Hohenschwangau Castle
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Hohenschwangau Castle - by Tim Dennert on Unsplash
Description
Hohenschwangau Castle is a palace commissioned by Maximilian II of Bavaria in the 1830's on the site of an old 14th century castle. It was designed in Gothic Revival style and served as the summer and hunting residence of the King, his wife and two sons Otto and Ludwig (who will later commission the nearby Neuschwanstein Castle). Guided tours are offered in German and English or with a portable Audio Guide device. They cover two floors including the Queen's and King's residences.
Access & Transport
The castle is situated near Schwangau and Füssen in the Allgäu. It is possible to reach Hohenschwangau by train + bus via Füssen. Cars are not allowed to drive up to the castle, even if you have reduced mobility. The road from the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau to Hohenschwangau Castle is a 15-30mins uphill walk (depending on which route you take) with a horse drawn carriage option leaving from the Ticket Center. Info on how to get there: https://www.hohenschwangau.de/en/visitor-information/how-to-reach-the-castles
Instructions & Recommendations
A visit to Hohenschwangau Castle is only possible as part of a guided tour at a specific time and it is best to book several days in advance during the peak tourist season. Booking link: https://shop.ticket-center-hohenschwangau.de/Shop/Index/en/39901
Environmental & Social
We deem this activity environmentally neutral and socially positive as it helps preserve the region's architectural heritage and brings economic activity to the surrounding villages.
Conclusion
Hohenschwangau Castle is overshadowed by its sibling Neuschwanstein Castle next door with its dramatic setting and architecture. They are both worth visiting but also both over-priced given the relative lack of content and short visits so unless you have a large budget, we find it hard to recommend visiting both on the same trip. If you can't get into Neuschwanstein Castle because of ticket availability you should definitely have a walk up to the castle and then visit Hohenschwangau without feeling you are missing out.
Key positive
Beautiful setting and pleasing design
Located in a scenic area with outdoor activities and attractions
Key negative
Time consuming to get to
Visit is short and expensive
Suitability
There is no lift to floors so the visit is not suitable for wheelchair users.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 30m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Start of Season 1:Mar, 23
MONDAY09:00 - 16:30
TUESDAY09:00 - 16:30
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 16:30
THURSDAY09:00 - 16:30
FRIDAY09:00 - 16:30
SATURDAY09:00 - 16:30
SUNDAY09:00 - 16:30
Start of Season 2:Oct, 16
MONDAY10:00 - 16:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 16:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 16:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 16:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 16:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 16:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 16:00