Neuschwanstein Castle
See the Magic for Yourself
WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
Neuschwanstein is located in southwest Bavaria, Germany. More specifically, it sits on a mountainous hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near the town of Füssen.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
There are several ways to get there. If you have access to a car, there are several roads that lead to Hohenschwangau, depending on what direction you’re coming from. Most travelers seem to be headed from Munich, in which case, here are the best directions according to Google:
The easiest and most affordable way to get to this majestic castle is with an all-inclusive tour group that leaves from Munich. The total cost is cheaper than gas and/or rentals plus admission fees, and you skip the long lines when you get arrive. You can book that tour for under $60 via the button below.
If you prefer the train and just want to purchase a tour when you get there, that is also an option. It is a fairly easy process and the video below explains it in full detail. Note that you will be subject to those long ticket lines upon arrival.
FUN FACTS ABOUT the castle
- King Ludwig II of Bavaria decided to build his fairytale palace because he had lost his sovereign power to the Prussian Empire just after two years of he began ruling. This splendid structure simply made him still feel like royalty.
- Construction of the castle began in 1869. King Ludwig II estimated that building would take 3 years to complete but due to it’s complex designs, it took over 20 years. He moved into the castle in 1884, and it was still incomplete at the time. He never lived to see it finished. The castle opened as a museum just 7 weeks after his death to pay off his debts.
- Neuschwanstein Castle is the inspiration for the Disney castle(s). Walt Disney fell in love with this magnificent building and modeled Cinderella‘s castle after it. It then became the company’s logo seen on every film, as well as at the main attraction at it’s theme parks.
- The castle was equipped with all of the latest technology at the time. The aesthetic may take inspiration from the middle ages, but Ludwig II insisted on the installation of running hot and cold water and a heating system. It also had telephones, a lift, and an electric bell system for the servants.
- Neuschwanstein did not get it’s name until after Ludwig II’s passing. He actually called the palace the ‘Neue Burg Hohenschwangau” because it was located near his childhood home, Hohenschwangau Castle.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
- Drones are prohibited. I know there is amazing drone footage of this castle out there, but I would not risk bringing one!
- Guided tours are the only way into the castle. You can go see Neuschwanstein ‘s exterior without, but to go inside, you’ll have to do a tour.
- The spring water here is safe to drink. Bring an empty bottle and fill it up at one of the pumps. It’s icy cold and refreshing.
- Nearby is Hohenschwangau Castle, the other famed castle associated with Ludwig II. It is also a beautiful building, and offers tours of the inside as well. Swipe through the slide below to see Ludwig II’s first home.
If all of this doesn’t convince you to go see Neuschwanstein Castle, nothing will. There are plenty of other incredible places to see in Germany as well that you’ll find on this site soon. I plan to share more on many places and sights from all over the globe, so stay tuned!
