Alpsee in a nutshell
The Alpsee is a small lake next to the village of Hohenschwangau, below the castles. The ticket operator calls it one of the cleanest lakes in Bavaria, which is its own claim. The lake is within walking distance of the Ticket Center.
The loop around the lake is about 5.2 km long. The official site estimates 1.5 hours, another regional source says 2 hours, so plan for 1.5 to 2 hours with photo stops. The route is easy to moderate and not suitable for pushchairs. In summer you can rent a boat or use the bathing spot.
What you can do at the Alpsee
Seasons and prices as listed in October 2026. Most summer services depend on good weather.
| Activity | When | Cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake walk | – | – | About 5.2 km, start at car park P4 or the museum |
| Rowing or pedal boat | May to October, 10 am to 7 pm, in good weather | €15 per 30 minutes | Up to 4 people, life jackets included |
| Alpseebad (bathing spot) | May to October, 11 am to 6 pm, in good weather | – | Jetty, lawn and kiosk. The 2026 season ends on 19 October. |
| Museum of the Bavarian Kings | Daily 9 to 4:30 pm | €14.50, reduced €13.50 | No time slot. Closed 9 to 11 November 2026. |
The Alpsee walk
The loop starts at the Alpsee car park P4 or at the Museum of the Bavarian Kings. Stops along the way include the Pindarplatz and the Marienmonument, which was Queen Marie's favourite bathing spot. Sources differ on the climb: one gives 60 metres of ascent and descent, another 131. Either way, the hills are modest.
The official site rates the loop as easy and says it is not suitable for pushchairs; another regional source rates it as moderate. Walk it before your tour, or afterwards as a gentle end to the day, since you must be in Hohenschwangau up to two hours before your entry time anyway.
Tours that include the Alpsee and the castles
Guided trips to Neuschwanstein and the area, with live prices, availability and what each ticket includes.
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Boats, swimming and the museum
The boat rental offers rowing and pedal boats for up to four people. It costs €15 per 30 minutes, with life jackets included, from May to October between 10 am and 7 pm in good weather.
The Alpseebad has a jetty, a sunbathing lawn and a kiosk. It opens in good weather from May to October, daily from 11 am to 6 pm. One official page says the season runs only until September, so check the date. The 2026 season ends on Monday 19 October. We could not confirm the entry fee.
The Museum of the Bavarian Kings sits at the lake in the building called Alpenrose. Tickets cost €14.50 for adults and €13.50 reduced. Children up to 18 enter free with an adult. Audio guides in 10 languages are included, and there is no fixed time slot. It is a useful stop if you have to wait for your entry time.
Fitting the lake into your castle day
Your entry time to the castle decides how much time you have. A sample morning for an entry slot around midday:
Early
Arrive in Hohenschwangau one and a half to two hours before your slot. The Ticket Center opens at 8 am, and the same-day quota is usually sold out by late morning.
Before the tour
Walk part of the lake path, or rent a boat from 10 am in summer. Remember that the climb to the castle takes 30 to 40 minutes.
After the tour
The Museum of the Bavarian Kings is open until 4:30 pm without a time slot, and the Alpsee loop is an easy way to end the day.
Getting to the Alpsee
The lake is part of the same approach as the castles.
By car
Park at P4, the Alpsee car park, which is closest to the museum, the lake and the shuttle. Cars pay €12 for six hours, then €1 per hour, up to €16 a day. The B 17 through Schwangau is closed until about 18 December 2026.
Getting there →By public transport
Take bus 73 or 78 from Füssen to the stop "Hohenschwangau Alpseestraße", about 15 minutes. From there it is a short walk to the lake.
Füssen →From the castles
The Marienbrücke is about 45 minutes uphill from P4, and 15 minutes from the bridge down to Neuschwanstein.
Marienbrücke →
Alpsee: frequently asked questions
How long does the Alpsee walk take?
The loop is about 5.2 km. Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how many stops you make.
Can I swim in the Alpsee?
There is a bathing spot, the Alpseebad, with a jetty and a lawn. It is open in good weather from May to October, and the 2026 season ends on 19 October.
How much does a boat cost?
In 2026 a rowing or pedal boat costs €15 per 30 minutes for up to four people, with life jackets included.
Is the walk suitable for pushchairs?
No. The official site states that the loop is not suitable for pushchairs.
Is the Alpsee free to visit?
We found no fee for the lake walk itself. Boats and the museum charge fees, and we could not confirm the price for the bathing spot.