Neuschwanstein Castle
Starting today, we are launching a new section, "Picture-Perfect Places"; all posts can be found under the tag of the same name. We will tell you about the most beautiful places on our planet, with detailed instructions and links to flights, accommodation, etc. And we begin with a story about Neuschwanstein Castle.
The castle is located in southern Germany, near the border with Austria. It was built by order of King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1883.
How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle?
Neuschwanstein Castle is located in the town of Hohenschwangau in Bavaria.
The nearest airport in Germany is Munich, 110 km away. Flights to Munich are operated by various international airlines. From the airport to the city center, you can take the S-Bahn city train.
There are no ways to get to the castle without transfers; you will have to take a train and then a bus. But if you prefer a more comfortable journey, you can book a castle tour from Munich.
The most convenient way to get from Munich to Neuschwanstein is by Regional-Express train. From Munich Central Station (München Hbf), you need to buy tickets to Füssen. The train departs hourly in this direction, and the fare is €22.00 one way. From Füssen station, buses run to Hohenschwangau, taking approximately 10–12 minutes:
Bus No. 73, direction: Steingarden/Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Bus No. 78, direction: Schwangau Get off at the stop: Hohenschwangau-Alpseestrasse
Tickets for both the train and the bus can be purchased on www.bahn.de. Next, you have three options: 1. On foot, from the center of Hohenschwangau to Neuschwanstein Castle takes approximately 30–40 minutes. There are many signs along the way, so it’s very difficult to get lost. 2. By horse-drawn carriage. The carriage departs from Müller Hotel. Fare: € 6.00 for the ascent to the castle and €3.00 for the descent back to the town. 3. Shuttle bus, departs from the stop near Schlosshotel Lisl. Cost: €1.80 for the ascent and €1.00 for the descent.
Please note that the carriage and bus do not take you directly to the castle entrance; you will still have to walk 10–15 minutes to it.
Neuschwanstein Castle is open every day, except national holidays. Opening hours depend on the season: from April 1 to October 7: 8:00–17:00 from October 8 to March 31: 9:00–15:00 Entrance ticket price to the castle: € 12.00. You can buy tickets online in advance. Visits are only permitted with a guide. Tours are conducted in English and German. The start time of the tour is printed on the ticket; turnstiles will not let you through earlier or later. Tickets are purchased at the ticket office, which is located in Hohenschwangau at: Alpseestrasse 12. In summer, there are huge queues at the ticket offices, so it’s better to buy tickets online on the website.
Where to stay?
Most tourists come to Hohenschwangau for one day, but if you want to visit the neighboring Hohenschwangau Castle, as well as the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, it’s worth staying here for at least one more day. The closest hotel to the castle is Hotel Mueller, from where carriages depart to the castle. The cost of accommodation there is € 140.00 per night. If you need a more budget-friendly option, you can stay in Füssen, where there is a small hostel, several apartments, and inexpensive hotels. The average cost of accommodation ranges from € 45.00 to € 65.00 per night. You can also find inexpensive options in the neighboring town of Schwangau (Schwangau).
