King Ludwig II was particularly taken with a narrow mountain ridge to the left of the Pöllat River called “Jugend.” He loved this place just as much as his father, Maximilian II. The royal family, who were passionate about the mountains, hiked frequently in this area—and you, too, can discover the area around Füssen on royal hiking trails. King Maximilian II had the Marienbrücke built high above the Pöllat Gorge for his wife, Marie, to provide better access to the mountains. At that time, there were two castle ruins on the “Jugend”: Vorderhohenschwangau and Hinterhohenschwangau. It was here that Ludwig II planned his “New Hohenschwangau Castle,” known today as Neuschwanstein Castle. He wanted to create the ideal medieval castle, equipped with the most modern technological advancements. The Wartburg, with its Singers’ Hall, served as his model.

On September 5, 1869, the cornerstone for the castle near Füssen was laid. Ludwig II hoped for rapid progress on the construction, but the project was too extensive and the conditions on the mountain too difficult for that. The gatehouse was the first part to be completed in 1873, and the “Fairy-Tale King” lived there for a few days at a time. The topping-out ceremony did not take place until 1880, and the first rooms were ready for occupancy in 1884. Neuschwanstein Castle became King Ludwig II’s refuge. This castle in the Ostallgäu region was his last place of residence before he was taken to Berg Castle on Lake Starnberg, where he died mysteriously shortly thereafter.

Since July 12, 2025, Neuschwanstein Castle, along with Linderhof Castle and Herrenchiemsee Castle, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Das Bild zeigt das weiße Schloss Neuschwanstein, dass auf einer bewaldeten Anhöhe vor einer weiten Ebene liegt. Auf der Ebene sind Seen, die Gemeinde Schwangau und die Stadt Füssen zu sehen, die umgeben von Wäldern und grünen Wiesen sind. Das Schloss Neuschwanstein steht im Fokus des Fotos. Es besteht aus mehreren unterschiedlichen Gebäudeteilen, wie Türmen, Erkern und einem Torbau, die miteinander verbunden sind. Das Hauptgebäude des Schlosses ist 5-stöckig. Es hat ein graues Dach. Auf dem Hauptgebäude stehen eine überlebensgroße Statue sowie eine Löwenfigur. Der Himmel ist blau. Die Sonne scheint.

Das weiße Schloss Neuschwanstein mit seinen Türmen umgeben von frühwinterlichem Wald und felsigen, schneebedeckten Bergen im Hintergrund.

Das Foto zeigt ein Schloss mit Türmen und Zinnen. Der vordere Teil des Schlosses ist rötlich. Die Fassade des restlichen Schlosses ist weiß. Das Schloss thront auf einer Anhöhe aus schroffem Fels. Es handelt sich um das Schloss Neuschwanstein. Die Sonne scheint. Der Bergwald ringsum ist grün. Der Himmel ist blau mit wenigen Wolken durchzogen.

An einem Wintermorgen mit Neuschnee ragt Schloss Neuschwanstein über einem nebligen Feld, umringt von Bergen auf.

Das Foto zeigt Schloss Neuschwanstein bei Füssen im Allgäu mit einem Regenbogen.

Schloss Neuschwanstein bedeckt mit Schnee. Ein atemberaubender Blick auf das Schloss.

Tipp

Neuschwanstein Castle in Winter

Winter is the best time of year to visit Neuschwanstein Castle. There are fewer crowds, and the snow creates a special, magical atmosphere.

Information on Cultural Activities in Winter

Today, Neuschwanstein Castle is a magnet for visitors from all over the world. From the Marienbrücke, you have a unique view not only of the fairytale castle but also of the impressive Pöllat Gorge. The Museum of the Bavarian Kings is located directly on Lake Alpsee, below Neuschwanstein Castle. It traces the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty and its Bavarian kings. Hohenschwangau Castle, where King Ludwig II spent part of his childhood, is also located in Hohenschwangau.

The castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour.
Tickets are availableonline at the Hohenschwangau Ticket Center . Please book your tickets well in advance!!
Neuschwanstein Castle can be reached from Hohenschwangau on foot, by horse-drawn carriage, or by shuttle bus.

Castles Information Flyer

Hohenschwangau Ticket Center

News Ticker: Availability at Neuschwanstein

Hours of Operation

Neuschwanstein Castle is open:

April 1 through October 15: daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
October 16 through March 31: daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Closed on: December 24, 2024; December 25, 2024; December 31, 2024; January 1, 2025

Admission and Tickets

You can purchase tickets online and at the Hohenschwangau Ticket Center (limited daily availability).
Visits are only possible as part of a guided tour!

Regular ticket: 21.00 EUR
Reduced price: 20.00 EUR (Information on discounts)
Children (ages 0–17) free
Information on combo tickets (including Hohenschwangau Castle and/or the Museum of the Bavarian Kings)

Ticket prices are subject to a 2.50 EUR advance booking or processing fee.

Path to the Castle

By public transportation: From the Füssen train station, bus lines 73 and 78 run to the town of Hohenschwangau. Please note that buses can get very crowded, especially during the summer months between July and September. Although additional buses are added to the schedule, delays may still occur. We recommend that train travelers allow plenty of time between their train and bus connections.
On foot or by bike: The shortest route from the Füssen Tourist Information Office to the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau is 3.8 kilometers. The paved walking and biking path runs parallel to the road between Füssen and Hohenschwangau. Alternatively, there is a very scenic hiking route via the Alpenrosenweg to Hohenschwangau (approx. 2 hours). From the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau, signposted walking trails lead to Neuschwanstein Castle.
From Hohenschwangau by horse-drawn carriage or bus: You can also travel from the Ticket Center to Neuschwanstein Castle by horse-drawn carriage or bus. In both cases, the final stretch to the castle must be covered on foot (approx. 15 minutes). The following prices apply for the transfer to the castle: Horse-drawn carriage: Uphill ride: 8.00 EUR / Downhill ride: 4.00 EUR; Bus: Uphill ride: 3.50 EUR / Downhill ride: 3.50 EUR / Round trip: 5.00 EUR
By car: Leave Füssen via Federal Highway 16 toward Schwangau. After crossing the Lech Bridge, turn right at the second intersection toward Hohenschwangau and follow the road to the signposted parking lots. Please note that the route to Neuschwanstein Castle is marked on traffic signs as “Königsschlösser” (Royal Castles). We strongly recommend parking your vehicle in one of the paid parking lots. Parking is prohibited on the streets near the castles. Official parking lots cost between 12.00 and 16.00 EUR per day for passenger cars.
Please note: Allow at least 1.5 hours to get from the Ticket Center to the castle!

Limited mobility

In general, it is possible to visit Neuschwanstein Castle even if you have limited mobility. A regular guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle involves climbing a total of approximately 300 steps. Visitors with physical limitations can still visit the castle. Special guided tours using the castle’s elevator are available upon request. However, an advance reservation is absolutely required. If you have limited mobility, please contact the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau in advance
(Phone: +49 8362 9308-30 or Email: info(at)ticket-center-hohenschwangau.de).

Photography and Videography

Photography around the royal castles is permitted for personal use.
Photography inside the castles is prohibited.

More Information

You can find more details about Neuschwanstein Castle, including all FAQs, at the Bavarian Palace Administration and the Hohenschwangau Ticket Center.

Contact the Ticket Center:
Phone: +49 8362 9308-30
Email: info(at)ticket-center-hohenschwangau.de