Neuschwanstein Castle: A Complete Day Trip Guide For Travelers

In early 2024, while enjoying a ski trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, I decided to include one of Germany’s must-see attractions in our itinerary—especially since a close friend was visiting all the way from Hong Kong. For those traveling by car, Neuschwanstein Castle is just an hour’s drive from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, making it a perfect stop. This convenience is one of the many reasons I’ve fallen in love with road trips. If you’re using public transportation from Munich to Neuschwanstein, I’ve included all the how-tos and tips you’ll need in this post.

A Fairytale Castle – 📍 Neuschwanstein Castle

Photography isn’t allowed inside Neuschwanstein Castle, so unfortunately, I can’t share any interior photos. But there’s an upside—without the distraction of snapping pictures, you can truly soak in the splendor of its design with your own eyes. Recently, I applied for permission to use some official photos, so I’m thrilled to finally share glimpses of the interior with you!

Designed by King Ludwig II, the castle’s interiors are nothing short of breathtaking:

• A grand hall glittering with gold,
• A massive chandelier studded with jewels,
• Even a man-made stalactite cave tucked inside the castle!

One of the most impressive features? The castle had a running water system—cutting-edge technology for its time. Blending Byzantine and Gothic architectural styles, the design was controversial when it was built, but it later became the inspiration for Disney’s iconic fairytale castle.

The History of Neuschwanstein: The Tragic Tale of the Fairytale King

King Ludwig II of Bavaria never lived to see his dream castle completed. Tragically, his body was found in a nearby lake before the construction was finished. To this day, his death remains shrouded in mystery—was it suicide, or something more sinister?

Ascending to the throne at just 18 years old, Ludwig II quickly discovered that he had little real power; the parliament had already seized control. Though he initially tried to fulfill his royal duties, he grew weary of political schemes and eventually chose to retreat from public life.

The location of Neuschwanstein Castle was especially meaningful to Ludwig—it was where he had spent some of his happiest childhood days. Through the art of architecture, he sought to recreate a fairytale world that matched the peace and wonder he longed for. Construction began in 1869, alongside two of his other famous projects:

• 📍 Linderhof Palace (Schloss Linderhof)
• 📍 Herrenchiemsee Palace (Neues Schloss Herrenchiemsee)

But such grandeur came at a cost. Where did the money come from?

The Role of Money and Power

To fund these lavish projects, Ludwig II relied heavily on loans, amassing enormous debts. Eventually, his financial struggles caught up with him. On June 8, 1886, the Bavarian government declared Ludwig mentally unfit to rule—a highly controversial diagnosis even today—and transferred his powers to a regent. The king tried to appeal to his people via telegrams and newspapers, but his messages were intercepted by the government.

Just five days later, on June 13, Ludwig and the doctor who declared him insane went for an evening walk by the lake. Neither returned alive. Both were found dead in the water under mysterious circumstances.

A Legacy of Wonder

Seven weeks after Ludwig’s death, Neuschwanstein Castle was opened to the public. The king’s dream of a fairytale retreat now welcomes 1.4 million visitors annually. Ironically, while Ludwig died in financial ruin, the castles and palaces he built have become some of Bavaria’s most profitable tourist attractions. The revenue from entrance fees alone has far surpassed the debt he left behind.

DIY Travel Planning: How to Get Tickets

Neuschwanstein Castle is an incredibly popular destination, and during peak holiday seasons, tickets need to be reserved several weeks in advance. Make sure to arrive on time, as punctuality is essential to gain entry to the castle.

Tickets can be purchased from the official website.

Travel Tip #1: Book Your Tickets Early

We learned this lesson the hard way. By the time we tried to book tickets on the official website, they were already sold out for our chosen date. We eventually found tickets through a travel agency, but they were more expensive. If you want to avoid extra costs and stress, plan and book your tickets well in advance!

Travel Tip #2: Arrive on Time and Allow Enough Time to Walk to the Castle

We almost didn’t make it inside the castle because we were late! The tickets are very clear about this: “Visitors must arrive at the castle on time. Latecomers will not be accommodated.”

Exhausted after a day of skiing, we didn’t bother checking the exact details of how much time we’d need to get there. We arrived early at the parking area, only to discover that it takes a 30-minute uphill walk from the base of the hill to reach the castle entrance!

With snow falling, we ended up running up a steep, slippery path—an unforgettable (and slightly stressful) experience. By the time we arrived, we were already 20 minutes late! The guard at the gate directed us to the visitor center to see if we could rebook. Thankfully, the staff were kind and issued us new tickets, but we also saw some disappointed visitors who weren’t as lucky.

The interior of Neuschwanstein Castle is absolutely worth seeing! Despite the hurdles, we felt incredibly grateful to finally experience its breathtaking beauty firsthand.

Important Note About Tickets

The castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour, so purchasing a ticket is mandatory. Visitors can choose between two types of tours:

• Live-guided tours (available in German or English)
• Audio-guided tours (via headphones)

Regardless of which option you choose, it’s crucial to arrive on time at the castle gate, as staff will escort groups into the castle at the scheduled times.

Neuschwanstein Castle Tours: Comparing Guided and Audio Experiences

I’ve experienced both types of tours available at Neuschwanstein Castle. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between them:

Live-Guided Tour

The first time I visited Germany in 2015, I joined the English live-guided tour. The guide explained the castle’s architectural details and the life story of the “Fairytale King,” Ludwig II, in an engaging and fascinating way. The tour was interactive, and some fellow visitors asked very unique and quirky questions, making it a memorable experience.

Audio-Guided Tour (via Headset)

On my 2024 visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, we opted for the audio-guided tour, primarily because the live-guided tours were fully booked by the time we reserved our tickets. The audio guide offers a great advantage: it’s available in 17 languages, including Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, Czech, Slovenian, Russian, Polish, Chinese (Mandarin), Portuguese, Hungarian, Greek, Dutch, Korean, Thai, Arabic and Hebrew, catering to a wide range of visitors.

For our group, this was ideal—my husband and I wanted English, my daughter preferred German, and our friend chose Mandarin. The explanations were clear and packed with fascinating information. However, unlike the live tour, staff members only escorted us to each room without lively conversation.

⚠️ Family-Friendly Tip:
According to the official website, strollers and baby backpack carriers cannot be used during the castle tour, so families with young children should plan accordingly.

What Makes the Neuschwanstein Castle Tour Special?

The interior is absolutely stunning! It’s worth every effort to secure a ticket and step inside.

Since photography is strictly prohibited inside, here are some official photos I’ve obtained to give you a glimpse of the castle’s grandeur and elegance ↓ 

The Throne Room is absolutely magnificent, and the jeweled chandelier left a lasting impression on me!

During the tour, someone asked, “Why is the king’s bed so small?”

The guide replied, “The king slept alone, so this bed was more than big enough!”

It turns out that the poor Fairytale King got engaged in 1867, only to break off the engagement later that same year.

The intricate wood carvings in his bedroom are absolutely over-the-top—a true testament to Ludwig II’s taste!

Ludwig II’s favorite animal was the swan, and he even had a swan-shaped vase specially made for him.

The king’s reclusive nature was driven by political strife. In another of his palaces, Linderhof Palace, he had a secret hideaway where he enjoyed listening to operas. At Neuschwanstein Castle, he pushed the limits of imagination and had a man-made grotto built right into the mountainside!

After the tour, you can explore the historic kitchen and capture your own photos. You’ll also find informational displays, exhibits, and a charming gift shop. Here are a few of my favorite highlights ↓

How to Get to the Mountaintop Castle: Walking vs. Horse Carriage

Walking

As I mentioned earlier, we trekked up the steep, slippery, snow-covered path for 30 minutes to reach the castle. I highly recommend wearing proper hiking shoes with good grip. On the snowy day we visited, my friend nearly slipped multiple times on the way back down.

Since everyone has their own walking pace, it’s safer to budget around 40 minutes for the “hike”. And one crucial tip: do not bring a suitcase!

Horse Carriage

We didn’t take the horse carriage, but we saw plenty of them along the way (and, of course, their poops on the path). According to the official website, tickets for the horse carriages can be purchased separately for the uphill and downhill, costing €8 and €4 per person, respectively. Payments are made directly to the coachman.

Carriages run on different routes, so make sure you confirm your destination. The carriage station for Neuschwanstein Castle is located opposite Hotel Müller (marked as Kutschfahrt zum Schloss Neuschwanstein on maps). You can use the provided link to find it on Google Maps.

⚠️ Important Expectation About Carriages:
Even if you take the horse carriage, it won’t drop you directly at the castle entrance. Visitors will still need to walk an additional 15 minutes after getting off the carriage. While it’s a bit of a workout, the journey is absolutely worth it!

Charming Gift Shops

The selection of souvenirs, from keepsakes to books, is beautifully designed and offers plenty of variety. It’s the perfect place to pick up a memento for yourself or find a special gift for loved ones.

🍺 Recommended Authentic German Cuisine

ZUR NEUEN BURG

Germany’s cuisine varies significantly between the north and south, with the iconic pork knuckle being a specialty of Bavaria in the south. I highly recommend Zur Neuen Burg, a restaurant with a truly traditional German vibe, from its interior decor to the waitstaff’s traditional attire.

Of course, you must try their pork knuckle and sauerkraut, but don’t miss out on their German beer and potato soup, which are equally delightful.

Compared to the pork knuckle I tried at a popular beer hall in Munich, I think the one here at Neuschwanstein looks and tastes even better! The skin was perfectly crispy, and the meat was tender and juicy—easy to bite into without any toughness.

The restaurant is conveniently located midway between the base of the hill and the castle, in a large building named Zur Neuen Burg, which means “On the Way to the New Castle.”

Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 17, 87645 Schwangau

Final Thoughts: How I Would Plan My Next Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle

One lesser-known place is 📍Linderhof Palace (Schloss Linderhof). It’s the only castle that King Ludwig II saw fully completed during his lifetime. The palace features fascinating highlights, such as a ‘wishing table’ in the dining room, inspired by a Grimms’ fairy tale. This table could be lowered to the kitchen and raised again to serve the king in solitude. There’s also a grotto where he reportedly enjoyed opera performances while sitting in a swan-shaped boat. Although I haven’t been there yet, I’ll definitely include it in my itinerary when friends visit Germany!

For my next trip to Neuschwanstein, I’d also choose to visit in the summer or early autumn. These seasons are less likely to have heavy rain, increasing the chance of accessing 📍Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), where you can enjoy the iconic panoramic view of the castle—a dream I’ve yet to fulfill!

Panoramic Views of Neuschwanstein Castle: 📍Marienbrücke

Marienbrücke offers the best vantage point for viewing Neuschwanstein Castle, but it’s only open when the weather conditions are favorable.

My first visit to Neuschwanstein was during Easter in 2015, and unfortunately, the weather was terrible. It hailed, the fog was so thick I couldn’t even see the castle walls, and naturally, Marienbrücke was closed. Since photography isn’t allowed inside the castle, I didn’t take a single photo that day!

This is what Marienbrücke looks like:

Fast forward to January 2024. Once again, heavy snowfall meant the bridge was closed, and I could only catch a faint glimpse of the castle’s exterior through the snow. To console myself, I bought a postcard as a keepsake. I’m hopeful that next time, I’ll finally get the chance to visit the bridge and enjoy the stunning panoramic views!

Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle

🚗 Driving and Parking

There are paid parking lots at the base of the hill below Neuschwanstein Castle. The parking fee is €12 for 6 hours.

⚠️ Important Note:
You cannot drive up to the castle itself. Cars must be parked at the base, and visitors can either hike up (about 30 minutes, depending on your pace) or take a horse carriage.

🚆 Public Transportation: Train or FLiXBUS

Train: The train journey takes approximately 3 hours. You can check schedules on the Deutsche Bahn website. Typically, you’ll take a train to 📍Füssen station and then transfer to a bus to reach the base of the castle.

FLiXBUS: The bus ride takes about 2 hours and runs once daily in each direction. Enter “Schwangau Neuschwanstein” as your destination in the FLiXBUS search tool for schedules.

Recommended Places to Stay

📍Füssen: If you prefer a stress-free experience, consider staying overnight in Füssen, a charming little town close to the castle. With Deutsche Bahn trains becoming increasingly unreliable in recent years, this is a great way to ensure a smooth trip. From Füssen, it’s just a 5-minute bus ride to the base of the hill, and I’d recommend budgeting 40 minutes to hike up to the castle itself. Staying nearby gives you the peace of mind to arrive on time at the castle entrance, ready for your scheduled tour!

📍Munich is also a great base for visiting Neuschwanstein. On my 2015 trip, I stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott Munich City East, which was very close to the train station and had a super convenient location. Back then, I did a same-day round trip to the castle from Munich, and it worked out perfectly.

Booking.com | Residence Inn by Marriott Munich City East

📍Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Since the trip in 2024 was a ski adventure, we stayed in the lovely town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. If you’re driving, it’s just an hour to Neuschwanstein. Public transportation is more complicated and takes about 3 hours.

Conclusion

Neuschwanstein Castle is undoubtedly one of the most famous attractions in Germany, and it’s a must-visit for anyone traveling here!

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