Perched in one of the most beautiful gorges in the world, Neuschwanstein Castle is everyone’s fantasy dream. It’s the image you’ve seen everywhere that makes you want to start planning your trip to Germany. Why not rent that Porsche and hit the romantic road? We will give you what you need to know.
Location
Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most popular destinations in Europe, is located in the German state of Bavaria, close to the German-Austrian border, not far from the popular Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski resort. The nearest airport is Munich, 128 km to the northeast.
Tickets and guided tours
Entrance tickets to the castle must be purchased at the ticket center in Hohenschwangau before starting the climb to the castle. The cost is 9 euros for an adult. The mandatory tour lasts a little over half an hour. There are 165 stairs to climb on the route and 181 to descend. A recent traveler reports that there is now a cafe inside. On Wednesdays there are visits for the disabled in wheelchairs and walkers.
Best views
You can get good photos of the castle and the Marienbruecke waterfall (Maria’s Bridge). Between the bridge and the castle there is a view of the Hohenschwangau Castle. Photography is not allowed inside the castle.
Get there
- By train: take the train to the city of Füssen, then the bus 9713 to Hohenschwangau.
- By car: take the A7 to Füssen, then to Hohenschwangau, where you will find parking. From Hohenschwangau, you can walk to the castle in 30 minutes. You can get a 5 minute horse drawn carriage ride for 5 euros uphill and 2.50 euros on the return descent. There is also a bus available from Schlosshotel Lisl, Neuschwansteinstraße in Hohenschwangau.
Where to stay
We recommend spending the night in Hohenschwangau. Hotel Mueller overlooks the castles and a good restaurant. You can also stay close to Fussen, as many do.
Description and history
Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Louis II, sometimes known as Mad King Ludwig, though less and less. Its aim was to replicate medieval architecture, especially Romanesque, and pay tribute to Wagner’s operas. You may think you’ve seen it already – it’s Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, but real.
The first stone was laid on September 5, 1869. When Louis II died in 1886, the castle was not yet complete.
The construction site near Pöllat Gorge is probably one of the most beautiful in the world.
Interesting data
- The castle is under tremendous tourist pressure; in summer, more than 6000 people visit the castle per day, 1.3 million per year.
- Since 1990, the state has spent 11.2 million euros on renovating and maintaining the castle and improving visitor service.
- Neuschwanstein Castle was opened to the public 7 weeks after the death of King Louis II.
- Although the Castle was designed to look medieval, it had fairly modern refinements: hot air, running water, and automatic toilets were all part of the royal residence.
- The Neuschwanstein kitchen has been preserved in its entirety, with automatic sauces and cabinets that can be heated with hot air from the large kitchen.
- From Neuschwanstein Castle, there are great views of the Alpine lakes, especially the Alpsee. Hiking trails abound near the Alpsee, and the one around the lake is protected as a nature reserve.
Around the area
Germany’s “Romantic Road”, which runs from Würzburg to Füssen, can be combined with a visit to the castle.
