A Trip To Bavaria Won't Be Complete
Until You See
Neuschwanstein Castle
There are Castles and there are Castles… And then there is Neuschwanstein.
After seeing Neuschwanstein Castle, or Schloß Neuschwanstein you can go home with all your childhood faith in fairy tales restored.
For Neuschwanstein is a Castle that looks like a Castle should.
Located in Southwest Bavaria, this beautiful fairytale castle was a remarkable project initiated by "Mad" King Ludwig II of Bavaria, or more affectionally referred to as "The Fairy Tale King", son of King Maximilian II.
It sits perched high on the hill overlooking the border town of Schwangau and its sister castle, Hohenschwangau and was originally called “New Hohenschwangau Castle”. After King Ludwig’s death, it was re-named Neuschwanstein, the castle of the Swan Knight, Lohengrin, from of Wagner’s opera of the same name.
Although only 14 rooms were completed inside (due to the King's unexpected death in 1886), they are magnificent.
When seen from the distance, with the turrets rupturing the mist and an array of peaks in the background, it is easy to let the imagination run wild.
The foundation of Neuschwanstein Castle rests on a 3,300 foot shoulder of rock under towering mountain peaks and above the distant farmland surrounding the town of Fussen.
Hiking up the hill to the castle, and marveling at the immense size of the stunning architecture, I imagine the King surveying the surrounding countryside form the turret, 190 feet above the entrance. What a view he must have had!
Inside,you get a breathtaking view of the Alps, Marienbrucke (Mary's Bridge) and Hohenschwangau Castle, King Ludwig’s boyhood home.
Neuschwanstein Castle is the most photographed sight in Germany and is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
Yes, there are lots and lots of tourists.
With that said, make sure to bring your camera and be prepared for long lines to enter the castle.
The video below has nice images of both
Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles.
Tips For Your Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle
Get there as early as possible. The afternoon tends to be the most crowded. Take the interior tour first and then you have lots of time later in the day, when the lighting is better, to walk around and get lots of photos.
I am a typical straggler, hanging toward the rear of the group and I can’t hear anything anyway. If you are like me, do this: Get a souvenir book of Neuschwanstein Castle and read up on the details the history of Mad King Ludwig and the castle.
That way, you’ll know what the tour guide is talking about, even though you don’t understand what she is saying.
The path to the castle starts in the village of Hohenschwangau. This is where you should park and buy your admission ticket before you set off for the castle.
The hike up to the castle will take you approximately 30 minutes. Unless you have sturdy, comfortable shoes and are in pretty good shape, I recommend taking one of the horse drawn carriages. It is quicker and well worth the money. You can always walk down.
Go to the restroom by the gift shop - even if you don't have to. The view from the window is amazing!
Once you have completed the tour, walk behind the castle and follow the path to the bridge, Jugend/Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge). Walking across this bridge will be an experience in itself, as you are extremely high above a powerful falls. This is a great place to take photos. There is also a path off to the left, before you arrive at the bridge that will bring you down to mid-falls.
Also if you have the chance to visit the Alpsee (lake), take the paddle boats out and you can get pictures from another perspective of both castles.
Prices
Adult Ticket Prices are € 9 for each castle or € 17 for both.
Children under 18 are free (when accompanied by an adult)
Parking is € 4.50 and an uphill carriage ride is € 3.50
The castles are open for tours:
April 1 – September 30: 9:00 am
October 1 – March 31: 10:00 am
Click here for ticket information and to buy your tickets online.
Trail Map of Neuschwanstein Castle and
Hohenschwangau Castle and the Surrounding Area
Below is a good illustration of the layout of two of Mad King Ludwig's castles. They are within walking distance of each other.
Hohenschwangau is pretty easy to reach. However, Neuschwanstein Castle is way up the hill and it is quite a hike. So, plan accordingly.
