Marienbrücke: A Fairytale Viewpoint

Experience the magic of Neuschwanstein Castle from Marienbrücke, the iconic bridge offering unparalleled panoramic views of the fairytale castle and the breathtaking Bavarian landscape.

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Marienbrücke

Marienbrücke, or Mary's Bridge, is a pedestrian bridge offering the most iconic views of Neuschwanstein Castle. Suspended high above the Pöllat Gorge, this bridge provides a breathtaking panorama of the fairytale castle, making it a must-visit spot for photographers and sightseers alike. Originally built in 1845 by King Maximilian II for his wife Queen Marie, the bridge was later reconstructed with steel by King Ludwig II in 1866. The bridge's delicate iron structure has withstood over 150 years of wind, weather, and countless visitors, and remains one of Bavaria's most spectacular viewpoints. A visit to Marienbrücke is free, offering an unparalleled perspective of Neuschwanstein Castle and the surrounding Bavarian landscape, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

A brief summary to Marienbrücke

Schwangau, 87645, DE
+49836281980
Visit website

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience on the bridge.
Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the bridge may be closed due to icy or slippery conditions, especially in winter.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the walk to the bridge involves a steep uphill climb or a short walk from the shuttle bus stop.
Consider hiking beyond the bridge for even more secluded viewpoints of Neuschwanstein Castle and the surrounding landscape.
Bring cash for the shuttle bus, as card payments may not be accepted.

Getting There

Walking

From the Hohenschwangau ticket center or parking lots (P1-P4), follow the signs towards Neuschwanstein Castle. The paved path leading to Marienbrücke is steep and takes approximately 40 minutes uphill. This is a free option, offering scenic views along the way. Be prepared for a moderately strenuous walk.
Shuttle Bus

From parking lot P4 (Alpsee parking), a shuttle bus regularly departs for the Jugend viewpoint near Marienbrücke. The bus ride takes about 15 minutes. From the bus stop, it's a 5-minute downhill walk to the bridge. A one-way ticket costs €3.50, and a round trip is €5.00. Tickets can be purchased on the bus with cash. The shuttle bus operates depending on weather conditions and may not run in snowy or icy conditions. Check the current status at the Ticket Center Hohenschwangau.

Discover more about Marienbrücke

Marienbrücke, also known as Mary's Bridge, is an iconic pedestrian bridge that offers arguably the most breathtaking and quintessential views of Neuschwanstein Castle. Perched high above the dramatic Pöllat Gorge, this bridge provides visitors with a panoramic vista of the fairytale castle, making it an essential stop for anyone visiting the Schwangau area. The bridge's location allows for stunning photographs and an immersive experience of the castle's grandeur against the backdrop of the Bavarian Alps. The history of Marienbrücke predates the construction of Neuschwanstein Castle itself. The original wooden bridge was commissioned in 1845 by King Maximilian II of Bavaria as a birthday gift for his wife, Queen Marie. Queen Marie was known for her love of hiking in the mountains, and the bridge provided her with easier access to the trails around Hohenschwangau Castle. This initial bridge was a simple wooden walkway that allowed the Queen to explore the surrounding landscape with greater ease. In 1866, King Ludwig II, the son of Maximilian II and Marie, replaced the original wooden structure with a more robust and elegant steel bridge. This reconstruction coincided with the early stages of Neuschwanstein Castle's construction, highlighting the bridge's growing significance as a vantage point. The new bridge was an ambitious architectural project for its time, employing innovative techniques to suspend the structure 90 meters above the gorge. The delicate iron structure was secured at great heights using then-modern construction techniques, offering an extraordinary load-bearing capacity for the era. The bridge was named in honor of his mother, Queen Marie, solidifying its connection to the Bavarian royal family. Marienbrücke's design and construction were considered a technological marvel for its time. The use of steel cables and stretchable constructions allowed for a rigid bridge that could withstand the harsh mountain conditions. The bridge's location, suspended high above the Pöllat Gorge, provided unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape, making it a favorite spot for King Ludwig II to admire his dream castle. Despite its fragile appearance, it has withstood over 150 years of wind, weather, and thousands of visitors. Today, Marienbrücke remains one of Bavaria's most popular tourist attractions. The bridge is open to the public free of charge, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the same fairytale view that King Ludwig II enjoyed. The bridge can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season, so it's best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds. In winter, access to the bridge may be temporarily closed due to ice and snow, so it's essential to check the local forecast before heading out. Visiting Marienbrücke is more than just a photo opportunity; it's an immersive experience that connects visitors to the history and beauty of the Bavarian Alps. The bridge's stunning views of Neuschwanstein Castle, combined with its rich history and innovative design, make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a breathtaking view, Marienbrücke offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of Bavaria's natural and architectural wonders. To reach Marienbrücke, visitors typically start from the village of Hohenschwangau, where the ticket center for Neuschwanstein Castle is located. From there, you can either hike up to the bridge or take a shuttle bus. The hike is a steep uphill climb that takes about 40 minutes, while the shuttle bus drops you off a short walk from the bridge. Once you arrive at Marienbrücke, you'll be greeted with a panoramic view of Neuschwanstein Castle that is sure to take your breath away. The bridge's location, suspended high above the Pöllat Gorge, provides an unparalleled perspective of the castle's fairytale architecture and the surrounding Bavarian landscape. While visiting Marienbrücke, it's essential to take some time to explore the surrounding area. The nearby hiking trails offer stunning views of the castle and the surrounding mountains, and the Pöllat Gorge is a natural wonder that is worth exploring. Whether you're hiking through the forest or simply taking in the view from the bridge, Marienbrücke offers an immersive experience that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the beauty and history of Bavaria.

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Marienbrücke: A Fairytale Viewpoint

A brief summary to Marienbrücke

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Shuttle Bus

Unlock the Best of Marienbrücke

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Marienbrücke

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Panoramic view Schwangau

Maxsteg

Burgruine Ehrenberg

Highline179

Fort Claudia

Burgruine Falkenstein Allgäu

Bavarian Alps

Linderhof Palace

Tyrolean Zugspitze Cable Car

Vilsalpsee

Zugspitze Eibsee-Miniatur

Seilbahn Zugspitze

Kolbensesselbahn

Kramerspitz

Alpine Coaster

Unmissable attractions to see

Cafe-Bistro at Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle

Waterfall near Marienbrücke

Wasserfall unterm Schloss

Viewpoint of the Neuschwanstein castle and Alpsee

Aussichtspunkt Neuschwanstein

Aussichtspunkt auf Tal und Schloss

Pöllat Quelle

Pöllat Gorge Schwangau

Jägerhaus

Hohenschwangau Castle

Museum of the Bavarian Kings

Ruhebänke

Aussichtspunkt zum Schloss Neuschwanstein

Pindarplatz

Essential places to dine

Neuschwanstein Castle Restaurant GmbH & Co. KG

Il Pescatore

Restaurants im Hirsch

Beim Ditsch

Gasthaus Zum Schwanen

La Perla Ristorante Pizzeria Füssen

Gasthof Krone

Madame Plüsch

Restaurant Aquila, Ivanovic Essen und Trinken GmbH

Gasthof Weizenbrauerei Woaze

Restaurant Ludwigs

Castello

Schnitzelhaus Füssen

RIWA Bar & Restaurant

Ristorante Pizzeria Michelangelo

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Museum shop Neuschwanstein Castle

Apollo DUTY FREE

Schlossladen im Schloss Hohenschwangau

Theresienhof

Fair Mit Flair

Tracht & mehr

Mizi's Souvenirs

Souvenirs Shop

Gwandhaus/ Der Hutladen Füssen

Marys Boutique

Das Atelier edel & schön

Ambera Bernstein

Geko

Modeja-Store

Mensels - Geschenke & Souvenirs

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Ludwig Bar

Art & Dart Club Surreal

Das Schiff

Sir Capulus Café & Bar