Plan Your Castle Tour Visit
To get the most from your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, our expert guides have put together the following information to make sure you get the most from your visit to Germany’s most famous castle.
2024 Opening Hours for Neuschwanstein Castle
Opening hours
23 March to 15 October: 9 am-6 pm
16 October to 22 March: 10 am-4 pm
Open daily except
1 January and 24 / 25 / 31 December
1. Summer Season (April 1 to October 15)
During the Summer season, expect large crowds, few parking spaces and sold-out castle tour tickets. But don’t let that put you off! If a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle is on your must-see list during the summer, then buy your tickets in advance, or book a tour that includes a skip-the line benefit.
Last admission for guided tours is typically around 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Shorter winter days means that Neuschwanstein Castle’s opening hours may be reduced during winter. December is very popular due to the many events happening in the area, including the world-famous Christmas markets (Christkindlmarkt).
Last admission for guided tours is typically around 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
2.- Arrive well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure tickets and ensure a spot on the guided tour of the Castle interior.
3.- Consider the time needed for transportation, parking, and any potential wait times. Plan ahead by booking your tickets in advance directly with the Neuschwanstein ticket office or through an organised tour departing from Munich. Please verify the current opening hours and any specific guidelines, especially considering factors like public holidays or unexpected closures.
Ticket Information 2024 Castle Neuschwanstein
If you want to see the majesty and splendour of the castle interior, you will need to purchase a ticket on one of Neuschwanstein Castle’s guided tours. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office in Hohenschwangau (the village at the base of the hill leading to the castle). If you plan to purchase your tickets once you arrive (which we don’t recommend!) make sure you check with the ticket centre directly for the most up-to-date information, including last-minute changes to opening times and ticket availability.
Ticket Purchase
With over 1.6 million visitors every year, it should be no surprise that we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance, especially during peak season. Guided tour tickets can be purchased directly from the Neuschwanstein online ticket office. Here you can select the date that suits you, as well as your preferred time slot for the guided tour.
An alternative is to book a spot with an expert tour company who will combine transport from Munich, official guided tour tickets and a skip-the-line benefit – leaving you more time to relax and really enjoy this magical castle and its surroundings. More information can be found here.
Tour Options
Neuschwanstein Castle offers guided tours, as visitors are not allowed to explore the interior of the castle independently.
Tours are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish and German. Check the schedule for the language of your preference.
Regular Tickets: These are standard tickets for adults.
Reduced Tickets: Available for certain groups, such as students, seniors, and people with disabilities. Proper identification may be required.
Tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau. However we suggest to avoid this at all costs, because tickets might not even be available on the day.
It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance on their official website, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred time slot for the tour thru their website.
If you have not secured a ticket it is best to book a tour who can provide a skip the line ticket such as the one we offer.
Neuschwanstein Castle offers guided tours, and visitors are not allowed to explore the interior of the castle independently.
Tours are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish and German. Check the schedule for the language of your preference.
We can recommend the tour we offer, you can find it here.
The guided tour typically lasts around 30 minutes, and it covers some of the key rooms and halls inside the castle.
If visiting one royal castle isn’t enough, combination tickets can be purchased which will allow you to explore both Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle. If this is your preferred option, our recommendation is to allow at least 2.5 hours between each tour to make sure you arrive in plenty of time.
The standard entrance fee as of January 2024 is EUR 20,50 , which includes a guided tour of the interior of the castle. However, there are reductions for students, people with disabilities and an accompanying adult.
Check the official website for the latest ticket prices.
Booking your Neuschwanstein Castle ticket online allows you to check availability and secure your ticket before you set off.
The online ticket office allows you to select your preferred language and timeslot, and the further in advance you book, the more chance you have in securing the time and date that best suits your travel plans. Here is the link.
Check Opening Hours Be aware of the castle's opening hours, as tours are only available during certain times.
How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle
Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle is an exciting journey that involves navigating through the picturesque Bavarian landscape. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to reach this iconic fairytale destination:
1.- From Munich
By Train: Take a train from Munich Hauptbahnhof (main station) to Füssen. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. From Füssen, you can catch a bus to Hohenschwangau, the village at the base of Neuschwanstein Castle. The bus ride is about 10-15 minutes.
Once in Hohenschwangau, you can either walk uphill to the castle or take a horse-drawn carriage.
By Car: Renting a car provides flexibility and convenience. The drive from Munich to Neuschwanstein takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Follow the A96 motorway towards Lindau and then take the B17 towards Füssen. From Füssen, follow signs to Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein.
There is parking available near the castles.
2.- If you plan to walk or take a carriage to Neuschwanstein, consider the weather and your physical condition.
3.- Purchase tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues.
4.- Each method has its advantages, so choose the one that suits your preferences and schedule.
5.- Whether by train or car, the journey itself offers stunning views of the Bavarian landscape.
2.- From Frankfurt
By Train: Take a train from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof to Augsburg, and then transfer to a train heading to Füssen. From Füssen, you can take a bus to Hohenschwangau.
By Car: Drive south on the A3 and A7, and then take the B17 towards Neuschwanstein. The drive takes around 3.5 to 4 hours.
3.- From Innsbruck (Austria)
By Train: Travel to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and then take a train to Füssen. From Füssen, a bus will take you to Hohenschwangau.
By Car: Drive north on the A12 and A95, and then take the B2 towards Neuschwanstein. The journey by car takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
4.- From Zurich (Switzerland)
By Train: Take a train to Lindau, transfer to a train heading to Kempten, and then transfer again to a train to Füssen. From Füssen, you can catch a bus to Hohenschwangau.
By Car: Drive northeast on the A1, A7, and A96, and then take the B17 to Neuschwanstein. The drive takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.
5.- From Hohenschwangau Village
Once you reach Hohenschwangau, you have two options to get to Neuschwanstein Castle:
By Bus: There’s a shuttle bus that runs regularly between Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein.
On Foot: You can also enjoy a scenic walk from Hohenschwangau to the castle, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
2.- If you're driving, parking is available at the base of the hill in Hohenschwangau.
From there, you can take a pleasant walk or use the shuttle bus to reach the castle.
3.- Whether by train, car, or a combination of both, the journey to Neuschwanstein Castle is an integral part of the experience, offering stunning views of the Bavarian countryside.
Parking information
Parking near Neuschwanstein Castle is available in the village of Hohenschwangau, which is situated at the base of the hill leading up to the castle. Here are some key points about parking when visiting Neuschwanstein:
There are parking lots available in Hohenschwangau, close to the ticket center.
There are four parking lots in the village of Hohenschwangau, and P4 is the closest one to the ticket center. Motorbikes can be parked in P2 and P3, and mobile homes/campervans/caravans can be parked in P3 (note there is a maximum parking time of 10 hours).
Parking fees are applicable in all four of the parking lots, and they vary based on the duration of your stay. It’s advisable to check the current rates, as they may be subject to change.
From the parking lots in Hohenschwangau, a shuttle bus service operates regularly to transport visitors to Neuschwanstein Castle.
The shuttle service is a convenient option, especially for those who prefer not to walk up the hill – but please note there is still a walk from the bus stop to the Castle entrance, that is still a bit challenging. F
or those with reduced mobility, you can arrive in style by taking advantage of the horse-drawn carriage option from the village of Hohenschwangau.
We’ve noticed that the queues for the shuttle bus can be quite long during peak times, so If you enjoy walking and the weather is favorable, you can choose to walk up to Neuschwanstein Castle from Hohenschwangau. It takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
We recommended that you arrive early, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure parking and avoid the crowds (as much as possible!). Parking spaces may fill up quickly, so getting there early can save you time and hassle. Alternatively, reduce the time and hassle even further by booking a spot with a tour operator who provides arranges the transport and tickets – see the Guided Tours – Neuschwanstein Castle Tours link for more details.
If you have specific accessibility needs, inquire about designated parking spaces for people with disabilities or reduced mobility. Please note that there are only three such spaces, and they are currently located in parking lot P2.
Accessibility Information for Neuschwanstein Castle
– Visitors with reduced mobility are encouraged to check with the Ticket Center for specific guidance on access and available services.
– The castle’s interior tours may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues due to stairs and narrow passages.
– Guests with reduced mobility or wheelchair dependant can still take part in a guided tour of the interior by use of an elevator (to avoid the steps). Advance booking of this is mandatory, so we advise getting in touch with the ticket office as soon as you can to make the necessary arrangements.
There is an accessible toilet at Neuschwanstein Castle.
– Neuschwanstein Castle offers a shuttle service from Hohenschwangau to the castle entrance. Check for accessibility features on the shuttle, and inquire about assistance for boarding.
– Verify the accessibility features at the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau, including ramps and assistance for ticket purchase.
Families with young children should consider how to get to the Castle itself when taking a stroller. Consider avoiding the steep 40 minute walk by taking a horse-drawn carriage – the stroller can be loaded into the back compartment of the carriage. When at the Castle, there may be restrictions on using the stroller – at the time of writing, strollers were not allowed in the interior and had to be left in a dedicated place in the entrance, so be prepared to carry your little ones.
– Check for facilities such as diaper-changing stations in the vicinity of the castle, particularly at the Ticket Center or visitor facilities.
Neuschwanstein Castle offers lots of interactive games to help your kids have an entertaining and learning experience. There’s an opportunity to make their very own paper version of King Ludwig II’s crown and, during the school holidays, the Schwangau Tourist Information organizes a whole range of activities.
Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy this stunning Castle – that’s why we recommend that any visitors with additional needs or families requiring specific services should notify the Ticket Centre in advance (sometimes this is mandatory, such as the elevator booking for the interior guided tour). This allows staff to better assist and accommodate your needs and ensure you get the most from your visit.
Check the official Neuschwanstein Castle website for the latest and most detailed accessibility information Neuschwanstein und Hohenschwangau Tickets: For visitors with reduced mobility. It provides updates and contact details for accessibility-related queries.
Neuschwanstein Castle staff are accommodating and willing to assist visitors. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or information. There is a dedicated web page for frequently asked questions and details on the latest accessibility features including parking and assistance when visiting the Castle interior. Most of the staff does speak English so this would not be a problem.