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Neuschwanstein Castle

20 Neuschwansteinstraße, Schwangau, Bayern

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

Meta review

This is Bavaria's most iconic castle and you will surely have seen the pictures in travel magazines or blogs before. Reviews are unanimous in describing the castle design and backdrop as spectacular and the views from there over Alpsee as gorgeous. There is however a fair share of visitors who were underwhelmed by the guided tour, which they felt was rushed, and the relatively empty palace with little decoration and few rooms included. There are also regular comments that this makes for a long day trip out of Munich and that taking the castle bus is a good option on the way up.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 01 Jan, 24 & 25 Dec, 31 Dec. Ticket office closes much earlier than the castle

av. transport time:1h 30m

est. visit time:2h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Mar, 23

Season 1

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

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
Concessionary tickets must be all be purchased at the same time and invoice by the tour guide
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€19.5
Adult
18 - 64
€20.5
Child
3 - 17
€2.5
Infant
0 - 2
€2.5
This takes into account the EUR2.50 online booking fee. Student price is 16.5 EUR

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