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Neuschwanstein Castle

  • Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany

Last updated: 18 March, 2024

Built by ‘mad’ King Ludwig with the aid of a stage designer, Neuschwanstein is the prototype fairytale castle with Gothic turrets, drawbridges and ridiculously extravagant interiors. Useless for defence, the main fortress was completed in 1886 after Bavaria ceased to be an independent state.

It’s fantastically situated on a crag looking over the shimmering Alpsee, and the furnishings set new standards of royal excess. Ludwig’s bedroom alone gave 14 woodcarvers five years’ steady work.

Neuschwanstein Castle was evil Baron Bomburst’s castle in the 1968 classic British children’s film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. If you haven’t seen it, watch it before you go.

While you’re there

One of Bavaria’s most scenic walks to Pöllat Gorge is just behind Neuschwanstein. Walk ten minutes to the cast-iron Marien Bridge to admire postcard views of the castle and the 45m Pöllat waterfall.

An hour’s hike south of the castle lies Bleckenau, King Ludwig’s old hunting lodge. Great for a snack of bread and sausage, game or a mug of the foamy stuff.

For a lofty view of the castle take the Tegelbergbahn cable car, which runs to the summit of the Tegelberg north of Neuschwanstein. The mountain station is a popular launch point for paragliders.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Neuschwanstein & Linderhof - Fairytale Castles Tour from Munich

  • Munich

Neuschwanstein & Linderhof - Fairytale Castles Tour from Munich

Viator

Neuschwanstein & Linderhof - Fairytale Castles Tour from Munich
Join us on an unforgettable journey through the Bavarian mountains, where King Ludwig II's dream castles, Neuschwanstein and Linderhof magnificient UNESCO World Heritage. This tour from Munich will take you to these two extraordinary castles, allowing you to experience Bavaria's grandeur and picturesque mountain scenery in one magical day. Thanks to our "Skip-the-Line" service, you'll avoid queing at ticket offices, giving you more time to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of King Ludwig II. The tour begins with a visit to Linderhof Palace, where you will discover the secrets of King Ludwig II's hidden life. After exploring the opulent palace, a scenic drive takes you through only by Bus to Oberammergau without stop shopping. You then arrive at Hohenschwangau, where King Ludwig ll spend most of his childhood. Here you can enjoy lunch (not included). Our final stop is Neuschwanstein Castle. Here you can admire one of Germany's most emblematic and impressive monuments.

Price €61

Min age 0

Rating 4.42 / 5 [6987 ratings]

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Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich

  • Munich

Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich

Viator

Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich
The enchanting old-world town of Fussen lies in the foot hills of the Alps, framed by one of the most breathtaking natural settings in the world. Traveling with your small group guided tour from Munich, you'll tour the ethereal Neuschwanstein Castle, be taken to the best vantage points; the lake, the postcard-perfect aerial view of the equally beautiful Hohenschwangau Castle and to the waterfall gorge.

Price €79

Min age 0

Rating 4.61 / 5 [4825 ratings]

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Premium Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof VIP Tour from Munich

  • Munich

Premium Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof VIP Tour from Munich

Viator

Premium Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof VIP Tour from Munich
Get ready for a royal adventure like no other on this exclusive VIP tour! Not only will you visit the world-famous Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles, which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In a small, intimate group of just 28 guests, enjoy personalized service aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned coach. Sit back, relax, while enjoying complimentary snacks, drinks, and free Wi-Fi on board. Skip the lines and jump straight into the magic of King Ludwig II’s world with our “Skip-the-Line” service. No need to worry about ticketing – your entrance fees for both castles are already included! After Neuschwanstein Castle, don’t miss the highlight of the day – a leisurely walk to the Marienbrücke Bridge. From this iconic vantage point, take in the sweeping, jaw-dropping views of the castle perched majestically in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. This breathtaking sight will be a perfect moment for photos and memories that will last a lifetime!

Price €168

Min age 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [2127 ratings]

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Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Trip from Munich

  • Munich

Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Trip from Munich

Viator

Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Trip from Munich
Drive with an airconditioned, comfortable coach from Munich and visit the famous and fabulous castles built by the fairytale King Ludwig II. These unique buildings in the midst of the Bavarian alpine landscape will definitely fascinate you. The first stop of our tour will take you to Schloss Linderhof, the smallest castle of the Bavarian king. It’s up to you to decide whether you choose to have a guided tour through the castle in english live, have a walk around the beautifully landscaped grounds or simply enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and get excited by the marvellous scenery. We will then continue our tour to Hohenschwangau. Our stay there will offer you ample time to both try out the famous Bavarian cuisine in a restaurant and visit the castle of Neuschwanstein as well. You can decide whether you want to see one or both castles from the inside with a guided tour and accordingly buy the tickets from our tour guide in cash.

Price €70

Min age 0

Rating 4.71 / 5 [1352 ratings]

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Private Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Oberammergau Tour from Munich

  • Munich

Private Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Oberammergau Tour from Munich

Viator

Private Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Oberammergau Tour from Munich
Our guides are not merely drivers; they are passionate, highly knowledgeable local experts, fluent in both English and German. They transform a drive into a captivating journey, sharing rich history, insider anecdotes, and local secrets you won't find on standard tours. True Tailor-Made Itineraries: We don't just offer pre-set routes; we co-create your dream tour. Your preferences, your pace, your interests drive every decision, allowing us to go "beyond the tourist trail" to hidden gems or focus deeply on what matters most to you. Unmatched Comfort & Peace of Mind: With your dedicated guide handling all navigation, parking, and logistics (including difficult-to-get tickets like Neuschwanstein, not incl. in the price), you're free to relax and fully immerse yourself in the experience. In essence, with Mike's you're not just booking a ride; you're securing a personalized, stress-free, and deeply enriching journey curated by the very best local storytellers.

Price €662

Min age 1

Rating 4.90 / 5 [186 ratings]

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Logistics

Price from: £13
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The castle is about 1-1.5 hours by car from Munich), or about 2 hours by train to Füssen station plus a short bus ride to Neuschwanstein.

Entrance tickets are available only at the Ticketcenter Hohenschwangau in the village of Hohenschwangau, a 10-minute walk south of the castle. Tickets for a specific visiting time can be reserved for an additional prepaid charge up to two days before your castle visit – well worth it in peak season if you’re not going with an organised tour. Call or email the ticket office to book.

You can only visit as part of a guided tour – either book with an operator book or you can join their tours (in English and German. Audio guides for other languages). Tours take 30-45 minutes, but add a walk to the picturesque Pöllat gorge, lunch and the return journey, and you’re talking a full day out.

When to do it

The castle is open all year round, seven days a week.

During the German and European holiday season in July and August, the castle throngs with visitors. Avoid if possible.

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