Neuschwanstein Castle
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Neuschwanstein Castle - by Pexels from Pixabay





Description
Neuschwanstein Castle is a palace located on a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau in southwest Bavaria. It was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and built in 1869-1886 in Romanesque Revival style in the same village as the Hohenschwangau Castle where he had spent many years of his childhood. The castle was inspired by Wagner's operas such as Tannhäuser and Lohengrin, and the romantic interpretation of the medieval period he saw in the Château de Pierrefonds and the Wartburg Castle when he visited them in 1867. The palace was financed using the King's personal funds and as costs spiralled upward so did his debt which led the Bavarian government to decide to depose him. He died under mysterious circumstances a few days later.
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 Neuschwanstein Castle (distance around 1.5 km) is asphalted, but it is all uphill and quite steep in places. Alternatively, there are horse drawn carriages leaving from Hotel Müller on Alpseestraße. How to get there: https://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/tourist/howtoget.htm Accessibility info: https://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/tourist/mobility.htm
Instructions & Recommendations
Note that the bedroom, the dressing room, the living room and the grotto are closed for renovation in 2023. A visit to Neuschwanstein Castle is only possible as part of a guided tour at a specific time and booking probably needs to be done 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. Helps preserve the region's architectural heritage and brings economic activity to the surrounding villages.
Conclusion
The castle of Neuschwanstein is considered by most as a must-see when visiting the south of Germany. We wouldn't quite agree, not because it isn't special (it really is) but because it can mean a long detour and there are other impressive castles in the region that might better suit your itinerary. Also, it is a bit light on historical background and decoration inside. As such, we deem it a must for those in Southwest Bavaria or who are Munich-based with a few spare days. Don't forget to book well ahead of time.
Key positive
Stunning design
Located in a scenic area with outdoor activities and attractions
Key negative
Time consuming to get to
Visit quite light in content
Suitability
People with reduced mobility can attend tours but advance notice is required and some thought needs to be given to transport up to the castle.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 30m
est. visit time:2h
Start of Season 1:Mar, 23
MONDAY09:00 - 18:00
TUESDAY09:00 - 18:00
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY09:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY09:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY09:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY09:00 - 18:00
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