Neuschwanstein opening hours
The castle follows a summer and a winter schedule. The summer season ran from 28 March to 15 October 2026. Since 16 October 2026 the winter hours apply: the castle opens daily from 10 am to 4 pm. The official rule for the years after is the same pattern, summer from 28 March and winter from 16 October. The exact dates for 2027 have not been published as a year, so check before you travel.
There is no official last entry time. The castle closes once the last tour of the day has ended. Times quoted on other websites for a "last admission" are not confirmed by the operators.
Opening hours at a glance
Official times for the season 2026/27. Everything is closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January, and the shuttle bus does not run on those days.
| What | Summer (to 15 October 2026) | Winter (from 16 October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Neuschwanstein Castle | 9 am to 6 pm | 10 am to 4 pm |
| Hohenschwangau Castle | 9 am to 4:30 pm | 10 am to 4 pm |
| Ticket Center (day counter) | 8 am to 4 pm | 8 am to 3:30 pm |
| Shuttle bus to the Marienbrücke | First ride up 8 am, last 5:30 pm, last ride down 6:45 pm | First ride up 9 am, last 3:30 pm, last ride down 5 pm, only on roads free of snow and ice |
| Carriage to Hohenschwangau | Runs | Does not run from 16 October 2026 |
| Museum of the Bavarian Kings | Entry 9 am to 4:30 pm | Entry 9 am to 4:30 pm; closed 9 to 11 November 2026 |
Carriages to Neuschwanstein have no timetable and depend on the weather in winter. Shrove Tuesday is not listed as a closing day for Neuschwanstein, unlike for Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee. To buy a ticket, see the ticket guide.
Neuschwanstein tours and tickets
Day trips from Munich in every season, with live prices and availability.
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The best time to visit, by season
The official sources name no quiet months. What changes is the transport, the opening hours and the weather.
Summer: longest days, longest queues
The castle is open nine hours a day, and the shuttle bus and the carriage run on their full schedule. In summer the transport to the castle is known for considerable waiting times. Rowing boats on the Alpsee are available from May to October in good weather. Book your timed ticket early.
Autumn: the change on 16 October
Until 15 October the summer hours apply, from the next day the castle opens an hour later and closes two hours earlier. Parts of the infrastructure take a break: the Tegelbergbahn cable car is closed from 9 November to 17 December 2026 for its annual overhaul.
Winter: shorter days, more weather risk
The castle stays open daily except for the four closing days. The shuttle runs only when the roads are clear of snow and ice, and the Marienbrücke can be closed on individual days because of ice and snow. There is no fixed winter closure for the bridge. A closed bridge does not affect the castle tours.
Christmas and New Year
The Palace Administration names Christmas and New Year, together with public holidays and the summer, as times with considerable waits for shuttle and carriage. The castle is closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January.
How busy is it?
There are no official crowd figures by month or hour. This is what is documented.
About 1.1 million visitors a year
The Palace Administration counted 1,082,816 in 2024, and about 1.1 million in 2025. Official figures by month do not exist, so treat advice such as "visit in February" with care.
The day counter sells out
The Ticket Center opens at 8 am with a limited same-day quota. According to the operator it is usually sold out from late morning, and then a visit that day is not possible.
Mornings are better
The official advice for families is to go in the morning. Be in Hohenschwangau 1.5 to 2 hours before your entry time, and add an hour at the castle for the waits at bus and carriage.
Your ticket decides your day
Because your entry time is fixed, an early slot with an advance online ticket is the safest plan in any season. Online tickets cannot be changed or cancelled.
Tips for a good day
Whatever season you choose.
Book the earliest slot you can reach
An early slot leaves a margin if a train is late. A late arrival makes the ticket expire without a refund.
Check the live status
The operator posts daily notices on the Marienbrücke, the shuttle and ticket availability. Look at them on the morning of your visit.
Plan a second stop
The Alpsee walk of about 5 kilometres takes 1.5 to 2 hours. See Alpsee and the Marienbrücke.
Mind the roadworks
The B 17 through Schwangau is fully closed until about 18 December 2026. Follow the diversion via Hohenschwangau and allow extra time. See getting there.
Nearby places and their seasons
If the weather turns, these are the alternatives.
Linderhof Palace
The Venus Grotto and the park buildings close in winter. The palace is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
Alpsee
A walk of about 5 kilometres and rowing boats from May to October in good weather.
Tegelberg
Summer 9 am to 5 pm, winter 9 am to 4:30 pm. Closed for the overhaul from 9 November to 17 December 2026.
Neuschwanstein opening hours: frequently asked questions
What are the Neuschwanstein opening hours?
From 28 March to 15 October 2026 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.
Is Neuschwanstein open on Mondays?
Yes. Apart from the four closing days at Christmas and New Year, the castle is open every day of the week.
When is the last tour?
There is no official last entry time. The castle closes when the last tour of the day has finished. Pick a slot with plenty of margin before 4 pm in winter or 6 pm in summer.
What is the best month to visit?
There are no official figures to name one. The documented facts are that the day counter is usually sold out by late morning and that summer, holidays and Christmas bring long waits for bus and carriage. A morning slot is the safest choice.
Can I visit Neuschwanstein in winter?
Yes, daily from 10 am to 4 pm. The shuttle bus runs only on clear roads, and the Marienbrücke can be closed on icy days. The castle tours are not affected by the bridge.