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 Thomas was based in Frankfurt, we were on the hunt for a cozy spot to escape to for a winter getaway, possibly even incorporating a skiing day. Although I have a soft spot for snowy landscapes, I must admit my skiing skills are not top-notch. Therefore, we weighed our options between Bavaria and Switzerland, settling on Bavaria due to budget constraints. Located in the southeast of Germany, Bavaria boasts proximity to the Austrian border and the scenic Tyrol region of the Alps.
Our next destination? We set our sights on southern Germany, home to one of the country's most remarkable and well-preserved gems: Neuschwanstein Castle. To embark on this architectural adventure, we chose Füssen as our home base (check out our post here). We've compiled everything you need to make your Neuschwanstein Castle visit unforgettable!
GENERAL INFORMATION
On the day of our visit to the castle, we got up early to ensure we didn't miss our 1 p.m. reservation for Neuschwanstein. It's important to buy tickets online beforehand, as walk-in entry isn't an option. Don't forget to collect your tickets from the Tickets Center at least ninety minutes prior to your tour. Before our castle exploration, we took a leisurely walk through the surrounding forest, capturing some stunning photos of the castle's exterior. There are two castles to explore in the area: the famous Neuschwanstein and the older Hohenschwangau, lovingly restored by King Maximilian, the father of King Ludwig II.
Admission tickets for each castle cost 13 EUR, and an additional 1.80 EUR reservation fee per ticket applies for online bookings. For those interested in exploring both castles, a combined ticket is available for 25 EUR. While booking online ahead of time is recommended, especially during the busy summer months, we found it unnecessary for our visit during a winter Friday.
| Opening hours |
Summer: daily from 7.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Winter: daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
| Admission - 13 EUR |
GETTING THERE
To reach the castles from Füssen's bus and train station, simply hop aboard buses 73 or 78. These convenient bus routes provide easy access to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, ensuring a hassle-free journey for visitors arriving by public transportation.
Upon arrival at the vicinity of the castles, there are various ways to ascend to Neuschwanstein Castle:
- Walking Up: Opting to walk is not only free but also offers a picturesque trek through the surrounding landscape. If you arrive by car, parking is available for a fee of 6 EUR for the entire day.
- Shuttle Bus: For those preferring a quicker ascent, a shuttle bus service is available for a nominal fee. It costs 1.80 EUR per person for the uphill journey and 1 EUR for the return trip downhill. A round-trip ticket can be purchased for 2.60 EUR, either at the ticket counter located at the bus station or directly from the bus driver. Please note that the shuttle bus does not go directly to Neuschwanstein Castle but drops you off at a path approximately 15 minutes away from the castle entrance. Additionally, be aware that the shuttle service may be suspended due to adverse weather conditions.
- Horse Carriage: Another charming option is to ride a horse-drawn carriage up to the castle. This scenic journey costs 6 EUR per person for the ascent and 3 EUR for the descent.
While all methods offer their own unique experience, we highly recommend trekking up to the castle by foot for breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.
WALK ITINERARY
ALPSEE LAKE
Located close to Füssen, Alpsee Lake is a serene body of water surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. Spanning approximately 1.6 square kilometers, this picturesque lake provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Visitors can explore its tranquil shores on foot, taking leisurely walks along well-maintained paths or enjoying a scenic picnic amidst the natural beauty.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, boat rentals are available in the summer months, allowing you to cruise the crystal-clear waters and soak in the panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines into the lake's depths, with Alpsee known for its abundance of trout and perch. Surrounded by dense forests and scenic hiking trails, Alpsee Lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Adventurous souls can embark on invigorating hikes, exploring the surrounding woodlands and discovering hidden gems along the way. With its tranquil ambiance and stunning backdrop, Alpsee Lake offers a perfect escape into nature's embrace.
MARIENBRÜCKE BRIDGE
To reach the Marienbrücke bridge, bypass the steep 1.5 km uphill stretch of the main road (Neuschwansteinstraße) and opt for one of the scenic forest trails. These pathways offer stunning views of the castle and provide a more leisurely ascent. However, if you're pressed for time or prefer a quicker route, consider taking the bus (if available), which can conveniently drop you off near the bridge, saving you both time and effort.
Marienbrücke bridge offers the quintessential view of the castle, but it may be inaccessible at times. During our visit, it was closed, presumably due to icy conditions making it unsafe. Nonetheless, nearby trails provide comparable views. When open, the bridge permits crossing, and continuing on to Tegelberg rewards with mesmerizing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
TRAIL TO THE CASTLE
Afterward, follow the trail to the castle and pause at the turn, where a breathtaking view of Hohenschwangau Castle and the majestic mountains awaits. Note that during winter, this trail may be closed due to slippery conditions caused by melting snow during the day and freezing temperatures at night, creating icy surfaces. As we descended, we found ourselves gripping the handrail for stability, adding an adventurous twist to the journey.
As the bridge access was closed, upon reaching the end of the trail to the castle, we encountered a locked gate. Reluctant to backtrack and ascend again, we admit to, somewhat lazily, hopping over the gate. While we don't recommend this approach, if you choose to follow suit, please be aware of the potential consequences — we take no responsibility for any mishaps!
SKYWALK
Prior to entering the castle, make sure to pause at the skywalk to admire the majestic façade. While we were there, maintenance was being carried out on the entrance façade, detracting from the view. However, renovations were slated for completion by mid-2018, promising improved aesthetics. Therefore, if you plan your visit after this period, you can expect to capture even more stunning photos than we were able to. Additionally, take a moment to soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding area from this vantage point.
NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE
Finally, after all the walking and taking photos, we got through the gates to start the guided tour. It is necessary to enter at the exact time written in your ticket, which you have to scan at a machine. It is not possible to advance or postpone your visit, so pay attention to the time of your visit! Unfortunately, it is not allowed to take photos inside the castle, but if you are really curious, you can get a virtual tour here!
The visit is made in groups with a guide giving some info along the way. In the beginning the guide gives general information about King Ludwig II, a nostalgic monarch who, unsatisfied and uninterested with the current political situation of his realm, preferred to focus on his artistic endeavors for celebrating ancient royalty lines and knights’ legends by building a fantasy world around him in which, little did he know, he would only spent few days.
We were really impressed with how they were able to build such a castle on top of a mountain during the second half of the XIX century, and plus, equipped with modern technology for that time. When you see all this modern technology inside, you notice that King Ludwig was really dedicated to his new castle: sink with a faucet, automatic flushing system in the toilets, hot air central heating in all the rooms, a telephone line and electric bell system to call the servants; what a modern castle at the time!
Our highlights of the whole visit would be: the Throne room which occupies two floors with a big cupola and chandelier; the King's Bedroom featuring a washstand with a fountain of spring water; and the unusual grotto and the winter garden which was built with carton as an artificial drip-stone cave (with a waterfall) which leads to a glassed room with an uninterrupted view of the Alpine foothills.
At the end of the tour, after the gift shop, there is a multimedia room broadcasting a short movie which explains how the castle was built (from the inspiration until the parts that were planned but not completed after the death of King Ludwig II). The movie starts every quarter and last around 13 minutes, it helps to understand the architectural and engineering process of the construction of this famous building. If you have some time, we advise you to watch it!
It is worth mentioning that we were not completely satisfied with the visit model of the Neuschwanstein. While it is nice to go on a guided tour, as there are a lot of groups scheduled, the visits are rushed to go from one room to another. There is not much time to enjoy and sinking in all the details and beauty of all the rooms. One may say they just want to make money out of the castle more than sharing this cultural heritage with people.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In conclusion, our journey to Neuschwanstein Castle was truly memorable, offering breathtaking views, fascinating history, and a touch of adventure along the way. While our visit had its challenges, from navigating icy trails to encountering closed bridges, the beauty and charm of this iconic landmark made it all worthwhile. Of course, there is much more to see and do in the Bavarian Alps. If you want to know more about this region, read our post about Füssen (check it out here), which contains information about this colorful city and the main attractions to visit in the area.
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 Castle? We look forward to reading your comments in the section below.
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