Neuschwanstein Castle Palace

Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany

Website: https://www.neuschwanstein.de

Hours: Daily (castle tours normally run ~9:00-18:00; ticket center opens earlier)

Admission: €17 (adult - guided interior tour)

Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th century Romanesque Revival palace in Bavaria, Germany, commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Construction began in 1869 and the castle was opened to the public shortly after Ludwig II’s death in 1886.

The exterior silhouette and alpine setting are the primary draws - dramatic towers and gables set against wooded slopes attract photographers and painters. The nearby Marienbrücke offers one of the most photographed vantage points of the castle and the gorge below.

Guided interior tours cover the finished state rooms, including the Throne Hall and the Singers’ Hall; only a small number of rooms were completed for the king. Visitor access is controlled by timed tickets and tours, and approaches from the village of Hohenschwangau are stepped or by shuttle coach.

Commissioned and financed by King Ludwig II in the late 19th century, construction began in 1869 as a private retreat and as a homage to medieval kings and operatic themes. Work continued until Ludwig’s death in 1886; the project was never fully completed and the castle was opened to the public soon afterwards.

The castle sits above the village of Hohenschwangau near the town of Füssen in southwest Bavaria, close to the edge of the Alps and Alpine lakes. It is in the Schwangau municipality, roughly west-southwest of Munich by road.

• Best viewpoint: The **Marienbrücke** (Mary’s Bridge) is the classic viewpoint for photos of the castle and the Pöllat Gorge; it can be crowded mid-day.
• Tours and interior: Interior access is by timed, guided tour only and only a small number of rooms were completed for Ludwig II, so expect limited interior scope.

Neuschwanstein Castle is reached via the town of Füssen in Bavaria. Take a regional train from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Füssen; from Füssen station local buses run up to the Hohenschwangau/Neuschwanstein area (bus lines serving the route from Füssen). From the bus stop it’s a short walk to the village of Hohenschwangau, and from there it’s a steep 30-40 minute walk up to the castle or a short ride on shuttle buses/horse-drawn carriages (these operate seasonally).

By car drive from Munich via the A96 then local B‑roads toward Füssen and Hohenschwangau-the drive from Munich to the Füssen/Neuschwanstein area is about 1.5-2 hours (roughly 110-130 km depending on route). Parking is available in Hohenschwangau with onward shuttle or foot access to the castle.

• Buy timed tickets at the Hohenschwangau Ticket Center (in the village) well ahead during high season - entrance to the interior is only by guided tour and slots fill quickly.
• Park or arrive in Hohenschwangau and either walk up the path or take the shuttle/bus to the castle area; save time to walk to Marienbrücke for the classic views across the gorge (it can be busy).
• If interior tickets are sold out, the surrounding viewpoints and the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle still offer excellent views and photography opportunities without the long waits.