Guide to Visiting Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau Castles: History, Tips & Day Trip Itinerary from Munich

If there’s one place that every traveler wants to visit in Germany, it’s Neuschwanstein Castle. This fairytale-like castle has captivated people worldwide—including Disney, which used it as inspiration for Cinderella’s Castle.

Neuschwanstein and nearby Hohenschwangau Castle make for an ideal day trip from Munich. Nestled in the picturesque Bavarian countryside, these iconic castles are must-see destinations for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and travelers alike.

This guide provides practical tips for planning your visit, including how to get there, what to expect, ticket information, and money-saving advice.

A Brief History

To fully appreciate Neuschwanstein Castle, it’s essential to understand its origins—starting with King Ludwig II of Bavaria and Hohenschwangau Castle.

Hohenschwangau Castle: Childhood Home of Ludwig II

Ludwig II was born at Nymphenburg Palace in Munich to Crown Prince Maximilian II of Bavaria in 1845. But he spent much of his childhood at Hohenschwangau with his brother Otto. In 1832, Maximilian purchased the ruins of a medieval castle and began extensive renovations—transforming it into Hohenschwangau Castle.

Dating back to at least the 14th century, the castle was originally called Schwanstein.
Maximilian II renamed it Hohenschwangau and spent four years restoring it, with additional work continuing until 1855.
The bright yellow castle features a neo-Gothic exterior, while its interior is decorated with over 90 murals inspired by medieval legends and poetry.
After Maximilian II’s death in 1864, his 19-year-old son Ludwig II ascended the throne and later embarked on his ambitious vision for Neuschwanstein.

Neuschwanstein Castle: The Fairytale Dream

In 1868, following the death of his grandfather Ludwig I, King Ludwig II had the financial means to bring his dream of a medieval castle to life.

Deeply influenced by the Romanticism movement and the operas of his friend Richard Wagner, Ludwig II envisioned a more authentic medieval castle than his father’s Hohenschwangau.
Although architect Eduard Riedel (whose works include the Bavarian National Museum) and additional artisans and stage designers played a key role, Ludwig was heavily involved, personally approving designs and setting ambitious construction goals.
Construction began in 1869, requiring the demolition of existing ruins and extensive groundwork in the mountainous terrain.
The castle incorporates local white limestone, Württemberg sandstone for windows, and marble sourced from the German-Austrian border region.
In 1884, Ludwig took residence in the Gateway Building, though Neuschwanstein was never fully completed.

By 1886, Ludwig had exhausted his finances and was deposed by the Bavarian government. Three days later, he was found drowned in Lake Starnberg under mysterious circumstances. In the end, Ludwig II would spend only 172 days in the castle. Remarkably, however, both palaces survived World Wars I and II without damage.

Despite its incomplete state, Neuschwanstein Castle remains one of the most photographed landmarks in Germany.

Visiting the Castles & Other Attractions

Why You Should Visit Both Castles

If you’re visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, it’s worth exploring Hohenschwangau Castle as well. They are located near each other, and the local infrastructure makes visiting both in a single day seamless.

Museum of the Bavarian Kings & Nearby Attractions

For those interested in Bavarian history, consider visiting the Museum of the Bavarian Kings. The museum showcases the Wittelsbach royal family, including a digital model of Neuschwanstein Castle as it was originally intended.

Other nearby highlights:

Alpsee Lake – Perfect for boating, swimming, or enjoying scenic views.
Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) – A famous bridge for viewing Neuschwanstein, though it gets crowded during peak seasons and is closed during the winter.
Pöllatschlucht (Pöllat Gorge) – Offers hiking trails and breathtaking scenery, but is closed during winter or bad weather.

How to Get Tickets for Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau

Both castles require a guided tour with a timed entry ticket.
Tours are available in German and English, with audio guides in other languages.
Due to high demand, it’s best to book tickets in advance.
Combination tickets are available for both castles, and the Bavarian Palace Pass covers Neuschwanstein (but not Hohenschwangau). Depending on your plans, you can save money in Bavaria with these passes. There are also countless day trip tours available.
Photography is not allowed inside either castle.
Tour duration: Neuschwanstein (30 min), Hohenschwangau (45 min).

Getting There & Transportation Tips

Hohenschwangau village, the valley below the castles, is a sort of tourist town with an information center, restaurants, bathrooms, and more.

How to Get to Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau

By Car – Drive via A7 or A95 highways, near Füssen, and park in one of the four designated parking lots.
By Train – Take a regional train from Munich to Füssen, then a bus to Hohenschwangau village.
Save Money: Use a Bavarian regional transit pass or the Deutschland-Ticket for discounted train travel.

Reaching the Castles from Hohenschwangau Village

The roads immediately around the castles are closed to public car traffic. You can walk or pay for a shuttle to reach the castles. It’s important to note that even with a shuttle, there is a significant amount of hiking and steps involved.

Walking to Neuschwanstein – ~40 minutes (uphill)
Walking to Hohenschwangau – ~20 minutes (short route) or ~30 minutes (longer scenic route)
Horse-Drawn Carriage:
- Hohenschwangau Castle: €5.50 uphill / €3 downhill
- Neuschwanstein Castle: €8 uphill / €4 downhill (plus 15-min hike from the drop-off point)
Shuttle Bus to Marienbrücke: €3.50 one-way / €5 round trip (cash only)

Prices as of 2025.

Best Time to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle

Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Best season: Spring (April–May) offers fewer crowds and mild weather.
Summer (June–August) is the busiest, but daylight lasts longer.
Winter (December–February) is quieter, but some trails and viewpoints may be closed.
Have cash on hand for parking and certain shops in Hohenschwangau Village.

Final Tips for Visiting

Book tickets in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Wear comfortable shoes—expect a lot of walking and stairs.
Bring a camera for stunning exterior shots (but remember, no photos inside the castles).
Stay hydrated & bring snacks—there are cafés, but lines can be long during peak times.

Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau offer a magical journey into Bavarian history. Whether you’re drawn by the castles’ fairytale charm, rich history, or scenic beauty, a visit here will be an unforgettable experience.