If you’re looking for a fairy-tale experience, Neuschwanstein Castle is the place for you. A true pearl of Bavaria, this castle promises an extraordinary adventure.
If you’d like to visit it, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I give you all the information you need to visit it.
Neuschwanstein Castle: an enchanted getaway in the heart of Bavaria
Away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, Neuschwanstein Castle stands majestically on a rocky outcrop, overlooking the picturesque Bavarian landscape.
Built by King Louis II in the 19th century, this castle is the reflection of a dream come true.
An impressive achievement, it testifies to the overflowing imagination of a sovereign who loved art and culture.
Inspired by Richard Wagner’s operas, Neuschwanstein is an architectural masterpiece, combining neo-Gothic style with Renaissance elements.
Its soaring towers, vibrant murals and sumptuous interiors transport visitors into a world of dreams and fantasy.
Among German castles, it is one of the most beautiful and most visited.
A guided tour of the castle is available. You can’t visit it on your own. This can be a disadvantage for people who like to take their time and discover things for themselves. However, the presence of a guide gives you the opportunity to hear anecdotes about the castle and to obtain as much technical and historical information as possible.
Highlights of a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle
- The impressive architecture reflects the genius and passion of King Ludwig II.
- Breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Murals inspired by Wagner operas.
- King Louis II’s bedroom is a spectacle in itself, with its carved woodwork.
Disadvantages of a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle
- The castle can only be visited via a guided tour.
- The massive influx of tourists during the high season makes the visit less enjoyable.
- The castle is not fully accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Photography inside the castle is prohibited.
What can you see at Neuschwanstein Castle?
A visit to Neuschwanstein Palace is a true immersion in a world of dreams and grandeur. Here’s a summary of what you’ll see when you visit this Bavarian castle.
The castle’s exterior is a spectacle. Its grandiose architecture, set against a picturesque Bavarian landscape, offers a picture worthy of a fairy tale. Before entering the castle, take time to admire the beauty of its slender towers and richly decorated facades.
Inside, every room is a work of art. Start with the entrance hall, with its majestic columns and delicately painted ceiling. Then move on to the throne room. Although King Ludwig II died before its completion, it remains a breathtaking spectacle with its starry dome and impressive mosaics.
And don’t miss the Singers’ Hall. This room, never used for musical performances, is a tribute to the king’s love of Richard Wagner. The murals depict scenes from the Parsifal legend, adding a touch of mystery and romance.
The King’s bedroom is another must-see. The woodwork, murals and sumptuous furniture offer a glimpse of King Louis II’s refined taste and passion for art.
After the tour, Neuschwanstein Castle also offers a range of outdoor activities. The surrounding gardens are ideal for a leisurely stroll through winding paths and flowerbeds.
If you want to take some great photos of the castle, make a detour to the Marienbrücke. This suspension bridge offers the best possible view of the castle. The image of the castle rising above the gorge with the mountains in the background is a sight not to be missed.
How much does Neuschwanstein Castle cost to enter?
It is essential to book your tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle in advance for two reasons:
- It can only be discovered on guided tours with a German or English-speaking guide, or with the help of an audio tour. There are a few slots per day, so you’ll need to book the one that suits you best.
- Neuschwanstein Castle is very popular. Without booking several weeks in advance, the choice of days and times will be limited.
Admission to Neuschwanstein Castle:
- €17.50 for an adult
- €2.50 for a child aged 0 to 17.
Check out the current price on GetyourGuide.
How long does a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle last?
A guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle takes around 35 minutes, but you should allow at least two to three hours to fully enjoy the site.
This time includes the walk to the castle and the discovery of the surrounding gardens.
For the best chance of enjoying a beautiful panorama, visit between May and September. As the weather is sunnier and less cloudy, the horizon becomes clearer.
Where is Neuschwanstein Castle?
Neuschwanstein Castle is located in Bavaria, Germany, not far from the Austrian border.
The exact address of Neuschwanstein Castle is Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau.
How do I get to Neuschwanstein Castle?
To reach the castle by car, take the A7 freeway to the Füssen exit, then follow the B17 towards Schwangau. Pay parking lots are available nearby.
If you prefer public transport, take a train to Füssen, then a bus to the castle. There are regular shuttle buses from the station to the castle.
What are Neuschwanstein Castle’s opening times?
The castle is open every day except December 24, December 25, December 31 and January 1.
Opening hours are :
- April 1 to October 15: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- October 16 to March 31: 10a.m. to 4pm.
Neuschwanstein Castle review: is it a good visit?
If I had to sum up my visit to Neuschwanstein Castle in one expression, it would be a fairy tale. When you arrive at the foot of this titanic structure, you literally feel transported to another world, that of the fairy tales of your childhood. This is hardly surprising, given that Walt Disney drew inspiration from this castle for the sets of the first Disneyland, built in 1955.
As soon as I entered, I was struck by the sheer size of the castle and its unique architectural style. From a distance, it might look like a medieval fortress, but up close, it’s a 19th-century castle with a Romantic aesthetic that reflects the vision of one man, King Ludwig II of Bavaria.
When I visited it, I discovered rooms adorned with frescoes inspired by medieval legends and furniture straight out of a Grimm fairy tale. The Louis II room seemed to me to be the very heart of the castle, with its majestic decorations and regal ambience.
I didn’t like the fact that I had to take a guide to visit the castle. While the information provided was interesting, I would have preferred to be able to explore at my own pace. Sometimes you just want to soak up the atmosphere of a place without being constantly bombarded with information.
I was also surprised, and even disappointed, by the impossibility of taking photos inside the castle. I understand the heritage preservation argument, of course, but I’m sorry I couldn’t immortalize some of the castle’s most memorable details.
In conclusion, my visit to Neuschwanstein Castle was a mixed experience. On the one hand, I was impressed by the castle’s grandiose architecture and the treasures it contains. On the other, I was disappointed by the rigidity of the guided tour and the ban on photography. Despite these drawbacks, I think the visit is well worth it, if only for the exceptional beauty of the castle and the journey back in time it offers.
What else can you do near Neuschwanstein Castle?
After visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria has many more surprises in store for you:
- Visit the other residence of King Ludwig II: Hohenschwangau Castle.
- Take a stroll through the charming town of Füssen.
- Explore the hiking trails of the Ammergauer Alpen nature park.
- Take a cruise on Lake Forggensee.
- Discover the Museum of the Kings of Bavaria to learn more about the region’s history.
- Take time to admire a jewel of rococo architecture: the Saint-Coloman church.
- Cycle along the Romantische Straße (which translates as the Romantic Road).
- Visit Ettal Abbey, an impressive Benedictine monastery.
- Enjoy a day of skiing or hiking at Tegelberg.
- Relax in the Königliche Kristall-Therme.
DenisAs a professional blogger, I take advantage of my flexible schedule to travel a lot. I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list!
