Visit Neuschwanstein Castle | Opening Hours, Routes, & Tips

Best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle

Peak season vs off-season

Shoulder season (April to May): Embrace springtime's charm at the Swan Castle. April and May offer pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the castle grounds. This shoulder season provides a good balance between manageable crowds and pleasant temperatures.
Peak season (June to October: June to October are the busiest months, with school breaks and vacations attracting large groups. While afternoons tend to be less crowded, expect higher visitor numbers. Booking tours in advance is highly recommended during this time.
Low season (November to March): The winter months create a snowy landscape around Neuschwanstein, making for breathtaking visuals. However, keep in mind that snowfall can make hiking and exploring the surroundings challenging. Many areas might have limited accessibility during this time.

Tips for visiting Neuschwanstein Castle

Weekday vs weekend

Weekday: For a more peaceful Neuschwanstein experience, consider a weekday visit. Weekdays offer significantly lower crowds, allowing you to explore the castle at your own pace. Weekdays are also ideal for exploring other castles near Neuschwanstein like the Linderhof Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle.
Weekend: If a weekend visit is unavoidable, be prepared for larger crowds. To beat the rush, catch an early morning bus or choose Neuschwanstein guided tours with the earliest start times. This strategy allows you to explore the castle before the peak crowds arrive. Keep in mind that some locals enjoy a three-day weekend with Fridays off. Expect longer wait times at restaurants on these days.

Plan Neuschwanstein Castle day tours

Where Is Neuschwanstein Castle located?

Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany.
Find on maps.

Neuschwanstein Castle is located in the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in the southwest of Bavaria, Germany. It is on a hill above Alpsee Lake, surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush greenery. The castle is part of the Bavarian Alps and is located about 120 kilometers southwest of Munich, the capital city of the state of Bavaria.

Closest Landmark: Linderhof Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle

How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle?

Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich

By public transport

By train:

Take a regional train from Munich Hauptbahnhof (Munich Central Station) to Fussen station. Several trains operate daily on this route, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours. You can find and book train tickets through DB Bahn, the German national railway company.
Once you arrive at Fussen station, you will need to take a local bus or taxi to Hohenschwangau village, located at the foot of the hill where Neuschwanstein Castle stands.

By bus:

Several bus companies like Flixbuses offer direct connections from Munich to Hohenschwangau village. The bus journey typically takes a little longer, around 2 hours and 23 minutes.

Neuschwanstein tours from Munich

By road

Via A95 Autobahn: The fastest route from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle is via A95. Head south on the A8. Take the exit onto the A95 towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Follow the A95 for approximately 80 kilometers until you reach the exit for Schwangau (Exit 18). Follow the signs for Hohenschwangau village. The castle will be visible on your approach.

Parking options: While the castle itself does not offer any parking facilities, you can keep your car at the Hohenschwangau village. Look for signs that say 'Parkplatz Neuschwanstein'.

P1 visitor parking lot: This is the largest parking lot closest to the castle. It is a multi-story parking garage that fills up quickly, especially during peak season.
P4 Parkplatz Alpsee: This parking lot is located further away from the castle, near the Alpsee lake. A shuttle bus service operates from this lot to the castle entrance.

Know before you visit Neuschwanstein Castle

Facilities and accessibility inside Neuschwanstein

Wheelchair access: Visitors in wheelchairs can comfortably roam the castle grounds. There are ramps and elevators inside the Neuschwanstein Castle to ensure guests with limited mobility can access all parts of the palace. However, it is best to bring along a caregiver or family member as the road leading to the castle entrance is bumpy, uneven, and uphill.
Restrooms: You can avail of restroom facilities and baby-changing stations inside the castle.
Parking: While the castle itself does not provide any parking facilities, you can make use of any slot between P1 to P4 at the Alpseestrasse parking lot.
Cloakroom: You can keep your belongings in the castle’s cloakroom to roam around the premises comfortably.

St. Joseph Church in Augsburg with its ornate facade and twin spires against a clear sky.

Plan your route: Consider the uphill climb and decide whether it's manageable for your family. The shuttle bus is a good option as well.
Pack light: Strollers are not ideal inside the castle due to the stairs and narrow spaces. Consider using a baby carrier if needed.
Plan with breaks: The castle tour can last around 5 to 7 hours. Factor in breaks for restrooms and refreshments outside the castle. Pack snacks and water for the journey.
Explore nearby castles: Located nearby, Hohenschwangau Castle was King Ludwig II's childhood residence. It might be a more manageable option with less challenging access and potentially more engaging for younger kids. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the lake or explore the surrounding meadows for a more relaxed and family-friendly experience.

Rules and regulations inside Neuschwanstein

Mobility: Visitors in wheelchairs can tour the castle premises. There are ramps and elevators inside to help guests with mobility challenges. However, the castle is situated on top of a hill. If you have mobility limitations, consider the challenges in advance.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available inside the castle for your convenience.
Food and drinks: No food or drinks are allowed inside the castle. There are restaurants and cafes in the nearby village for refreshments.
Smoking: Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside the castle and on the castle grounds.
Large bags and backpacks: Large bags and backpacks are not ideal for a Neuschwanstein Castle tour. You can leave them at the castle’s cloakroom, however, try not to bring them along for your convenience.
Pets: Except for service animals, no pets are allowed inside the castle.

Tips to note when visiting Neuschwanstein Castle

Wear comfortable shoes: Choose your most comfortable and closed shoes to visit Neuschwanstein. The castle is situated on top of a hill and requires you to traverse through a steep and uneven terrain. The castle, itself, is spread across 65000 square feet and has nearly 200 rooms. You will have to walk a lot to explore the premises thoroughly.
Respect photography policies: You cannot click pictures of Neuschwanstein Castle’s interiors, however, you can take pictures and videos of its gardens and structure. Be mindful of these restrictions.
Choose guided tours with transfers: It is best to choose Neuschwanstein guided tours with transfers from Munich for a budget-friendly and hassle-free experience.
Keep a few hours on hand: There are several rooms to explore inside Neuschwanstein. The castle also has a beautiful garden with scenic pathways and trails. You need at least 5 to 7 hours to explore the castle and its surroundings.
Avoid large suitcases: Do not bring large bags and suitcases to your Neuschwanstein tour. You have to drop them off at the cloakroom.

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria with guided tour group exploring the exterior.

When visiting the castle, you can shop around its premises for small trinkets, postcards, stationery, and other items to remember your visit.

Hohenschwangau village: This village, located at the foot of the Neuschwanstein Castle hill offers the closest shopping options. Explore the main street for souvenir shops selling keychains, magnets, and postcards. You will also find shops selling traditional Bavarian clothing, cuckoo clocks, and other regional souvenirs.
Fussen: This town, a short bus or train ride from Hohenschwangau, offers a wider range of shopping options. Here you will find a mix of souvenir shops, boutiques selling local crafts and clothing, and department stores.
Christmas markets: If you are visiting Neuschwanstein during the winter season, make sure to explore its Christmas markets. Here you'll find a mix of souvenir shops, boutiques selling local crafts and clothing, and department stores.

Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein (0.1 km away): Situated a stone's throw from the castle, this restaurant offers hearty Bavarian fare like Schweinebraten (roast pork with dumplings and gravy) and Kasespätzle (cheese spaetzle, a type of egg noodle).
La Perla Ristorante Pizzeria (3.9 km away): La Perla offers a classic Italian dining experience, perfect for those craving a break from hearty Bavarian meals. You can try pizzas with various toppings, pasta like spaghetti carbonara or lasagna, and fresh seafood dishes.
Alpenstuben (0.8 km away): Just a short walk away from Neuschwanstein, this restaurant offers a traditional Bavarian dining experience. Try their sausages with sauerkraut, goulash stew, or Wienerschnitzel (breaded veal cutlet).
Hotel Muller Restaurant Acht-Eck (0.9 km away): This restaurant also serves regional specialties. The ambiance might be more upscale compared to some other options, catering to those seeking a more refined dining experience.
Restaurant Cafe Kainz (0.7 km away): This cafe is perfect for visitors looking to grab a small bite, take a coffee break, or have a lighter meal after exploring the castle. The menu includes comfort dishes like burgers and salads.

Budget stays:
Hotel Müller (350 m)
Zur Post Schwangau (2.3 km)
Hotel Gasthof am See (4 km)
Mid-range stays:
Hotel Villa Ludwig (400 m)
Hotel Das Rübezahl (3.2 km)
Hotel Schlosskrone (3.8 km)
Luxury stays:
Hotel Hirsch (3.6 km)
Hotel Sonne Füssen (3.8 km)
Hotel Sommer (4.9 km)

Linderhof Castle: Built by King Ludwig II as a private retreat, Linderhof offers a more intimate look at the king's tastes. Explore the Venus Grotto, an artificial cave complete with a shimmering boat, or wander the lush gardens adorned with fountains and sculptures.
Hohenschwangau Castle: This palace was the childhood residence of King Ludwig II. Here, you can witness the architectural influences that would later inspire Neuschwanstein's dramatic design. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Wittelsbach dynasty and the formative years of the ‘Fairytale King.’
Museum of the Bavarian Kings: This museum explores the rich legacy of the Wittelsbach dynasty, the royal family that ruled Bavaria for centuries. Learn about King Ludwig II's ancestors and explore exhibits showcasing royal treasures, furniture, and artworks.
Alpsee Lake: This pristine lake, located at the foot of the Bavarian Alps, offers breathtaking scenery. Rent a rowboat to float along the calm waters or simply relax on the shore and soak in the fresh mountain air.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Neuschwanstein Castle

Why visit the Neuschwanstein Castle?

The Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II as an escape from his princely duties. He was deeply influenced by Wagnerian operas and German Romanticism and sought to incorporate these elements into the castle’s design. Visit Neuschwanstein to learn more about Bavarian history and King Ludwig II’s reign.

How to get from Munich to Neuschwanstein?

The best way to travel to Neuschwanstein from Munich is to book tours including transfers. You can also book trains from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Fussen and take a local bus to Hohenschwangau village. From Schwangau, you have to take a shuttle bus or a horse-drawn carriage to reach the castle entrance.

What are Neuschwanstein Castle’s opening hours?

The Neuschwanstein Castle’s timings are from 9am to 6pm between 23rd March and 15th October and between 10am and 4pm from 16th October to 22nd March.

How to visit Neuschwanstein Castle?

To visit Neuschwanstein Castle, you have to book tickets online in advance. Neuschwanstein Castle guided tours often include round-trip transfers from Munich, a professional tour guide, multilingual audio guides, and more to ensure you have a hassle-free experience.

Can wheelchair guests visit Neuschwanstein Castle?

Yes, visitors in wheelchairs can tour the Neuschwanstein Castle. There are ramps and elevators inside the castle to help you reach all levels of the palace. You can book Neuschwanstein tours from Munich, including round-trip, air-conditioned transfers for your convenience.

Is there free parking at Neuschwanstein Castle?

The Neuschwanstein Castle does not offer any parking facilities. You can make use of any of the slots, between P1 to P4 at the Alpseestrasse parking lot in the nearby Hohenschwangau village.