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Neuschwanstein Castle

Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany

Last updated: 18 March, 2024

Built by ‘mad’ King Ludwig with the aid of a stage designer, Neuschwanstein is the prototype fairytale castle with Gothic turrets, drawbridges and ridiculously extravagant interiors. Useless for defence, the main fortress was completed in 1886 after Bavaria ceased to be an independent state.

It’s fantastically situated on a crag looking over the shimmering Alpsee, and the furnishings set new standards of royal excess. Ludwig’s bedroom alone gave 14 woodcarvers five years’ steady work.

Neuschwanstein Castle was evil Baron Bomburst’s castle in the 1968 classic British children’s film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. If you haven’t seen it, watch it before you go.

While you’re there

One of Bavaria’s most scenic walks to Pöllat Gorge is just behind Neuschwanstein. Walk ten minutes to the cast-iron Marien Bridge to admire postcard views of the castle and the 45m Pöllat waterfall.

An hour’s hike south of the castle lies Bleckenau, King Ludwig’s old hunting lodge. Great for a snack of bread and sausage, game or a mug of the foamy stuff.

For a lofty view of the castle take the Tegelbergbahn cable car, which runs to the summit of the Tegelberg north of Neuschwanstein. The mountain station is a popular launch point for paragliders.

Logistics

Price from: £13

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 8+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The castle is about 1-1.5 hours by car from Munich), or about 2 hours by train to Füssen station plus a short bus ride to Neuschwanstein.

Entrance tickets are available only at the Ticketcenter Hohenschwangau in the village of Hohenschwangau, a 10-minute walk south of the castle. Tickets for a specific visiting time can be reserved for an additional prepaid charge up to two days before your castle visit – well worth it in peak season if you’re not going with an organised tour. Call or email the ticket office to book.

You can only visit as part of a guided tour – either book with an operator book or you can join their tours (in English and German. Audio guides for other languages). Tours take 30-45 minutes, but add a walk to the picturesque Pöllat gorge, lunch and the return journey, and you’re talking a full day out.

When to do it

The castle is open all year round, seven days a week.

During the German and European holiday season in July and August, the castle throngs with visitors. Avoid if possible.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Tour from Munich

Munich

Viator

King Ludwig II built three of his dream castles, Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, hidden away in the Bavarian mountains are part of our tour. This trip from Munich shows you both of these extraordinary castles, the legacy of Bavaria's favourite king. Capture the grandeur of these castles and the picturesque mountain scenery of Bavaria in one magical day. At the castles, you skip the queues at the cash registers with our "Skip-the-Line" service and immerse yourself in the saga world of King Ludwig II. After the visit of Neuschwanstein Castle, we continue to Oberammergau, which has become world famous for its Passion Play. Visit with us the Linderhof Castle and explore the secrets of King Ludwigs hidden life. His passion for Wagner Music, his technological ideas and more.

Price €65

Min age 0

Rating 4.39 / 5 [6435 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich

Munich

Viator

The enchanting old-world town of Fussen lies in the foot hills of the Alps, framed by one of the most breathtaking natural settings in the world. Traveling with your small group guided tour from Munich, you'll tour the ethereal Neuschwanstein Castle, be taken to the best vantage points; the lake, the postcard-perfect aerial view of the equally beautiful Hohenschwangau Castle and to the waterfall gorge.

Price €72

Min age 0

Rating 4.55 / 5 [3910 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof VIP All-Inc Tour from Munich

Munich

Viator

On this tour, you will experience more than the two royal castles Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, but also the idyllic village Oberammergau. You will feel like a king! In a small group of up to 24 guests, you can enjoy personalized service aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned long-distance coach. Relax in the comfortable seats and enjoy the view through the large panoramic windows. On board you will also find free snacks and drinks and free Wi-Fi. At the castles, you skip the queues at the cash registers with our "Skip-the-Line" service and immerse yourself in the saga world of King Ludwig II. Entries for the castles are already included in the ticket price. After the visit of Neuschwanstein Castle, we continue to Oberammergau, which has become world famous for its Passion Play. Visit with us the Linderhof Castle and explore the secrets of King Ludwigs hidden life. His passion for Wagner Music, his technological ideas and more.

Price €194

Min age 0

Rating 4.76 / 5 [1686 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Trip from Munich

Munich

Viator

Drive with an airconditioned, comfortable coach from Munich and visit the famous and fabulous castles built by the fairytale King Ludwig II. These unique buildings in the midst of the Bavarian alpine landscape will definitely fascinate you. The first stop of our tour will take you to Schloss Linderhof, the smallest castle of the Bavarian king. It’s up to you to decide whether you choose to have a guided tour through the castle in english live, have a walk around the beautifully landscaped grounds or simply enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and get excited by the marvellous scenery. We will then continue our tour to Hohenschwangau. Our stay there will offer you ample time to both try out the famous Bavarian cuisine in a restaurant and visit the castle of Neuschwanstein as well. You can decide whether you want to see one or both castles from the inside with a guided tour and accordingly buy the tickets from our tour guide in cash.

Price €62

Min age 0

Rating 4.70 / 5 [924 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Neuschwanstein Castle, Ettal Abbey and Oberammergau Private Tour from Munich

Munich

Viator

Enjoy the Bavarian heartland, with Skip the Line service. You don't have to worry about ticket reservations or queues or taking the wrong turn. Just relax and enjoy an unforgettable day full of history and fun. Our tour includes a visit to the Fairy tale Castle "Neuschwanstein Castle" with the picturesque village of Oberammergau Plus the beautiful Ettal Abbey with a passionate professional local guide. Come as a tourist and leave as a friend

Price €562

Min age 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [144 ratings]

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