The Fairy-Tale Castle That Inspired Disney
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited monuments in Germany, attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually. Perched dramatically on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau, it was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869 as a personal refuge.
The castle's romantic Romanesque Revival architecture became the direct inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. Today, it stands as one of Europe's most iconic landmarks and a must-see for any visitor to Bavaria.
Important: Tickets Sell Out Quickly
During peak season (June-September), tickets often sell out 2-3 weeks in advance. The castle cannot be visited without a timed entry ticket. Book early or plan for alternatives.
Getting Tickets
Tickets can only be purchased through the official Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau or online in advance. There are no tickets sold at the castle itself.
Options for booking:
- Official online booking: Available up to 2 days before your visit at hohenschwangau.de
- Ticket Center: Open from 8:00 AM in Hohenschwangau village
- Last-minute services: If official tickets are sold out, local ticket services sometimes have availability
Planning Your Visit
The castle is located near the town of Füssen, about 2 hours from Munich. Most visitors spend half a day at the castle, though you can easily fill a full day if you also visit nearby Hohenschwangau Castle (King Ludwig's childhood home) and the scenic Alpsee lake.
Entry Cost
€15 adults, €14 seniors, free for under-18s
Tour Duration
30-35 minutes (guided only)
Getting Up
30-40 min walk, or shuttle bus/horse carriage
Photography
Not allowed inside the castle
Getting There
The castle is accessible from Munich via:
- By train: Munich Hauptbahnhof → Füssen (2 hours), then bus #73 or #78 to Hohenschwangau (10 min)
- By car: A7 motorway toward Füssen, then follow signs to Hohenschwangau. Paid parking available.
- Day tours: Many operators run day trips from Munich including transport and tickets
Pro Tips for Your Visit
- Arrive early: The first tour slots (9-10 AM) are less crowded
- Check your ticket time: You must be at the castle gate at your exact time—late arrivals are not admitted
- Walk up Marienbrücke: The bridge above the gorge offers the iconic photo angle
- Combine with Hohenschwangau: Combo tickets are available for both castles
- Winter visits: Fewer crowds and magical snowy scenery, though some paths may close
Free Visitor Map
Download our detailed map of the castle area with parking, paths, and viewpoints.
Download Castle Map (PDF) →Combine with Other Adventures
Neuschwanstein is just 20 minutes from Pfronten, where you can experience tandem paragliding over the Alps. Many visitors combine a morning castle tour with an afternoon flight—seeing the castle from above is an unforgettable experience.
For more ideas, see our complete Bavaria & Allgäu Adventure Guide.