Guide to Visiting the Neuschwanstein Castle (Day Trip From Munich)
Perched high above the Bavarian countryside, Neuschwanstein Castle looks like something straight out of a fairytale…and in many ways, it is. This 19th-century masterpiece, commissioned by King Ludwig II, is said to have inspired Disney’s iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle and draws millions of visitors from around the world each year.
Whether you’re planning a day trip from Munich or a longer stay in the region, this guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of your visit. From the best time to go and how to get there, to where to find that famous bridge view and the best nearby hikes, here’s a complete guide to visiting the Neuschwanstein Castle.
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Psst: I almost skipped this stop during our 5-day Germany vacay. AND I’m SO glad we didn’t. Pictures just don’t do it justice.
Table of Contents
Best Time to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is stunning year-round, but your experience will vary depending on the season. Spring (April–June) brings colorful wildflowers and comfortable temperatures, perfect for exploring the surrounding trails.
Summer (July–August) is the most popular and busiest time to visit, so book tickets well in advance and arrive early in the day.
Fall (September–October) offers crisp air and beautiful foliage that makes the castle even more magical. We visited during early October and saw the beginning of the leaves changing!
Winter (November–March) is quieter and often dusted in snow, giving the castle a true fairytale feel, though some hiking trails and the Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) may close due to weather conditions. You can check current conditions here!
Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich
Neuschwanstein Castle is about 2 hours southwest of Munich near the village of Hohenschwangau. Whether you drive yourself, take public transportation, or join a guided tour, it’s easy to plan a day trip from the city.
1. Driving
If you prefer flexibility, renting a car is the easiest way to get to Neuschwanstein. The drive takes under 2 hours via the A96 or A7 highways and offers beautiful scenery along the way.
You’ll park in Hohenschwangau village (we easily parked in P4), where you can shop or grab a bite before heading up to the castle. You then pay for your parking upon exiting via the pay machines (credit cards accepted). There were several other parking lots available that we passed on our way to P4.
Keep in mind that cars are not allowed past the village; visitors must either walk, take a shuttle bus, or ride a horse-drawn carriage to the entrance (more on this below).
2. Public Transportation
Traveling by train and bus is a convenient and scenic option. And can be a bit more budget-friendly than renting a car.
Take a train from Munich Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) to Füssen, which takes about two hours. From Füssen, hop on bus 73 or 78 to Hohenschwangau; the ride takes about 10 minutes and drops you near the ticket center.
From there, you’ll continue on foot or by shuttle up to the castle. This route is simple and budget-friendly, though it does require some planning around bus and train schedules.
3. Guided Tours
If you’d rather skip the logistics, guided tours from Munich are a stress-free option. Many tours include round-trip transportation, skip-the-line tickets, and even stops at nearby attractions like Linderhof Palace or Oberammergau. It’s a great choice if you want to sit back, relax, and learn a bit more about the castle’s history along the way.
Check guided tour options on Viator or GetYourGuide!
Know Before You Go: Neuschwanstein Castle Guide
- Book tickets in advance: Entry tickets often sell out days ahead, especially in summer.
- No photos inside: Photography is not allowed during the interior tour.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The walk to the castle is uphill and can be steep in sections.
- Arrive early: Crowds build quickly, especially mid-morning.
- Check weather conditions: Marienbrücke may close during winter or icy weather.
Options to Reach the Castle From the Parking Lots/Village
Once you’ve parked at the base of Neuschwanstein Castle in Hohenschwangau, you have three options for getting up to the castle itself. You can hike, take a shuttle, or hop in a horse carriage.
1. Hike
The hike is the most popular. It’s about a 1.5-kilometer uphill walk that takes around 25–40 minutes, depending on your pace. The paved path winds through the forest and offers lovely views along the way. This is the option we chose!
And, you bet we stopped for some mini-donuts on the way up!
2. Shuttle
If you’d rather save your energy, you can take the shuttle bus from Hotel Müller up to the Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) viewpoint, then walk about 10–15 minutes downhill to the castle entrance. Round-trip tickets cost 5 euros, and you can pay the cashier directly at the bus stop. The bus departs roughly every 20 minutes.
3. Horse Carriage
Another scenic option is the horse-drawn carriage, which departs near the ticket center and drops passengers just below the castle, leaving a short 5–10 minute uphill walk to the gate. The ride takes about 20 minutes and costs 12 euros for a roundtrip ride. You’ll find the carriages right across from the Hotel Muller.
Things to do at Nuestwanstein Castle
1. Walking the Grounds
Even if you don’t go inside, walking around the castle is worth it. The surrounding area offers beautiful viewpoints, cafés, and photo ops. Take some time to truly look at the details…it’s crazy! See if you can find the four faces.
2. Guided Interior Tour
If you want to see the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle, you’ll need to join a guided tour, as self-guided visits aren’t allowed. Tours last about 30 minutes and take you through the castle’s most stunning rooms, including King Ludwig II’s Throne Hall, ornate bedroom, and the famous Singer’s Hall inspired by Wagner’s operas.
Tickets should be purchased in advance from the official website or at the ticket center in Hohenschwangau village, as they often sell out, especially in summer. Be sure to arrive at the castle entrance at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time, since entry is strictly timed (make sure to plan for the walk time up to the castle). While the tour is short, it’s full of fascinating history and intricate details that make stepping inside feel like walking through a real-life fairytale.
3. The Famous Bridge View (Marienbrücke)
One of the most iconic views of Neuschwanstein Castle is from Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), a short walk from the castle entrance. The bridge spans a dramatic gorge and offers the best vantage point for photos. It’s free to visit, but expect crowds…arriving early or later in the afternoon helps.
TIP! After taking in the views from the bridge, continue walking past the end of the bridge. You’ll find a steep trail that gives you some of the best quiet views of the castle and lake below.
Things to do NEAR Neuschwanstein Castle
Since you’ve made the trek from Munich to the Neuschwanstein Castle, you might as well explore more of the bueaitufl area! Here are some other fun things to do after you’ve checked out the Neuschwanstein Castle.
1. Hiking Near Neuschwanstein Castle
For those who love a good view (and fewer crowds), several trails around Neuschwanstein offer incredible scenery. Try the Alpsee Loop which offers great views of the lake and castles, or hike to Tegelberg Mountain for sweeping views of the Bavarian Alps.
2. Ride the Tegelberg Cable Car & the Toboggan
Just a few minutes from Neuschwanstein, the Tegelberg Cable Car offers breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps, rolling valleys, and even the castle itself from above. At the top, you’ll find hiking trails, a mountain restaurant with panoramic views, and in winter, skiing and snowboarding opportunities. It’s an easy way to experience the region’s alpine beauty without a strenuous climb, and the photo ops are unbeatable.
Then, be sure to take a ride at on the toboggan at the base of the cable car!
Unfortunately, when we visited, the cable car was closed for maintenance and the toboggan was closed due to rain. So… hopefully you have better luck than us!
3. Explore Fussen
The charming town of Füssen, located only about 10 minutes from the castle, is well worth a visit. Its pastel-colored old town is filled with cobblestone streets, cozy cafés, boutique shops, and historic buildings like the High Castle (Hohes Schloss). You can stroll along the Lech River, visit the nearby monastery of St. Mang, or simply enjoy the relaxed Bavarian atmosphere before or after your castle visit.
4. Visit Lake Forggensee
For a dose of nature and tranquility, head to Lake Forggensee, a stunning turquoise reservoir just north of Füssen. In summer, you can rent paddleboards or take a scenic boat cruise with views of the surrounding mountains and Neuschwanstein in the distance. Even if you’re not hitting the water, walking or cycling the lakeside paths offers a peaceful escape and plenty of picturesque picnic spots.
We found the CUTEST lakeside cafe (Cafe Maria) to grab a drink and take in the views.
4. Visit Hohenschwangau Castle
Located just across the valley from Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau Castle is often overlooked, but it’s absolutely worth a visit. This was King Ludwig II’s childhood home and offers a fascinating glimpse into the royal family’s daily life before the fairytale of Neuschwanstein began. You can walk to the castle from P4 (the same parking lot you parked in for Neuschwanstein Castle).
The guided tours take you through beautifully furnished rooms filled with original decor, paintings, and artifacts from the 19th century. Plus, the views of the surrounding lakes and mountains from the castle grounds are incredible, making it the perfect complement to your visit to Neuschwanstein.
Is a Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich Worth it?!
YES YES YES. I can not believe I almost skipped this spot. The castle is amazing, and the views were some of the best I’ve seen. If you find yourself in Munich, I HIGHLY recommend that you plan a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle.
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