Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited castles in Europe. The silhouette of the castle may also be familiar to children: this majestic castle inspired Walt Disney for many of his famous animated castles and served as the model for the iconic Disney logo. The fairytale castle was built in 1869 for the then Bavarian King Ludwig II. After visiting the Wartburg, he decided to construct Neuschwanstein based on the design of medieval knight's castles.

Initially, he named his refuge 'Neue Burg Hohenschwangau', but in 1886 it was renamed Neuschwanstein Castle. The king had only a few days to enjoy his dream castle before he passed away on June 13, 1886. Just seven weeks later, Neuschwanstein Castle was opened as a museum to help pay off the significant construction debts. The castle, which was meant to be reserved for the reclusive king, became a popular attraction. Since then, it attracts around 1.4 million visitors annually from Europe, Asia, and around the world to the picturesque location in Ostallgäu. During peak season, nearly 7,800 visitors per day wish to see the castle perched on a rugged rock. In winter, the visitor numbers decline somewhat to 4,000 to 5,000 per day.

We provide you with an overview of the history of Neuschwanstein Castle and inform you about current prices, opening hours, and hotels around this fairytale castle.

Tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle can only be purchased at the castle's affiliated Ticket Center. The Ticket Center is located in Hohenschwangau below the castle. The tickets are valid for a guided tour at a specified time. Especially during the peak season from April to October, tickets can sometimes be sold out. However, they can be reserved online in advance for an additional fee of 1.80 euros. Here's an overview of the current Neuschwanstein Castle prices:

Regular entrance fee: 12 euros

Reduced entrance fee: 11 euros

(Discounts apply, among others, to closed tour groups and visitor groups with at least 15 paying participants and members of the Professional Association of Visual Artists)

Admission is free for children and teenagers under 18 years.

Multi-day tickets and annual passes are also available at the Ticket Center. For those wanting to visit other nearby castles, options like the King Ticket are available. Historically speaking, Hohenschwangau Castle is worth a visit. This is where the Bavarian king grew up.

Tip: Allow ample time for the walk from the Ticket Center to the castle and set off in good time! Tours start punctually, and latecomers are usually not waited for.

Neuschwanstein Castle can be visited year-round. During the peak season, the castle gates are open from 9 AM to 6 PM for tourists from around the world, and in winter from 10 AM to 4 PM. Tickets are sold at the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau from 8 AM to 5 PM or 9 AM to 3 PM. The castle is closed on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

Tip: Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in winter. Compared to the tourist high season, the winter months at the castle are relatively quiet with a maximum of 'only' 4,000 visitors per day. Just the sight of the snow-covered towers against the winter mountain backdrop is worth a visit.

Neuschwanstein Castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Experienced staff lead German and English-speaking visitors through the opulent interiors of the castle and provide information about its history and features as a World Heritage site. For all other visitors, there is the option to explore the castle with guided audio tours in their native language. Audio tours are available in Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, Czech, Slovenian, Russian, Polish, Chinese (Mandarin), Portuguese, Hungarian, Dutch, Greek, Korean, Thai, and Arabic. In winter, guided tours are also offered every Friday for kindergarten groups and preschool children. The tours provided by the staff of the Bavarian Palace Administration last about 30 minutes. An interactive tour of the massive castle can already be undertaken online in advance. The official homepage of the Bavarian Administration of State Castles, Gardens and Lakes provides an overview of the floor plan, upper floors, and opulent interiors.

King Ludwig II placed great importance on a modern, opulent interior design. Neuschwanstein Castle was meant to be the king's private retreat. Here, the monarch escaped into his medieval dream world. Even today, the technologically advanced features of his time, the lavish wall paintings, and the impressive throne room testify to Ludwig II's vision. The wall paintings reflect myths of the Middle Ages. The heraldic animal and motif of the majestic castle is the swan, the Christian symbol of purity. The medieval facade has been complemented in the interiors with the latest technology. Flowing water was available on all floors. The rooms were heated through a hot air central heating system, and the king communicated with his staff via an electric call system. Telephone connections and large windows offering unique views were also unusual for the 19th century. The centerpiece of Neuschwanstein is the throne room. The grand room occupies two stories and the entire western part of the castle. There is enough space for the four-meter-high chandeliers and the originally planned throne. However, this plan was not implemented after the king's death. Instead, a large altar now occupies the space. The wall paintings in the hall depict religious themes as well as heroic deeds of famous kings and saints.

The regions around Füssen and Schwangau are ideal for hiking tours followed by a visit to the Neuschwanstein Castle Museum. Hiking tours are available at three altitudes, from easy to difficult. The Alpspitz Round or the Tegelberg Round lead to cozy mountain huts, always with a view of Neuschwanstein Castle. In a literal sense, active vacationers can wander in the footsteps of King Ludwig along the royal paths that the nature-loving king walked 250 years ago. The Three Castles Round trail takes hikers past Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles among others.

There are several hotels near Neuschwanstein Castle. The charming towns around Schwangau, the site of the fairytale castle, are perfect for a relaxing short vacation, winter trips, or hiking excursions. Popular cities and villages in the vacation region of Allgäu include Füssen and Lech. Kempten is also not far away. Here you will find some 4- and 5-star hotels, luxury accommodations, wellness temples, and mountain hotels. The 4-star Hotel Sommer is located in Füssen and is recommended by 97% of guests on HolidayCheck. It only takes a few minutes by car from Füssen to reach Neuschwanstein Castle. The Luitpoldpark Hotel is also not far from the fairytale castle of King Ludwig.

Experience King Ludwig's fairytale castle in Bavaria's Ostallgäu with your own eyes and let yourself be enchanted by Neuschwanstein Castle!

Neuschwanstein Castle Administration Neuschwansteinstr. 20, 87654 Hohenschwangau Tel: +49 (0) 8362-939880 www.neuschwanstein.de