Hohenschwangau Castle: A Royal Residence with a Rich History
Explore Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood home of King Ludwig II, and discover its rich history and stunning neo-Gothic architecture.
Hohenschwangau Castle, or Schloss Hohenschwangau, is located near Füssen in southern Bavaria, Germany. It stands on a hill between the Alpsee and Schwansee lakes. Originally known as Schwanstein Castle in the 12th century, it was the home of the Knights of Schwangau. The castle fell into ruin over the centuries, until King Maximilian II of Bavaria purchased it in 1832. He transformed the ruins into a neo-Gothic palace between 1833 and 1837, entrusting the construction to Domenico Quaglio. Hohenschwangau became the summer and hunting residence of the royal family, including Maximilian's son, King Ludwig II. Ludwig spent much of his childhood here and later used it as a base to oversee the construction of Neuschwanstein Castle. The fully furnished rooms showcase well-preserved interiors, including Ludwig II's room and a guest room for Richard Wagner. The castle's 90+ wall paintings depict German mythology and the history of Schwangau. Today, Hohenschwangau Castle is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the castle through guided tours and admire its architecture, interiors, and historical significance.
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues and ensure entry, especially during peak season.
- Arrive at least one hour before your tour time to allow for parking and the walk to the castle.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the walk to the castle is uphill.
- Consider visiting the nearby Museum of the Bavarian Kings to learn more about the history of the Wittelsbach family.
- Allow at least 2.5 hours between tours if visiting both Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein castles.
A brief summary to Hohenschwangau Castle
- Alpseestraße 30, Schwangau, Hohenschwangau, 87645, DE
- +498362930830
- Visit website
- 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
Getting There
-
Car
To reach Hohenschwangau Castle by car, take the A7 motorway to the Füssen exit. Follow the B17 road towards Schwangau and then follow the signs to Hohenschwangau. Parking is available in Hohenschwangau at parking lots P1-P4. Parking fees for cars are €12 for up to 6 hours, with each additional hour costing €1, up to a maximum of €16. From the parking lots, it's approximately a 20-40 minute walk uphill to the castle.
-
Public Transport
To reach Hohenschwangau Castle by public transport, take a train to Füssen. From Füssen train station, take bus 73 towards Steingaden/Garmisch-Partenkirchen or bus 78 towards Schwangau. Get off at the Hohenschwangau/Alpseestraße stop. From there, it's approximately a 20-minute walk uphill to the castle. A single bus fare is approximately €2-€4.
-
Walking
From the Hohenschwangau ticket center, walking to Hohenschwangau Castle takes about 20 minutes via the direct route, which includes a lot of stairs. A more scenic route around Lake Alpsee takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, a horse-drawn carriage is available from Hotel Müller on Alpseestraße, which will drop you off a short walk from the castle entrance. The uphill carriage ride costs €8 per person.
