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Hohenschwangau Castle

30 Alpseestraße, Schwangau, Bayern

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

Meta review

Not as famous as its younger neighbour but getting mostly good reviews nonetheless. The general sense it that whilst the castle looks gorgeous and some of the interiors are impressive, it doesn't really stand out compared to other castles in Germany or other European countries. Many visitors comment that the price is extremely high considering the tour is only 30mins. From a practical standpoint, there are many flights of stairs to go up to the castle and ticket availability is much better than in Neuschwanstein.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 24 & 25 Dec and 31 Dec / 01 Jan

av. transport time:1h 30m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Mar, 23

Season 1

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

Season 2

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

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€20.5
Adult
18 - 64
€23.5
Child
3 - 17
€20.5
Infant
0 - 2
€2.5
This takes into account the EUR2.50 online booking fee. Student price is 20.5 EUR

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