Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle · Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
Last updated 2026-10-29
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
The castle stands on a rocky outcrop above Hohenschwangau, with the Alpsee and the Ammergau Alps in view. Ludwig II built it as a private retreat, so few rooms were finished before his death. Tickets are timed and sold online; the standard adult tour is about €19, while a combined ticket with Hohenschwangau and the Museum of the Bavarian Kings costs around €33 and under-18s go free. From Füssen station, bus 73 or 78 reaches the village in ten minutes, and the last stretch uphill is on foot or by shuttle. Opening hours shorten from November to March, when the last tour leaves at 15:00.
Ticket Price
Around €19 (≈ USD 21) adults for guided tour of the castle; Combined ticket (Neuschwanstein + Hohenschwangau + Museum of the Bavarian Kings): around €33; Under 18 free. Check the official site before booking.
Opening Hours
April–October: daily 9:00–18:00 (last guided tour 16:00); November–March: daily 10:00–16:00 (last guided tour 15:00); Closed: 24, 25, 31 December and 1 January. Check the official site before visiting.
Transportation
Train from Munich to Füssen (~2 hours), then bus 73/78 to Hohenschwangau (~10 min); From Füssen station: bus 73 or 78 to Neuschwanstein stop; By car: parking at base of hill, then bus up or walk; From Garmisch-Partenkirchen: bus or train connection via Füssen
Best Season
June–September for best weather and all paths open; May and October are less crowded but some facilities may have reduced hours; Winter is magical with snow but some paths (like the Marienbrücke trail) may be closed due to ice; Spring flowers in April-May are beautiful
Pro Tip: Book a timed castle ticket
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
1
Book a timed castle ticket The castle can only be visited on a guided tour. Book ahead, collect the ticket at the visitor centre, and arrive before your slot.
Member-Only Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions4 questions
Yes. Entry is by timed guided tour only and sells out weeks ahead; book on the official Bavarian palace site. Tickets are collected at the Hohenschwangau ticket centre.
From Hohenschwangau you can walk uphill in 30-40 minutes, take the shuttle bus to Mary's Bridge, or hire a horse-drawn carriage. The bus drops off above the castle.
The guided tour lasts about 35 minutes, but allow 3-4 hours for the climb, the castle and Mary's Bridge. The bridge is often crowded midday.
May-October for the shuttle bus and bridge access; winter is quieter but some paths and the bridge can close in snow.