This isn't a castle you "visit"—it's a 1km ridgeline you traverse. Most tourists fall for the "linear trap": walk to the end, exit into Old Town, realize their car is 1.5km uphill behind them. Plan the gravity to work FOR you.
The "Linear Trap" Explained
Park at Curaplatz (one end), walk 1km through 6 courtyards to Main Castle, descend into Old Town, realize you're now at the BOTTOM of a 50m cliff, 1.5km from your car, with tired legs. Most tourists make this mistake.
Curaplatz = Only 90 Spaces
The main lot (Curaplatz) is FREE but tiny—just 90 spaces for a world-famous site. On weekends/holidays it fills by 9:30AM. Cars queue up "vulturing" for spots, blocking traffic. The fix: park at Messeplatz P&R (unlimited, free) and take the bus.
Weekend Bus = FREE
City-Bus Lines 1 & 2 are FREE on Saturdays and Sundays (municipal promo). Weekdays €2. Connects train station to Stadtplatz (Old Town). Every 30 min weekdays, hourly weekends.
Best Photo = From Austria
You can't see the 1km scale from INSIDE the castle. Cross the Alte Brücke into Austria, walk 5-10 min toward church viewpoint. The "Dragon's Back" panorama is shot from foreign soil!
Train Station = Wrong End
Station is in Neustadt (New Town)—25-30 min walk through boring urban streets. Take City-Bus to Stadtplatz (Old Town). The castle is NOT visible from the station!
Wöhrsee = Castle-Shadow Swimming
Lake directly below castle ridge. Use Wöhrsee-Bad (Lido) for facilities. Surreal experience swimming beneath 1km of medieval walls. Winter: if frozen = massive ice rink!
The "Winner's Strategy"
Train → Bus to Old Town (Stadtplatz) → Coffee → Walk UP short steep ramp → Walk 1km along ridge (gravity-neutral) → Exit at Curaplatz → Bus/walk to station. Let gravity work FOR you, not against you.
The Burg Café is CASH ONLY and has "convenience food" complaints. Skip it. Walk down to Old Town (Stadtplatz) or cross the bridge into Austria for better quality and often cheaper coffee.
— Dining IntelligenceBayern-Ticket Stops at Border
Bayern-Ticket covers the train (via Mühldorf transfer) and City-Bus. But the moment you cross the bridge to Austria, it's INVALID. Don't try to take an Austrian bus with it—you'll be fined.
Quick Facts
Tips for Travelers
Transfer logistics, museum access, and hot gravel warning.
Mühldorf = Transfer Hub
All Munich trains change at Mühldorf (5-10 min connection, cross-platform). The Burghausen train usually waits for late arrivals, but not indefinitely.
Museum = NOT Wheelchair Accessible
Main Castle museum has 18-step historic staircase. No elevator (monument protection). But: outdoor courtyards work with assistance (some steep gravel). Visitor Centre has lift access.
Summer Dog Warning
The 1km castle walk is open gravel. In summer heat, gravel gets HOT. Carry water for your dog. No shade for long stretches through Courtyards 3-5.
Courtyards 2-5 = Residential
You'll see private cars parked inside castle walls. Those are residents with permits. YOU cannot drive in, even if you see others parked. Respect privacy of private gardens.
Weekend Bus = Hourly Only
Saturday/Sunday service starts later (~9AM) and ends earlier (~6-7PM). Late Sunday arrival = you're walking or taking €6-9 taxi. Check "Wochenendfahrplan" schedule!
Cash for Parking Machines
Older street machines take coins only. The underground garages take cards. Always carry €5 in coins. Apple Pay won't work in the castle walls.