Hohenschwangau Castle: A Royal Residence

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Explore Hohenschwangau Castle, the 19th-century neo-Gothic palace and childhood home of King Ludwig II, nestled in the scenic Bavarian Alps.

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Hohenschwangau Castle

Hohenschwangau Castle, nestled in the Bavarian Alps, is a 19th-century palace with a rich history. Originally a 12th-century fortress, it was rebuilt by King Maximilian II and served as the childhood home of King Ludwig II. Explore its neo-Gothic architecture, vibrant interiors, and the beautiful gardens surrounding it.

A brief summary to Hohenschwangau Castle

Alpseestraße 30, Schwangau, Hohenschwangau, 87645, DE
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Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues and ensure entry, especially during peak season.
Arrive at least 1 hour before your tour time to allow for parking, ticket collection, and the walk to the castle.
Wear comfortable shoes as there is a steep uphill walk or climb to reach the castle from the village.
Consider visiting the Museum of the Bavarian Kings to learn more about the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty.
Allocate at least 4-5 hours to tour both Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castles.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Hohenschwangau ticket center and parking area (P1-P4), follow the signs towards Hohenschwangau Castle. The walk is uphill and takes approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on your pace. There are some steps along the way. The path is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the surrounding area. No costs are associated with walking to the castle.
Horse-Drawn Carriage

Horse-drawn carriages depart from Hotel Müller on Alpseestraße, near the ticket center. The carriage ride takes you most of the way up the hill, but there is still a short, uphill walk of about 450 meters (10-15 minutes) to the castle entrance. Tickets can be purchased directly from the coachman. The cost is approximately €7 per person for the ride up and €3.50 for the ride down.
Public Transport

From Füssen train station, take bus lines 73 or 78 to the "Hohenschwangau Neuschwanstein Castles, Schwangau" stop. The bus ride takes about 10-15 minutes. From the bus stop, it is a short, uphill walk to the ticket center and then to the castle. A single bus fare costs around €2-€4. Please note that the buses can be very full, especially during peak season.

Discover more about Hohenschwangau Castle

Hohenschwangau Castle, located near Füssen in southern Germany, is a captivating palace with a storied past. First mentioned in the 12th century, it served as the residence of the Knights of Schwangau. In 1832, Crown Prince Maximilian of Bavaria, later King Maximilian II, discovered the ruins and decided to rebuild it as a romantic neo-Gothic summer residence. From 1833 to 1837, the castle was reconstructed, becoming a beloved summer and hunting residence for the Bavarian royal family. King Ludwig II, Maximilian's son, spent much of his childhood here, and the castle's romantic atmosphere and German legends depicted in its murals inspired his later construction of Neuschwanstein Castle. The castle boasts over 90 murals by artists such as Moritz von Schwind and Ludwig Lindenschmit, depicting German legends. Visitors can explore the castle's richly decorated interiors as part of a guided tour, which lasts approximately 45 minutes. The castle garden, designed by Domenico Quaglio and later expanded by Georg Friedrich Ziebland and Peter Joseph Lenné, offers stunning views of the Alpsee, forests, and mountains. Today, Hohenschwangau Castle welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year, offering a glimpse into the lives of Bavarian royalty.