Neuschwanstein in a nutshell
Neuschwanstein stands on a rock ledge above the Pöllat gorge near Füssen, in the Allgäu region of southern Bavaria. King Ludwig II had it built from 1869 as his "New Castle", inspired by the Wartburg and by the stage sets of Wagner's operas. He never saw it finished, and it opened to visitors on 1 August 1886, about seven weeks after his death.
Today it is one of the most visited castles in Europe: the Bavarian Palace Administration counted 1,082,816 visitors in 2024. On 12 July 2025 it became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "The Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria", together with Linderhof, Herrenchiemsee and the King's House on the Schachen.
How tickets really work
This is where most visits go wrong. The rules are simple once you know them.
Only with a guided tour
You can only see the interior on a guided tour of about 30 minutes with a fixed entry time. Without a ticket you can walk up to the castle gate, but not into the courtyard.
Ticket guide →Buy online, in advance
Tickets are sold in the official online shop and at the Ticket Center in the village of Hohenschwangau, not at the castle. Online tickets cost €2.50 extra per person, also for free children's tickets, and cannot be cancelled or changed.
How to book →Same-day tickets go fast
The Ticket Center opens at 8 am with a limited quota for that day only. According to the operator it is usually sold out by late morning. There is no waiting list and no phone reservation.
Best time to visit →Arrive early
The official advice is to be in Hohenschwangau one and a half to two hours before your entry time. The walk up takes 30 to 40 minutes, and if you are late, the ticket is lost.
Getting there →Our picks: Neuschwanstein tours
A premium small-group trip, the classic coach tour with Linderhof and a guided visit that starts in Hohenschwangau.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency. We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Neuschwanstein and Linderhof with tickets, small group
A day trip by coach with at most 28 people, with the entry tickets for both castles included, plus snacks and drinks on board. Lunch is extra.
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Neuschwanstein and Linderhof day trip by coach
The most-reviewed day trip from Munich. The from-price covers the coach and guide; the castle tickets are included only if you choose the option with tickets.
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Guided visit with reserved castle tickets
Meet in Hohenschwangau. Includes a reserved entry for the official castle tour, an English-speaking guide, and the shuttle bus and carriage when they run. The official ticket alone costs €21 plus €2.50 online.
Check availability →Neuschwanstein tours and day trips
Day trips from Munich, combined tours with Linderhof and tickets, with live prices and availability.
We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your Neuschwanstein visit
Tickets, transport and timing decide the day. Start here.
Neuschwanstein tickets
Prices, the online fee, combination tickets and what to do if your date is sold out.
Munich to Neuschwanstein
Train and bus, car and parking, or a day tour. Plus the walk, bus or carriage up to the castle.
Day tours compared
What day trips from Munich include, and when a tour with a ticket is the easier option.
Opening hours and best time
Summer and winter hours, closing days and how to avoid the busiest slots.
Marienbrücke
The famous bridge over the Pöllat gorge, how to get there and when it is closed.
25 facts about the castle
The Throne Hall, the Singers' Hall, the hidden technology and the Disney connection.
Getting up to the castle
You cannot drive to the castle. From the village of Hohenschwangau you have three options.
On foot
About 1.5 kilometres on a steep road, 30 to 40 minutes up from the Ticket Center. Free, and often the fastest option on busy days.
Getting there →Shuttle bus
From the Alpsee car park P4 to a stop above the castle near the Marienbrücke: €3.50 up, €5 return. From there it is a steep 15-minute walk down to the castle. Cash only.
Marienbrücke →Horse carriage
From opposite Hotel Müller to a stop below the castle: €8 up, €4 down, about 20 minutes. The last ten minutes to the gate are on foot. No timetable, so expect queues in summer.
Hohenschwangau →Parking
Four paid car parks, P1 to P4, in Hohenschwangau: €12 for six hours, then €1 per hour, up to €16 a day. Until about 18 December 2026 the B 17 through Schwangau is closed; follow the diversion via Hohenschwangau.
Where to stay →More than one castle
Ludwig's childhood home is right next door, and his other palaces are within a day's reach.
Hohenschwangau Castle
Where Ludwig grew up. €23.50 for adults, or both castles with the King's Ticket for €43.50.
Linderhof Palace
Ludwig's palace in the Graswang valley, with the restored Venus Grotto open again in summer.
King Ludwig's castles
Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Herrenchiemsee and the Schachen, and the 14-day pass.
Alpsee
The lake below the castles, with a walk of about 5 kilometres and rowing boats in summer.
Füssen
The old town at the end of the railway line, with the High Palace and St. Mang Abbey.
Wieskirche
A Rococo pilgrimage church and World Heritage Site since 1983. Free entry.
Neuschwanstein Castle: frequently asked questions
How much does a Neuschwanstein ticket cost?
In 2026 a ticket costs €21 for adults and €20 reduced. Children and young people under 18 go free but need a free ticket. Online, a fee of €2.50 is added to every ticket.
Can I buy tickets at the castle?
No. Tickets are only sold in the official online shop and at the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau, which opens at 8 am with a limited same-day quota.
What are the opening hours?
From 28 March to 15 October the castle is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. From 16 October it is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. It is closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January.
Can I cancel an online ticket?
No. Tickets bought online cannot be exchanged, refunded or moved to another time. If you arrive late for your entry time, the ticket expires.
Is the Marienbrücke open?
In October 2026 the bridge is open. In winter it can be closed on individual days because of ice and snow. A closed bridge does not affect castle tours.