheduled time, as getting to the castle requires a bit of effort. You can't park directly in front of the castle, so be prepared for a 30-minute walk uphill. Alternatively, you can take the shuttle bus or horse-drawn carriage, both of which bring you closer to the castle (see more information in the "Getting there" section below). Before heading up, we took some time to enjoy the surrounding forest and snapped some stunning photos of the castle’s exterior.

In the area, there are two castles to explore: the famous Neuschwanstein and the older Hohenschwangau, which was lovingly restored by King Maximilian, the father of King Ludwig II. Admission for each castle costs 21 EUR, but if you're planning to visit both, you can save with a combined ticket for 41 EUR. For those eager to dive deeper into the history of the Bavarian kings, there's also a museum dedicated to them. You can opt for a combined ticket that includes both castles and the museum for 53 EUR, offering a comprehensive experience of the region's history.

| Opening hours |

Summer: daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Winter: daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

| Admission - 21 EUR |

ROUTES & ACCESS

Neuschwanstein Castle is located in Schwangau, near the Bavarian town of Füssen, close to the Austrian border. Whether you're coming from Munich, Innsbruck, or Stuttgart, there are multiple ways to reach Schwangau:

• By train: The nearest train station is Füssen, with regular direct trains from Munich (approximately 2 hours). If coming from other cities, you may need to transfer in Augsburg or Kaufbeuren.
• By bus: From Füssen’s train station, take bus 73 (direction Steingaden/Garmisch-Partenkirchen) or bus 78 (direction Schwangau/Tegelbergbahn) to Hohenschwangau, the village at the foot of the castle. The bus ride takes about 10 minutes, and services run frequently throughout the day.
• By car: Driving to Schwangau is a convenient option, offering flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. The village is well-connected by highways, making it an easy drive from several major cities. From Munich, the journey takes around 1.5 hours via the A96 and B17 (Romantic Road), offering a scenic route through picturesque Bavarian landscapes. If you're coming from Innsbruck, expect a similar 1.5-hour drive along the A12 and B179 (Fern Pass). Travelers from Stuttgart will need around 2.5 hours, following the A8 and A7 highways. Once in Hohenschwangau, parking is available for 12 EUR per day, but spaces can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Arriving early in the morning is recommended to secure a spot and make the most of your visit.

Once you’ve arrived near the castles, there are several ways to ascend to Neuschwanstein Castle (more information here):

• On foot: A scenic 40-minute uphill walk (around 1.5 km) through beautiful forest paths. This free option is ideal for those who enjoy hiking and want to take in breathtaking views along the way.
• By shuttle bus: For those who prefer a quicker ascent, a shuttle bus is available for a small fee. Operated by RVO, this paid service departs from P4 (Schlossrestaurant parking lot), costs 3 EUR for the uphill ride and 5 EUR for the downhill return. A round-trip ticket can be purchased for 3.50 EUR at the bus station or from the driver. Please note that the shuttle bus doesn’t go directly to the castle but stops about 15 minutes away from the entrance. Also, the service may be suspended in icy or snowy conditions.
• By horse-drawn carriage: A more charming way to reach the castle is by horse-drawn carriage. The cost is 8 EUR per person for the ascent and 4 EUR for the descent, offering a unique experience with stunning views along the way. Please note that the carriage stops a 10-minute walk from the castle entrance.

Tip: Walking up provides the best views of the castle and surrounding Alps, making the journey as memorable as the destination. However, if you prefer a more relaxed ascent, the shuttle bus or carriage ride are great alternatives.

HISTORY

Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869 as a private retreat, reflecting his love for medieval romance, grand architecture, and the operas of Richard Wagner. Deeply fascinated by the chivalric ideals of the Middle Ages, Ludwig envisioned a dreamlike fortress where he could escape from the political struggles of his reign. The castle was designed to embody these fantasies, blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural styles into a unique and picturesque creation.

King Ludwig II, often called the “Fairy Tale King,” was known for his extravagant projects and deep desire to retreat from the real world. He was a reclusive ruler who showed little interest in politics, preferring instead to immerse himself in art, music, and the grandeur of historical legends. Neuschwanstein was meant to be his ultimate sanctuary, inspired by the mythical castles depicted in Wagner’s operas. However, despite his ambitious vision, Ludwig only spent about 170 days in the castle. Construction was never fully completed, as he was declared unfit to rule in 1886 and mysteriously died shortly after, under circumstances that remain debated to this day.

Following Ludwig’s death, Neuschwanstein was quickly opened to the public, despite originally being intended as a private retreat. Over time, it became one of Germany’s most famous landmarks, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its fairytale appearance even inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, solidifying its status as one of the most iconic and enchanting castles in the world.

THE VISIT

To enter Neuschwanstein, you must arrive at the exact time printed on your ticket and scan it at the entrance. There’s no flexibility to enter earlier or later, so be sure to plan accordingly and allow enough time to get there, especially during peak seasons when crowds and shuttle bus schedules may cause delays. If you miss your time slot, unfortunately, you won’t be able to join a later tour. Once inside, visitors follow a designated route through the castle with an audio guide providing information about each room and its history. Photography is not allowed inside, but if you’re curious, a virtual tour is available online.

The visit is self-guided with an audio guide that provides insights as you move through the rooms. Some of the most impressive areas include the grand Throne Room, which spans two floors, featuring a magnificent dome and an enormous chandelier, and the King’s Bedroom, where a special washstand continuously flows with fresh spring water. One of the most unique spots is the artificial grotto and winter garden — an indoor cave with a small waterfall that leads to a glassed-in room offering breathtaking views of the Alps. The castle’s fairy-tale beauty is undeniable, and walking through its lavishly decorated rooms truly feels like stepping into another world.

At the end of the tour, after passing through the gift shop, you’ll find a multimedia room showing a short film about how the castle was built. The 13-minute film, which plays every 15 minutes, explains how King Ludwig II planned Neuschwanstein and highlights the parts that were never completed after his death. If you have extra time, we highly recommend watching it—it gives great insight into the immense effort and vision behind the castle’s construction.

As incredible as Neuschwanstein is, the visit itself felt somewhat rushed. The tickets are pricey, and with so many visitors, the experience feels a bit commercial—almost like a theme park. While the audio guide provides interesting details, the groups move quickly from room to room, leaving little time to truly take in the beauty of the interiors. We wished we could have spent longer appreciating all the intricate details. Still, despite these downsides, Neuschwanstein remains one of the most spectacular and iconic landmarks in the region, and it’s easy to see why it continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

OTHER SIGHTS NEARBY

Before heading to Neuschwanstein Castle, we decided to take some time to explore Alpsee, a stunning alpine lake that adds to the fairy-tale charm of the region. The lake’s serene atmosphere and breathtaking mountain views make for a perfect start to the journey. Depending on how much time you have, you can visit Alpsee either before or after exploring Neuschwanstein, enjoying a peaceful moment by the water before continuing your adventure.

Spanning about 1.6 square kilometers, Alpsee offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can take leisurely walks along its well-maintained paths, enjoy a scenic picnic, or rent a boat during the summer to explore its crystal-clear waters. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck with the lake’s trout and perch, while the surrounding dense forests and hiking trails make it a great spot for nature lovers. In winter, the frozen lake adds a magical touch, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland.

During our two visits, we never had the chance to complete the circular hike around the lake, but it’s a fantastic option if you have more time. The 4.5-kilometer trail takes about an hour at a leisurely pace, winding through scenic forest paths and offering breathtaking views of the lake, mountains, and surrounding landscapes. Along the way, there are plenty of spots to pause and take in the serene beauty of the area. In the warmer months, Alpsee is also a great place for paddle boating or even a refreshing swim, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers in any season.

To reach Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), skip the steep 1.5 km uphill stretch of the main road (Neuschwansteinstraße) and take one of the scenic forest trails instead. These paths offer beautiful views of Neuschwanstein Castle and make for a more enjoyable and peaceful ascent. If you're short on time or prefer an easier option, a shuttle bus (when available) can take you closer to the bridge, saving both time and effort. Once near the bridge, a short walk through the forest leads to one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the region.

Originally built as a wooden footbridge in 1845 by King Maximilian II, Marienbrücke was later replaced in 1866 by a filigree iron structure commissioned by King Ludwig II, who loved admiring Neuschwanstein from this very spot. Suspended 90 meters above the Pöllat Gorge, the bridge was an engineering marvel of its time, constructed without additional supportive braces. It was restored in 1984, with its original railings from 1866 still in place today.

Unfortunately, we never had the chance to walk on the bridge, as both of our visits were in winter, when it was closed due to icy conditions. However, even when the bridge is inaccessible, nearby trails offer similarly stunning views of the castle. If open, visitors can cross the bridge and continue hiking toward Tegelberg for even more panoramic vistas. Before visiting, check the official website here to confirm whether the bridge is open.

Afterward, follow the trail toward the castle and take a moment to pause at the turn, where a stunning view of Hohenschwangau Castle and the surrounding mountains unfolds. This trail also leads to the Jugend viewpoint, another fantastic spot for admiring the landscape. However, keep in mind that during winter, both the trail and viewpoint may be closed due to icy conditions. Snow often melts during the day and refreezes at night, creating slippery surfaces. As we made our way down, we found ourselves gripping the handrail for stability, which added an unexpected touch of adventure to the walk.

Since access to the bridge was closed, we eventually reached the end of the trail near the castle, only to find a locked gate blocking the way. Not keen on backtracking and climbing up again, we — admittedly — took the lazy route and hopped over it. While we don’t recommend doing the same, if you do, be aware of the risks involved. Before heading out, check the official website here for the latest trail and viewpoint accessibility updates.

Take a moment to stop at the skywalk for a fantastic view of its striking façade. When we first visited in 2018, the front gate was under renovation, with scaffolding partially blocking the view. By 2025, the restoration was complete, but unfortunately, thick fog surrounded the castle, making it impossible to fully appreciate the results. If you visit on a clear day, this spot offers an incredible perspective of Neuschwanstein’s intricate design and fairytale-like architecture.

From the platform — and when the weather allows — you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the distant Forggensee and the charming St. Coloman Church, a picturesque white chapel set among rolling fields. While the view from above is stunning, for the best photos, consider visiting the church another day. From ground level, you can capture the chapel framed by the majestic Alps, creating a postcard-perfect Bavarian scene that’s well worth the trip.

Back in 2018, we didn’t go up to Hohenschwangau Castle, mistakenly thinking a ticket was needed just to access its grounds. This time, however, after visiting Neuschwanstein, we decided to check it out and were pleasantly surprised to find that the gardens are free to visit. The short uphill walk to the castle offers great views, and although the fog blocked most of the scenery during our visit, it was still a lovely experience to explore the castle up close.

Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood home of King Ludwig II, has a more modest yet equally charming presence compared to Neuschwanstein. Restored by his father, King Maximilian II, it has a romantic feel and sits in a peaceful setting, making it a great spot to visit after Neuschwanstein. While Neuschwanstein is impressive and dreamlike, Hohenschwangau offers a more intimate look into Bavarian royal history. If you have extra time in Füssen, it’s definitely worth a visit to understand more about the region’s past.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Our trips to Neuschwanstein Castle were truly special, with amazing views, interesting history, and a little adventure. However, both times, we had some bad luck — during our first visit, parts of the castle were covered for renovations, and during our second, thick fog hid almost everything except its outline. Even so, the castle’s beauty and charm still stood out, making both visits worth it! Neuschwanstein is just one of many wonderful places to see in the Bavarian Alps. We hope to come back one day and finally see the castle in all its glory! If you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out our post about Füssen (check it out here), where we share more about this colorful town and its must-visit attractions.

And now it's your turn to let us know your impressions, thoughts and also tips to visit this region of Germany. Did you have the chance to visit Neuschwanstein Castle? We look forward to reading your comments in the section below.

Tags: Germany