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Neuschwanstein Castle: A Fairytale Retreat

Discover Neuschwanstein Castle: a fairytale palace nestled in the Bavarian Alps, inspired by King Ludwig II and the legends of the Middle Ages.

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Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Inspired by the romantic ideals of the Middle Ages and the operas of Richard Wagner, this iconic castle enchants visitors with its fairytale architecture and stunning mountain views.

A brief summary to Neuschwanstein Castle

  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as there is a steep uphill walk to the castle.
  • Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.
  • Note that photography is not allowed inside the castle.
  • Check the official website for seasonal closures and accessibility updates.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Füssen train station, take bus 73 (direction Halblech) or 78 (direction Schwangau) to the Hohenschwangau Neuschwanstein Castles, Schwangau stop. Bus tickets can be purchased from the driver. From the bus stop, it's approximately a 30-40 minute uphill walk to Neuschwanstein Castle. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus from the parking lot P4 below Hohenschwangau Palace to a viewpoint near Marienbrücke bridge, followed by a 500-meter downhill walk to the castle entrance. Shuttle bus costs: Uphill €3, Downhill €2, Return €3.50.

  • Walking

    From the Hohenschwangau village (where the ticket center and parking lots are located), follow the Neuschwansteinstraße uphill for approximately 1.5 kilometers. The walk is steep and takes around 30-40 minutes. Consider this option if you want to save money and enjoy the scenery. Note that the road is paved but can be tiring.

  • Horse-Drawn Carriage

    Horse-drawn carriages depart from Hotel Müller on Alpseestraße in Hohenschwangau. The carriage will take you up most of the way, but there is still an uphill walk of about 450 meters (10-15 minutes) to the castle entrance. Tickets can be purchased directly from the carriage driver. The cost is approximately €8 uphill and €4 downhill per person.

  • Parking

    Parking is only available in the village of Hohenschwangau (P1-P4). Follow signs for 'Parkplatz Neuschwanstein'. From the parking lots, you can walk, take a horse-drawn carriage, or a shuttle bus to the castle. Parking costs approximately €10 per car per day. From the parking lot, it is a 1.5km walk uphill that will take about 40 minutes.

Unlock the Best of Neuschwanstein Castle

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Discover more about Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle, perched high above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in Bavaria, Germany, is a breathtaking testament to King Ludwig II's romantic vision. Often referred to as the "Disney Castle," Neuschwanstein's enchanting design draws inspiration from medieval legends, myths, and the operas of Richard Wagner, whom Ludwig deeply admired. Construction of Neuschwanstein began in 1869, atop the ruins of two smaller castles. Ludwig envisioned it as a personal retreat, a place where he could immerse himself in his idealized vision of the Middle Ages. Unlike functional medieval castles, Neuschwanstein was conceived purely for aesthetic and romantic purposes. The castle's design blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural elements, creating a unique and fantastical appearance. King Ludwig II only lived in Neuschwanstein for a few months in 1886 before his death. Shortly after, the castle was opened to the public and has since become one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, attracting approximately 1.5 million visitors annually. Visitors can explore the castle's lavish interiors through guided tours, marveling at the intricate woodwork, colorful mosaics, and stunning murals depicting scenes from Wagnerian operas. Despite its fairytale appearance, Neuschwanstein incorporated modern 19th-century technology, including steam engines and an encased steel construction for the Throne Hall. Today, the castle stands as a symbol of romanticism and architectural extravagance, captivating visitors from around the world with its timeless beauty and fascinating history.

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