Neuschwanstein Castle
Schloss Neuschwanstein
A Romantic castle on which Ludwig II poured his life's energy, the model for Disney's castle. It was added to the World Heritage List in 2025.
King Ludwig II of Bavaria ordered the construction of Neuschwanstein Castle in 1869. Inspired by medieval knight legends from Wagner's operas, he built this white castle on a rock above the Pöllat Gorge. It is a forest of towers with the Alps behind it. When the king died mysteriously in 1886, the castle was still unfinished, and he had lived there for only about 170 days. The castle opened to the public just seven weeks after his death. Interior tours last about 30 minutes, with a Chinese-language audio guide available. Highlights include the Throne Hall, modeled on a Byzantine church (the throne itself was never installed), the king's bedroom with its elaborate wood carvings, the artificial grotto and the Singers' Hall. Tickets cost about €18–21 plus a booking fee. Fixed time slots must be reserved, and during peak season they sell out weeks in advance, leaving very few same-day tickets. From the village of Hohenschwangau, the uphill walk takes about 30–40 minutes and is steep. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage or a bus (the bus stops near Marienbrücke, followed by a 15-minute downhill walk). Photography is prohibited inside the castle.
Opening hours
Apr–Oct 15 09:00–18:00; Oct 16–Mar 10:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Pöllat Gorge
- Marienbrücke
- Hohenschwangau Castle
- Museum of the Bavarian Kings
- Alpsee
- Tegelberg Cable Car
- Schwansee
- Königliche Kristall-Therme Schwangau