Neuschwanstein Castle

Where it is & how to get there

• From Munich: About 2 hours by car, or train to Füssen then bus 73/78 to Hohenschwangau.
• Tickets: Book timed tours online well in advance; the interior can only be seen on a guided tour.
• The climb: Walk about 30–40 minutes uphill, or take a shuttle bus or horse carriage part of the way.

The story of Neuschwanstein Castle

King Ludwig II of Bavaria began building Neuschwanstein in 1869 as a romantic retreat inspired by medieval legends and the operas of Richard Wagner. He died in 1886 before it was finished, and only about 15 rooms were completed.

Its white towers rising above the forest inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. In 2025 the palaces of King Ludwig II were added to UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Tickets are timed. Book online well in advance.
• Book tickets online well ahead; same-day tickets often sell out.
• View the castle from Marienbrücke before or after your tour.

What's around Neuschwanstein Castle

• MarienbrückeBridge with the classic castle view.
• Hohenschwangau CastleLudwig's childhood home.
• AlpseeLake below the castles.
• FüssenOld town 10 minutes away.

Questions travellers ask