THE BEST TIPS FOR VISITING NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE 2023
Best Time to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle | Working Hours | Neuschwanstein Castle Visiting Guide
Visit the real-life Disney castle and step inside a fairytale!
Located in the Bavarian Alps, the Neuschwanstein castle looks like it was pulled out straight out of a fairytale. So it’s no wonder that the 19th-century castle inspired Disney himself. Many say that Neuschwanstein is the Cinderella castle. But the fact is that this castle was the inspiration for both the Cinderella castle inside of the Magic Kingdom and the Paris Disneyland’s centerpiece, the Sleeping Beauty’s castle.
A fusion of these two resulted in the iconic Disney logo we know and love today. A visit to the real-life Disney castle, as some call Neuschwanstein, will certainly not leave you indifferent. The castle’s architecture, details, and breathtaking scenery it’s set in will leave you in awe. And who knows, maybe, just like Walt Disney, you will find great inspiration during your visit to Neuschwanstein castle.
Learn all the information you’ll need for the best way to visit Neuschwanstein Castle
We’ve put all the valuable information and visiting tips you’ll need to know before visiting one of the most beautiful castles in the world – Neuschwanstein castle. From the working hours of the castle, where and how to buy a Neuschwanstein ticket to how to reach the castle and where to stay. Find out everything you need to know before visiting this real-life fairytale castle!
When can you visit Neuschwanstein Castle – Working Hours
The Neuschwanstein castle is open every day during the year, except for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Neuschwanstein’s working hours are divided into two seasons – summer and winter. Summer months, especially July and August, tend to be the busiest period at Neuschwanstein Castle. So, if you plan your visit during the summer, it’s advisable to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the large crowds.
On the other hand, winters bring chilly temperatures to the region, and the castle’s surroundings are likely to be adorned with a scenic blanket of snow. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware that certain parts of the castle might be inaccessible or have limited visiting hours during this time of the year.
Neuschwanstein Castle Working Hours
Neuschwanstein Winter season Opening Hours
16th October – March:
10:00 h – 16:00 h
Neuschwanstein Summer season Opening Hours
April – 15th October:
9:00 h – 18:00 h
Ticket Office Working Hours:
16th October – March:
9:00 h – 15:00 h
April – 15th October:
8:00 h – 16:00 h
Neuschwanstein Closed Days:
124th, 25th, and 31st December 1st January
Getting to the Neuschwanstein Castle
The castle is near the Austrian border with Bavaria, Germany, and you could visit it easily from both countries. If you want to visit Neuschwanstein Castle on your own, there are frequent trains and bus connections to the castle, so it is pretty easy to organize your visit by simply buying the Bayern ticket. The closest big city to the castle is Munich, and you can always book an organized Neuschwanstein day trip from Munich. So visiting Neuschwanstein Castle needs to be on top of your to-do list if you are ever there. And a visit to this fairytale castle is a perfect day trip.
Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich
There are three main ways to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich: car, train, and bus. The castle is located in a small village called Schwangau. If you decide to visit the Bavarian castle by car, it will take 1.5-2 hours. Once you arrive at the village of Schwangau, you will be able to find parking without a problem. The parking fee at Neuschwanstein is 6€ per day.
Suppose you decide to visit a famous attraction using public transportation. In that case, you can choose between a bus or a train ride. You can buy a bus ticket from Munich’s central bus station to Neuschwanstein or book a tour bus. Both will take you directly to the village of Schwangau, where the real-life fairy tale castle is located. The train from Munich does not go directly to Neuschwanstein, but a train ride can add to the whole experience. Once you arrive at the central train station in Munich (The Munich Hauptbahnhof), you will have to purchase your train ticket. We advise you to buy a Bayern Pass. This ticket covers public transport for up to 5 people for the whole day in Bavaria, Germany. You’ll get off the train at Fussen. From Fussen, you will have to take one of the local buses to get to the Neuschwanstein castle.
Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle from Fussen
From the town of Fussen, you can visit Neuschwanstein by car, taxi, or local bus. If you decide to visit by car, you will find a parking space in a village at the foot of the castle. A taxi car ride from Fussen to Neuschwanstein lasts about 5 minutes, and it will cost you around 13 euros.
And lastly, if you decide to visit the castle by bus from Fussen, you will have to take bus line number 73 or 78 to Hohenschwangau. Buses are frequent, they go every 30 minutes, and the ride takes about 10 minutes. Keep in mind that if you arrive in Fussen from Munich by train, your Bayern Pass will also be valid for the bus ride.
Want to learn more about Neuschwanstein Castle? Book your guided tour or skip-the-line ticket now!
Good To Know Before Visiting Neuschwanstein
- If you’re spending a full or half a day exploring the Neuschwanstein castle, you will have many options for where to eat. There are plenty of charming restaurants at the Schwangau just beneath the castle. Stop by for a proper Bavarian meal and some refreshments.
- How to dress for your visit to the Neuschwanstein castle depends on the time of the year you’re visiting. One thing you should do is wear a pair of comfortable shoes.
- People with restricted mobility might find it hard to visit Neuschwanstein. The shuttle bus and the horse carriages that go up to the castle don’t drop you off right at the entrance. And, you will still need to take a short walk to get to the castle.
- Photography is not permitted inside the Neuschwanstein castle.
- There are on-site toilets.
- We strongly recommend you dedicate the whole day if you visit Neuschwanstein Castle.
- Look carefully at your purchased ticket. Sometimes your preferred time slot is not available, so that you will get another one. For this reason, we advise you to check the exact time of your Neuschwanstein tour so you can organize your visit correctly and avoid any confusion.
Best Advice for Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle
Here are the top three visiting tips if you’re planning to visit Neuschwanstein Castle!
1.
BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE
Waiting in line to buy the Neuschwanstein ticket on the spot might take you a long time. And it still can happen that you will not be able to purchase a ticket because all the time slots for visiting are filled. The best thing to do is to buy your Neuschwanstein tour ticket online and in advance.
Buying your ticket online is highly recommended, and it will ensure that you will enter the castle on your desired date. And you can have a stress-free visit to the German fairy tale castle.
2.
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE MARIENBRUCKE VIEW
One thing you can’t miss out on is going to the Neuschwanstein castle bridge – Marienbrucke. From there, you will experience the most fantastic view of the castle and its surroundings.
3.
VISIT LINDERHOF PALACE AD HOHENSCHWANGAU CASTLE WHILE THERE
Set aside a whole day to explore the marvelous castles of Bavaria, Germany. Incorporate a visit to Linderhof Castle and the Hohenschwangau Castle into your Neuschwanstein schedule. Even if it turns into a long day trip to Neuschwanstein, trust us it’s worth it.
FAQ – Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
How many people visit Neuschwanstein Castle each year?
Neuschwanstein Castle is one the most famous castle in Europe, so it’s no surprise that over 1.4 million people visit Neuschwanstein Castle every year. During the summer season, around 6000 visitors tour the castle.Is it worth going into Neuschwanstein Castle?
Yes! Visiting the Neuschwanstein castle is undoubtedly worth it. The Castle’s unique architecture, scenic setting of the Alps, and the fairytale-like ambiance surrounding it are something you should experience.Can I go to Neuschwanstein Castle on my own?
You can only enter the Neuschwanstein castle as a part of a guided walking tour. During your tour of the castle, you will explore and learn all about the 14 decorated rooms of the court. Book your Neuschwanstein tour right away!Is Neuschwanstein Castle free?
The entrance to Neuschwanstein is free for children younger than 18. If you want to go inside the castle, you will have to buy a tour ticket. But you can explore the castle grounds and the nearby village of Schwangau for free. We highly advise you to purchase tickets ahead and online. Once you visit the castle, you can pick up your tickets at the ticket center.What is special about Neuschwanstein Castle?
Numerous things make the Neuschwanstein castle special and so famous. To start, the castle is one of the most photographed buildings in the world. It was also a great inspiration to Disney for their Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella’s castle, which were later combined and became the world-famous Disney logo. Neuschwanstein is famous for being dreamt up by the so-called fairy tale king, also known as the mad king- Ludwig II. The castle doesn’t have a throne. The Throne Hall is empty because the King of Bavaria died before the court was finished. Once you visit Neuschwanstein, you will see how impressive and truly special the castle is.How much time do you need at Neuschwanstein Castle?
The tour inside Neuschwanstein Castle is about 35 minutes long. But if you are visiting the castle, we recommend you set aside a whole day, or at least a few hours, to get the entire Neuschwanstein experience. By doing so, you will be able to explore the castle’s grounds properly, soak in the beautiful Alps scenery, eat at one of the authentic Bavarian restaurants, and take plenty of stunning photographs. You could also visit the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle and Linderhof Palace.Learn More About The Real-Life Fairytale Castle!
Take a look at our hand-picked Neuschwanstein Tours & Tickets!