Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

The Neuschwanstein Castle, in southern Bavaria, is one of the most visited places in Germany and often appears as a cover image in the country’s travel guides. And the Schloss Neuschwanstein is probably the best example of «fairy tale castle» that we can see in Europe.

The Neuschwanstein Castle is a dream construction surrounded by a beautiful landscape that inspired Walt Disney himself to create the castle of the Sleeping Beauty. Along with two other palaces of Louis II (Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee), Neuschwanstein completes a group known popularly as «Castles of the Mad King», declared a World Heritage Site. Then we talk about your history and visit.

Brief history of Neuschwanstein Castle

The history of Neuschwanstein Castle is the story of King Louis II of Bavaria (1845-1886), nicknamed «Mad King». Son of Maximiliano II, spent long summers in the Castle of Hohenschwangau dreaming with great heroes of the Germanic mythology like Parsifal, Sigurd or, especially, Lohengrin (the «Knight of the Swan»).

The operas (Opera of Paris) on these gentlemen realized by his admired and protected Wagner, did not do but enliven his desire to become a story king. And, for this, shortly after being crowned, he ordered the construction of a palace according to his idealized and romantic vision of the medieval castles.

The «New Castle of Hohenschwangau», which would not be known as Neuschwanstein until after his death, began to be built in 1868, just 2 km from his father’s castle, from where he could see the progress of the works. But the dreams of the Mad King to lock himself in a story world never came to be fully realized.

Louis II died in 1886 with the castle still under construction and throughout his life had barely enjoyed a total of 5 months. A few weeks after his burial his heirs opened Neuschwanstein to the public and with the money raised they defrayed the debts generated by his excesses.

Today it receives 1.5 million visitors a year and is one of the top 5 tourist attractions in Germany.

Visit the Neuschwanstein Castle

The Neuschwanstein Castle is located in the town of Schwangau, about 4 km from Füssen, 5 km from the Austrian border and 120 km from Munich, which is the city from which most visitors arrive.

What makes this castle so special is not only its beautiful picture, but its idyllic location in a gorge at the foot of the Bavarian Alps, from where it dominates a beautiful valley in which there are plenty of charming villages and large lakes. In addition, if there were few complaints, less than 2 km away is the Hohenschwangau Castle, where he spent much of his childhood Louis II.

We recommend you make that visit first to know your life in a certain chronological order.

Neuschwanstein can be seen from many places, but the place from where everyone takes the typical photos is the Mary Bridge (Marienbrücke), a suspension bridge that crosses the Pöllat gorge. It is located about 600 m from the entrance and can be reached on foot (about 40-50 ‘uphill from the village) or by bus (which stops very close to the viewpoint).

Neuschwanstein can be seen from many places, but the place from where everyone takes the typical photos is the Mary Bridge (Marienbrücke), a suspension bridge that crosses the Pöllat gorge. It is located about 600 m from the entrance and can be reached on foot (about 40-50 ‘uphill from the village) or by bus (which stops very close to the viewpoint).

How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich

Excursion in Spanish: The most comfortable and easy way to get to the Neuschwanstein Castle. € 57 per person includes transportation and Spanish speaking guide throughout the day. You can book the tour here: Excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle in Spanish.

Public transport: A slow and uncomfortable option, since you will have to make several transfers. The first step is to take the train to Füssen. Once there you will have to take bus number 73 (direction Steingaden / Garmisch-Partenkirchen) or number 78 (direction Schwangau), being the destination stop Hohenschwangau / Alpseestraße. From this stop you can walk 30 minutes to the castle or take a horse carriage.

Rental car: If you want to drive and do not mind renting a car, it’s 130 kilometers that separate Munich from Neuschwanstein.

Location
130 kilometers from Munich.
Schedule
From April to October 15: from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
From October 16 to March: from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Price
Adults: € 13
Students: € 12
Under 18 years old: free admission.
Excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle and the Linderhof Palace € 57