Neuschwanstein Castle & Hohenschwangau Castle (Germany)
Where Are Neuschwanstein Castle & Hohenschwangau Castle Located?
These stunning castles are nestled in the Bavarian Alps, near the Alpsee. They’re about two hours southwest of Munich, Germany, making them a perfect day trip for anyone exploring southern Germany. They’re also just an hour and a half from Innsbruck, Austria, so you can easily visit both countries on a single site seeing tip.
A Little About Neuschwanstein Castle
Ticket Information: Neuschwanstein Castle requires an entrance fee, and tickets sell out quickly. I recommend purchasing your tickets online at least a month in advance, as they are released ahead of time. If you wait until the day of your visit and don’t arrive early, you risk missing out and having the tickets sold out when you arrive, due to high demand for these sites. Tickets typically cost around 21 euros (roughly $24–$26), with discounted options available. Be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Audio Guide Tours: The castle offers audio-guided tours, which are great because they allow you to visit at your own pace. The audio is clear and makes the experience even better by providing interesting context about your surroundings. The audio tours are available in multiple languages, including Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, Czech, Slovenian, Russian, Polish, Mandarin, Portuguese, Greek, Korean, Arabic, Hebrew, Hungarian, and Thai. Guided tours in English and German are also offered at various times throughout the day. I personally loved the English audio tour—it was easy to follow, and it allowed my group to take our time exploring the castle at the right pace for us.
History: Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869, though it was never fully completed before his death in 1886. This castle is his most famous and grandest creation. Interestingly, Neuschwanstein has a massive footprint of around 65,000 square feet (6,000 square meters), but sadly, only 15 of the planned 200+ rooms were ever finished.
Inspiration for Disney: Neuschwanstein Castle served as the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle, and you can see similarities in the spires and towers in various Disney parks and movies. It’s pretty cool to see how this iconic castle influenced the design of Disney’s own fairy tale world we are familiar in our modern day.
Photography: Please note that photography is not allowed inside the castle. However, the interior is just as fascinating as the exterior, with its medieval, romantic Gothic design—a reflection of Ludwig’s passion for medieval castle. So, if you want to see the inside of these castles - you simply need visit - it’s so worth it!
A Little About Hohenschwangau Castle
Ticket Information: Like Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau Castle also requires an entrance fee. Tickets cost around 26 euros (about $29–$31, depending on the exchange rate). They’re typically easier to get than Neuschwanstein tickets, but I still recommend purchasing them online at least a month in advance. My family opted for the combined ticket (for both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau), which worked out perfectly and allowed us to visit both castles at convenient times.
Audio Guide & Guided Tours: Hohenschwangau offers audio-guided tours as well, with options in several languages, including German and English. As with Neuschwanstein, choose the tour that works best for you.
History: Hohenschwangau Castle was built by King Maximilian II of Bavaria with the help of the German painter and architect Domenico Quaglio the Younger. Maximilian II was the father of King Ludwig II, who would later build Neuschwanstein Castle nearby. Ludwig spent much of his childhood at Hohenschwangau, hunting and swimming in the lush valley between the mountains - where he grew to love this alp surrounded area.
How to Get to the Castles
Parking: You must park in the central lots located below both castles. From there, you’ll need to either walk or use the bus service to reach the town center, where you can begin your castle visit.
The Hike: It’s quite a hike up to both castles, but fortunately, it’s all downhill after the tours! If you're not up for the walk, there are horse-drawn carriages and buses that can take you to the castles, but these come with an additional fee.
Walking vs. Transportation: If you're able to walk, I highly recommend it. Not only do you get some good exercise, but you’ll also get to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and catch some fantastic views of the castles as you go. With that - there are plenty of opportunities for great photos along the path too!
Other Tips & Tricks
Comfortable Footwear & Weather-Ready Clothes: The Alps can get chilly, even in summer, so pack comfortable walking shoes and warm layers. In winter, it can even snow, so be prepared for cooler temperatures.
Morning Tickets: If you’re doing a day trip from Munich or Innsbruck (both about 2 hours away), I suggest booking your tickets for the morning. This way, you can see both castles and still have time to make the trek back to your central based location. If you’re visiting both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, leave at least 3 hours between your ticket times to allow for a relaxed visit and accounting for the hike between the castles times.
Lunch Options: There are sit-down restaurants in the village, but they can be expensive and take a while to serve your food. We opted for a quick pretzel and some snacks, which worked perfectly. Alternatively, you can pack a lunch (like sandwiches) and enjoy it by the lake, which is a great way to save money and enjoy a more relaxed meal.
Final thoughts
Visiting Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles is an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into Bavaria’s rich history and stunning alpine scenery. Whether you're marveling at the fairy-tale beauty of Neuschwanstein or stepping back in time at Hohenschwangau, both castles provide a unique and immersive adventure with their well preserved interiors. By planning ahead—especially when it comes to securing tickets and timing your visit—you can make the most of your trip and fully enjoy these iconic landmarks on your timing. Don’t forget to take in the breathtaking views along the hike, pack comfortable shoes, and consider a picnic by the lake for a more relaxed and affordable meal. With a little preparation, your visit to these two magnificent castles will be an experience you’ll cherish long after you’ve left the Bavarian Alps and Southern Germany.
