How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
Whether or not you are a fan of Disney fairy tales, this famous castle will leave you speechless. I'll tell you how to visit it and take a tour inside... Let's dream!
Neuschwanstein Castle | ©Bharat Patil
Located in the region of Bavaria and built by Ludwig II, this castle is known as the castle of "The Mad King". It is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the world and can be visited on a day trip from Munich.
Tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle can be purchased online or at the ticket office, but the most recommended option is to join an organised tour from Munich. Here are the best ones:
Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Trip from Munich
Discover two castles in one day for the best price
Perfect if you want to discover Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich without having to worry about how to get there or how to organise your visit.
The great thing about visiting Neuschwanstein Castle on an organised tour is that you don't have to worry about transport or queuing for tickets. You will also have the opportunity to visit Linderhof Palace, which is less than an hour away on this tour.
The day trip to Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles from Munich is available in English and Spanish and includes bus transport from Munich city centre and the services of a guide.
Entrance to the two castles is at your own expense, but the organisation of this tour ensures that you will not have to wait in queues. Also, once you arrive at Neuschwanstein, you can choose whether you want to visit the castle on your own or with a guided tour.
Why I like this tour: You'll make much better use of your time, as you'll be able to see two castles in one day, both set in the unique scenery of the Bavarian Alps. The fact that you travel by bus also allows you to enjoy the views along the way.
When to go to Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is open all year round. In winter it can be quite a spectacle to see it in the snow, but only if you can handle the cold... In high season, it's best to book tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.
Opening times
Between April and October, you can visit Neuschwanstein Castle from 9am to 6pm. The rest of the year the opening is delayed by one hour (10am) and the closing time is 4pm.
Visit the castle with children
The visit to Neuschwanstein Castle is suitable and recommended for children, but the climb up to the castle can be difficult for them, as it is about 40 minutes uphill. However, you can also go up by bus or horse-drawn carriage. However, it should be noted that access to the castle with pushchairs is not permitted. If you are looking for other things to do in Munich with children during your stay , read this article- you won't regret it!
Organise your visit
If you go on an organised tour, you will be able to visit the interior of Neuschwanstein Castle as soon as you arrive. However, if you visit on your own, you may not be able to enter immediately after purchasing your ticket. To avoid crowds, passes are arranged in 10 or 15 minute slots.
Free admission
Children under the age of 17 get free entry to the castle, but for everyone else, admission is around 13 euros.
Where to eat
At the base of the castle you will find some fast food stalls to satisfy your hunger. But my recommendation is to wait until after your visit to eat in one of the surrounding villages where the food will be more tasty and authentic.
The best views
Before going up to Neuschwanstein, you must go up to the Marienbrucke Bridge to see it in all its immensity. From there you will find the best views of the castle. The Bavarian mountains form the surrounding area, which is not to be underestimated.
An important fact: to get to Neuschwanstein Castle, you will have to walk uphill, but you can save yourself a lot of money by booking a bus tour there.
How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle on your own
Neuschwanstein Castle is located about an hour and a half's drive from Munich, while the train journey takes about two and a half hours. Many organised tours offer bus travel, which saves travel time, but the train remains the most popular mode of transport because of its convenience.
Trains depart approximately every hour from 5am to 4pm; it's important to note that the last train back to Munich is at 6pm. The cost of the return journey is around €23.
What to see at Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century. The monarch, nicknamed "The Mad King", wanted a dream castle in the mountains of Bavaria and did not give up until he got it. Years later, the castle would serve as an inspiration for Walt Disney, as the famous architecture of the castle was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty.
In the surrounding area
One of the main attractions of this enclave is its surroundings; the scenery is breathtaking and I recommend you visit it whether you go on your own or with an organised tour. From the Marienbrucke Bridge, you can enjoy a breathtaking view, and the surrounding villages are also well worth a visit. Also worth a visit is Linderhof Palace, which is located about 50 minutes away from Neuschwanstein Castle.
Inside the castle
As for the interior of the castle, the visit usually lasts about 40 minutes, as you will only see the main rooms of the complex. What you will enjoy most are the private rooms of Ludwig II, including the bedroom, the dining room, the chapel and the study. The throne room is also remarkable, as it is said that Wagner took inspiration from it to compose several of his operas.
If you are interested in visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, you will also be interested in
The visit to Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular with visitors to Munich. It is followed on the podium by a completely different tour: the excursion to the Dachau concentration camp from Munich.
There are several different tours organised from Munich to get to know this camp-turned-museum. Although it is tough, it is a highly recommended visit for those who want to learn more about the historical period of the Second World War. And if you are looking for other proposals from the capital of Bavaria, be sure to read this article about other excursions you can do from Munich.