One place you will want to see during your time along the Romantic Road is Neuschwanstein Castle. Perched high on a cliff, it is often referred to as the Disney castle since it was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. Because this is such a popular tourist attraction in this region of Bavaria, it is going to be helpful to know what to expect when you do the Neuschwanstein Castle tour so you don’t waste your time.
Background of Neuschwanstein Castle
“It is my intention to rebuild the old castle ruin of Hohenschwangau near the Pöllat Gorge in the authentic style of the old German knights’ castles, and I must confess to you that I am looking forward very much to living there one day.” ~Ludwig II, King of Bavaria
Ludwig II, King of Bavaria had lofty goals when it came to building his fairy tale castle on a hill.
Plans included a 2-story throne room, indoor gardens, elaborate floor mosaics, and murals that showcased scenes from his favorite Operas.
Because of its terrain and his constant shifting of plans (caused by his diminished mental state), the King only spent about 6 months living at Neuschwanstein castle before his death.
Many rooms never were finished and the castle was soon turned into a museum.
What to Expect When You Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
Once you arrive in Hohenschwangau, you will need to walk to the ticket center to either buy a ticket or pick up the ticket you reserved online.
I strongly advise that you reserve a ticket online.
Your ticket will give you a specific time to visit the castle.
Pay attention to the time and factor in the bus ride up to the castle along with walking time from the bus to the castle and stopping along the way to take photos of Neuschwanstein!
Your reserved tickets must be picked up 1 1/2 hours before the entrance time. If you don’t pick it up in time, you will lose the reservation.
In order to take a Neuschwanstein Castle tour, you have to get up a very steep hill. Your choice of how to get to the castle is a 45-minute walk, horse-drawn carriage, or bus. All options aside from walking will cost you a few euros. You will need to purchase tickets at the kiosk.
The Neuschwanstein Castle Tour
Neuschwanstein Castle tours are guided and depending on the ticket you purchased it will be in German or English. There are audio tours in French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Hungarian, Czech, Slovenian, Polish, Greek, Hebrew, Russian, Arabian, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean and Thai. Although it is an audio tour, it too is guided.
On the 35-minute guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle’s interior, you’ll have access to just a few of the rooms.
You will see the king’s bedroom, dressing room, throne room, and the Singer’s Hall among other places.
Photography is not permitted inside the castle.
During your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, you should make sure that you venture outside on the terrace.
You will find a beautiful view of the mountains and Marienbrücke (Queen Mary’s Bridge).
You can actually walk on the bridge that sits above Pöllat Gorge and you will find that it gives you the best view of Neuschwanstein Castle.
Neuschwanstein Castle Hours
April to 15 October: 9 am-6 pm
16 October to March: 10 am-4 pm
1 January and 24 / 25 / 31 December CLOSED
How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich
While taking a guided group tour might be your best bet, those seeking to do it on their own have a few options regarding traveling from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle.
Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle by Train (and bus)
You can take a train from Munich to Füssen (this train runs every 2 hours first thing in the morning) and then transfer to a local bus that will take you into Schwangau.
This option will take you about 3 hours travel time. Be sure to get the Bayern Ticket because it will be the cheapest option.
The Bayern Ticket allows you to have unlimited public transportation anywhere in Bavaria for the day.
Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle by Car
Neuschwanstein Castle is two hours from Munich by car. The easiest way to get there is on the A7. Parking for Neuschwanstein Castle is located in the village of Hohenschwangau.
Have you made the trip to see Neuschwanstein Castle? It truly is one of the most beautiful castles in Germany.