neuschwanstein castle tours

TICKETS & TOURS 2025

NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE

DISCOVER NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE: WHERE FAIRY TALES COME TO LIFE

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Explore Ludwig II’s dreamlike castle with our expert guides!

Discover the history of the castle and the King’s vision that brought it to life.

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NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE

Step into a fairytale as you visit Neuschwanstein, one of the world’s most famous castles, built in the late 19th century by the legendary King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Located near the village of Hohenschwangau, close to the town of Füssen, this architectural masterpiece was inspired by medieval castles and Wagnerian operas. The castle stands on a hill overlooking the Alpsee and Schwansee lakes and the surrounding Bavarian Alps, offering stunning views. Situated about 130 km southwest of Munich, it is a popular day trip destination from the city.

Often called the real-life Disney castle, Neuschwanstein attracts millions of visitors each year. As one of Germany’s most popular attractions, we recommend that you plan ahead and book tickets online in advance. Tours have limited spots, and same-day tickets may sell out quickly, especially during the high season.

Neuschwanstein Castle: Quick entry tickets & guided tours

Check out our best Skip-the-Line options for Neuschwanstein Castle!

from
€ 80

Live Tour Guide

Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Tour

Experience the perfect mix of history, beauty, and nature on a tour from Munich through Germany's countryside. Visit the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle, a real-life fairytale castle built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Explore the castle's interior and enjoy a peaceful walk through the surrounding forest with the spectacular panorama of mountains. On this day trip from Munich, you'll also have an opportunity to visit Linderhof Castle and Ludwig II's childhood home in the scenic village of Hohenschwangau village.

from
€ 43
Best price

skip the line ticket

Neuschwanstein Castle Skip-the-line Ticket Tour

Visit Neuschwanstein Castle and see a castle straight out of a fairytale! It was inspired by medieval architecture and features many works of art inspired by Wagner's operas. Your guide inside the castle will tell you all the most interesting information about it. Discover the luxury and opulence of the castle, and admire the stunning views!

King Ludwig’s II Dream Castle

King Ludwig II of Bavaria built some of Germany’s most impressive castles, each reflecting his passion for medieval legends, art, and absolute monarchy. Neuschwanstein Castle was his ultimate fairytale project, created to fulfill his childhood dream. Unlike traditional castles built for defense, Neuschwanstein was designed as a romantic retreat, blending Medieval, French Gothic, and Byzantine architecture with influences from Richard Wagner’s operas and German mythology. It stands as the ultimate expression of Ludwig’s artistic vision and love for the medieval world. The castle inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle with its fairy-tale towers, romantic design, and dramatic hilltop setting.

neuschwanstein castle tours ()
neuschwanstein castle tours ()

Inside the Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is a masterpiece of architecture and design, combining medieval-inspired elements with modern innovations for its time. Although originally planned to have over 200 rooms, only about 15 were completed before King Ludwig II’s death in 1886. Among the most impressive is the Throne Hall, inspired by Byzantine churches, features gold decorations, paintings of saints, and a mosaic floor, though the throne itself was never built. The Hall of the Singers, modeled after Wartburg Castle, is decorated with scenes from Wagner’s operas, reflecting Ludwig’s deep admiration for the composer. His private chambers, including the bedroom, study, and dining room, include intricate wood carvings and medieval-style artwork. Despite its medieval-inspired design, Neuschwanstein was remarkably advanced for its time. It had running water, central heating, a telephone, and even a service lift for transporting food.

Good to know before visiting Neuschwanstein Castle

Stepping into the world of King Ludwig II and his dreamlike castle is unforgettable. Preparing in advance can enhance your visit. Before visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, there are a few important things to know to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. From ticket reservations and transport options to the best times to visit and what to bring, planning ahead can help you avoid wait time and make the most of your experience. Here are some key things to keep in mind before your visit.

neuschwanstein castle tours ()
neuschwanstein castle tours ()

Things to do near Neuschwanstein Castle

Your visit to Neuschwanstein is more than just a castle tour – it’s an opportunity to explore its beautiful surroundings. To make the most of your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, explore beyond its walls. Walk to Marienbrücke for the best castle view, then hike through Pöllat Gorge for scenic waterfalls.

Visit Hohenschwangau Castle to learn about King Ludwig II’s childhood and royal heritage. In Hohenschwangau village, enjoy Bavarian cuisine at local restaurants and browse souvenir shops for unique gifts. Stop by the Museum to discover the history of Bavaria’s royal family, then take a relaxing walk around Alpsee Lake, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

The story behind Neuschwanstein Castle

NAME ORIGIN: Neuschwanstein means New Swan Stone, a name inspired by the Swan Knight, a character from Richard Wagner’s opera.

BEDROOM CRAFTSMANSHIP: The intricate woodwork in the king’s bedroom was created by fourteen carpenters who worked for over four years to complete it.

KING’S STAY: Although he built it as his private retreat, King Ludwig II spent only 172 days between 1884 and 1886 at Neuschwanstein before his death.

LUDWIG II’S MYSTERIOUS DEATH: In June 1886, King Ludwig II was declared insane and sent to Berg Castle, and shortly afterward, he was found dead in Lake Starnberg alongside his doctor. Theories suggest drowning, an escape attempt, or even assassination, though the true cause of his death remains a mystery.

WAGNER’S INFLUENCE: A devoted patron of composer Richard Wagner, King Ludwig II incorporated themes from Wagner’s operas into the castle’s design. However, Wagner never visited the castle and passed away before the castle’s completion.

neuschwanstein castle tours ()
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Iconic views from Marienbrücke

Queen Mary’s Bridge (Marienbrücke) is an essential stop when visiting Neuschwanstein Castle. Built in 1845 by King Maximilian II and named after his wife, Queen Marie of Prussia, the bridge was strengthened with iron reinforcements by King Ludwig II in 1866 for greater stability. From this vantage point, you can admire the castle’s full beauty, set against the backdrop of the Bavarian Alps and surrounded by dense forests. Many visitors consider this the most memorable part of their trip, making it a spot you should not miss.

Want to learn more about Neuschwanstein Castle?

Book our recommended Neuschwanstein Castle tour or ticket!

from
€ 43
Best price

skip the line ticket

Neuschwanstein Castle Skip-the-line Ticket Tour

Visit Neuschwanstein Castle and see a castle straight out of a fairytale! It was inspired by medieval architecture and features many works of art inspired by Wagner's operas. Your guide inside the castle will tell you all the most interesting information about it. Discover the luxury and opulence of the castle, and admire the stunning views!

from
€ 80

Live Tour Guide

Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Tour

Experience the perfect mix of history, beauty, and nature on a tour from Munich through Germany's countryside. Visit the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle, a real-life fairytale castle built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Explore the castle's interior and enjoy a peaceful walk through the surrounding forest with the spectacular panorama of mountains. On this day trip from Munich, you'll also have an opportunity to visit Linderhof Castle and Ludwig II's childhood home in the scenic village of Hohenschwangau village.

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