How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

Introduction Of Neuschwanstein Castle

Let’s be real—Neuschwanstein Castle is one of those places you dream about visiting ever since you saw it in a fairytale book or a Disney intro. Perched high above the village of Hohenschwangau in Bavaria, just shy of the Austrian border, this dreamy 19th-century castle is a top-tier German landmark. It’s said to be the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle—and trust me, it lives up to the hype.

After years of planning and several failed attempts, we finally made it happen during a European road trip, and it turned out to be the perfect start to our adventure. If you’re planning to visit Neuschwanstein Castle yourself, here’s everything you need to know—from when to go, how to get there, and how to avoid the tourist chaos.

Best Time to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle

This place gets crowded. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder selfie-stick traffic. Summer is peak season, so if you want a more relaxed experience, aim for spring or fall. You’ll get decent weather, full access to all the sites, and way fewer people.

Weekdays are better than weekends, and early mornings or late afternoons are golden hours if you’re doing a day trip. Winter visits are magical (the snow is unreal), but keep in mind that Marienbrücke—the bridge with that iconic view—is usually closed due to ice.

We went in September 2020 and—thanks to COVID travel restrictions and a canceled Oktoberfest—the place was practically empty. It was honestly surreal.

Getting There from Munich (Train vs. Car)

🚆 By Train

Taking the train from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Füssen takes about two hours. From Füssen, hop on Bus 73 or 78 straight to Hohenschwangau (everyone’s heading the same way, so you won’t get lost).

For tickets, grab a Bayern Ticket. It’s €25 for one person and €8 for each additional person (up to five). It covers the train and the bus ride, but only after 9 AM on weekdays. Heads up: the earliest you can go with this ticket means you’ll arrive right at peak crowd time.

🚗 By Car

Honestly? Driving is the move. We rented a car straight from Munich Airport and headed out. The route is easy, scenic, and takes about two hours. Parking is available in Hohenschwangau (P4 is closest to the shuttle bus).

Driving gives you a head start on the crowds. You can show up early and beat the train-takers to the castle—which during summer, makes a big difference.

Where to Stay Near Neuschwanstein Castle

We stayed in Hohenschwangau for one night, and I 100% recommend it. Sure, it’s a little pricier than Füssen, but waking up with castle views from your balcony? Worth every euro.

We booked Hotel Villa Ludwig, and the view blew us away. Plus, we had free parking and were able to explore the area on foot without dealing with traffic or transport.

Staying overnight means you can:

• Walk up to the castle and Marienbrücke in the evening and again early the next morning
• Avoid the tour group stampedes
• Actually enjoy the place in peace

If you’re on a budget, Füssen has more affordable hotel options and is just 10 minutes away.

Booking Tickets to the Castle

If you want to go inside Neuschwanstein Castle, you’ll need to book a guided tour in advance at the official website. Tours sell out fast, especially in summer, so book early. You can also add a tour of Hohenschwangau Castle if you’ve got time.

You’ll get a QR code on your phone—no need to pick up tickets anymore.

If you miss the online tickets, a small number are sold in person at the ticket office in Hohenschwangau. But you’ll need to line up before 8 AM to even have a chance. Don’t be late for your slot—they won’t let you join a later tour.

👀 Not into castle interiors? That’s fine. The outside is the main event, and the views from Marienbrücke are next-level. You can walk around the outside of the castle and hike the nearby viewpoints totally free.

Getting to the Castle from Hohenschwangau

No matter how you get to the village, you still have to get up the hill to the castle. There are three ways:

🚶‍♂️ Walking

It’s a 1.5km paved path (about 25 minutes) starting near Hotel Müller. Not a bad walk—shaded, scenic, and totally free.

🚌 Shuttle Bus

Leaves from P4 parking lot and drops you near Marienbrücke, which is 10 minutes downhill to the castle. Costs €2.50 up, €1.50 down, or €3 round trip. Runs regularly—except in winter when there’s snow/ice.

🐎 Horse & Carriage

You can ride from near Hotel Müller to close to the castle, but it still leaves you with some walking. It’s €7 up, €3.50 down, but personally? Feels a little rough for the horses. Wouldn’t recommend.

The Iconic Marienbrücke Viewpoint

If you’ve seen any photo of Neuschwanstein Castle, it was probably taken from Marienbrücke. This bridge gives you that perfect shot of the castle with the forested mountains behind it.

Even during our quiet visit, we got there early in the morning to have it to ourselves. Totally worth the early wake-up call. If you go in summer, get up there before the first shuttle bus if you want it without the crowds.

⚠️ Afraid of heights? Heads up—the bridge is high, and it does sway a little when people walk on it.

💡 Pro tip: Walk past the bridge up a short trail. There’s another awesome viewpoint up there that’s usually way less crowded.

Don’t Skip Füssen

After you’ve taken a million castle photos, don’t rush off just yet. Füssen, just a 10-minute drive away, is a charming little town with colorful buildings and a chill vibe. It’s perfect for lunch or even an overnight stay.

Final Thoughts

After all those years of dreaming, our visit to Neuschwanstein Castle totally delivered. It was peaceful, beautiful, and the perfect way to kick off our trip. Whether you visit for a day or stay overnight, just make sure you plan a little in advance, beat the crowds when you can, and take your time soaking it all in.

Fairytales are cool, but this place? It’s the real deal.

ALSO READ THIS BLOG