Last Updated on September 29, 2024 by Soumya
Are you planning for day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich? We have you covered.
Here is the most comprehensive Neuschwanstein travel guide that covers everything from transportation options and timing to tips for tours and nearby attractions to help you plan an unforgettable day trip to Neuschwanstein from Munich.
Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairy-tale fortress of Germany, is a must-do for anyone traveling to Munich. This iconic castle, which I am sure you have seen pictures of, is believed to have inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
So, let’s find out how you can get to Neuschwanstein Castle and enjoy your day there.
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Is it worth visiting Neuschwanstein Castle?
Yes! 100%!! It is absolutely worth visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany!
One of the prettiest castles in Germany, Neuschwanstein is set against the backdrop of the dramatic Bavarian landscape, often shrouded in a thin veil of fog. The castle’s beautiful Romanticist architecture and the intriguing history of Germany’s Mad King Ludwig II add to its surreal, almost fairytale-like aura.
Additionally, visiting Neuschwanstein provides ample opportunities for photography, hiking in nature, and visiting nearby attractions like Hohenschwangau Castle, the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, Alpsee Lake, and the idyllic town of Füssen.
There’s no way I would miss a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, and you should not either!
📖 Read Next: Love castles and palaces? Check out our guide on the 18 Prettiest Castles to Visit in Germany.
Can you do a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich?
Yes, you can easily do a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich. The castle is approximately a two-hour train ride from the city, making it the perfect Munich day trip destination.
The cheapest way to travel between Munich and Neuschwanstein is to take a train from Munich to Füssen, the nearest town to the castle. From Füssen, you can catch a bus or hike up to the castle.
Start early from Munich to make the most of your day in Neuschwanstein. This will help you avoid the crowds and allow ample time to explore the surrounding landscapes and other nearby attractions, such as Hohenschwangau Castle and the picturesque village of Füssen.
📖 Read Next: Top 10 Day Trips from Munich by Train
Can you go to Neuschwanstein Castle without a tour?
Yes, you can visit Neuschwanstein Castle without a guided tour. Here’s how to do that.
- Be sure to buy your Neuschwanstein Castle tickets in advance (find the link to their official website here) for the date of your visit. Remember, the tickets sell out fast, so buy them at least a few weeks in advance.
- Get on a train from Munich to Füssen (details in the next point). Once you arrive in Füssen, take the bus (details below) or hike to Neuschwanstein Castle.
- Once you arrive at the castle, wait for your time slot to enter the castle and enjoy a tour of the interiors.
One crucial point that most Neuschwanstein travel blogs miss is that you can tour the castle interiors only as part of an official guided tour. These tours are either audio-driven or led by an official tour guide in English or German.
No outsider can give you a tour of the interiors.
So, all those Neuschwanstein Castle guided tours from Munich that you see in the market only cover transportation and visiting the castle from outside. If you want to get inside, buy your tickets on the official website here.
Munich-Neuschwanstein castle tours sell tickets as an add-on, but they are usually exorbitantly priced.
How to get to Neuschwanstein from Munich?
Getting to Neuschwanstein from Munich by Train
The cheapest and most popular way to travel from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle is by train. Be sure to board the train early if you want a seat. Otherwise, be prepared to stand for a little more than two hours.
DB (Deutsche Bahn) trains run once every hour from Munich Hauptbahnhof (central train station) to Füssen. Some are direct trains, others are 1-stop trains at Buchloe.
The trains were super crowded when we visited Neuschwanstein from Munich during the summer this year. DB should run more frequent trains on this route, though that would be quite a stretch in their current financial condition.
To avoid waiting in a queue at the station, you can purchase your train tickets online on the DB official website here.
If you decide to buy a Bayern Ticket for your Bavaria trip, the ride from Munich to Neuschwanstein is also covered by it.
The Deutschland Ticket, available as a monthly subscription of €49, also covers this journey. This is super cheap if you’re planning to travel through Germany for a longer time.
Once you arrive in Füssen, go to the exit and turn right to get to the bus stop. There is usually a long waiting line for Neuschwanstein buses. Catch a red-colored bus #73 towards Steingaden/Garmisch-Partenkirchen or #78 towards Schwangau. Get off at Hohenschwangau.
From Hohenschwangau, you can hike for about 40 minutes to get to the castle. Or take the shuttle (separate ticket for this one) to Marienbrucke. You can also ride a horse-drawn carriage.
Getting to Neuschwanstein by car
If you prefer to drive, rent a car in Munich and drive to the village of Hohenschwangau.
The drive from Munich to Hohenschwangau takes about 2 hours, taking the A96 and then the B17 routes.
Parking is available in Hohenschwangau, but arrive early to secure a spot, especially during summer.
Once you arrive in Hohenschwangau, getting to the castle is the same as described in the train section above.
Taking a Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich
If you prefer a hassle-free experience, book this highly-rated guided tour from Munich.
This full-day tour includes transportation, visiting all the best vantage points surrounding Neuschwanstein Castle, and a knowledgeable tour guide to give you insights into the castle’s history and architecture.
What I love about this Neuschwanstein tour is that it is usually conducted via train (sometimes by bus), which allows you to experience the gorgeous train ride to Füssen. Think of it as a DIY Neuschwanstein day trip from Munich, but planned by a local expert – you can just sit back and relax.
Please note that the tour price does not include tickets to the castle. However, you can buy them directly on the morning of the tour by paying €20 in cash, the same as the official ticket price online.
Best Things to Do at Neuschwanstein Castle
See Neuschwanstein Castle from the Best Vantage Points
Neuschwanstein Castle is gorgeous. People visit this iconic German landmark primarily to see it from different angles and take pictures.
There are several vantage points to take photos of the castle.
One of the best Neuschwanstein Castle photo spots is the Marienbrücke, or Mary’s Bridge, which is thronged by thousands of people every day. It offers a spectacular view of the castle against the dramatic mountain backdrop, making it the best place to get some cool pictures of this iconic German palace.
You can even hire a private photographer to capture your best memories at the Neuschwanstein Castle.
✦ Pro Tip: There are many cool spots to take pictures of the castle and the charming countryside. We discuss all of them in our Neuschwanstein Castle Photospots Guide.
Explore Neuschwanstein Castle Interiors
Buying a castle ticket and exploring the interiors of Neuschwanstein Castle is well worth the money.
The staterooms are exquisite, and you cannot miss the stunning Throne Hall, the Salon, and the Singers’ Hall. You would not want to miss the small grotto that connects the salon and the study.
Unfortunately, photography is not permitted inside Neuschwanstein Castle. Therefore, I do not have any pictures of the rooms. There are rarely any pictures on the Internet – but this tour has a couple of good AI ones if you want to know how the interiors look. Yes, they are that gorgeous!
You can tour the castle interiors only as part of an official guided tour, tickets for which you can buy on the official website here. There are two kinds of tours for the same price – tours led by an English or German tour guide and tours with an audio guide. The tours with the tour guides sell out pretty fast, so be sure to book yours in advance.
Visit Hohenschwangau Castle
Just a short walk from Neuschwanstein, you will find another beautiful German castle, the Hohenschwangau Castle. This yellow-colored castle is visible on your way up to Neuschwanstein.
Hohenschwangau was once the summer residence of the Bavarian Royal Family. Mad King Ludwig II also spent quite a few summers there.
You can visit Hohenshwangau Castle as a part of a guided tour with Neuschwanstein Castle or purchase your tickets and do a self-guided tour of the palace.
Head to the Museum of the Bavarian Kings
Hohenschwangau is also home to the lesser-known Museum of the Bavarian Kings, which you can add to your Neuschwanstein day trip.
At the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, you can discover the history of the Bavarian family in 16 exhibition rooms. This is the best place to learn about Mad King Ludwig II’s numerous castle projects, some of which never saw the light of day.
Take a hike around the Alpsee Lake
Stroll around the picturesque Alpsee Lake, just a few minutes away.
This scenic area offers walking paths with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the castles.
Explore the Charming Town of Füssen
If you still have some time after exploring the castles, explore the beautiful town of Füssen.
Stroll through its cobblestone streets and admire beautifully preserved medieval buildings, vibrant frescoes, and quaint shops.
The town is also home to many stunning churches, such as St. Mang’s Abbey, where you can explore its ornate interiors and rich history.
Be sure to try some schneeballen, a famous German dessert from the Franconia region that is available in stores in Füssen.
✦ Pro Tip: Spending a day in Füssen? Be sure to visit the Hohes Schloss (High Castle), which houses many art galleries and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and check out other amazing attractions in Füssen.
Best Times to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
To make the most of your Neuschwanstein day trip, plan to leave Munich early in the morning.
Trains depart as early as 4:30 am – but you need not get on that. Just saying that you can leave as early as 7 am and arrive in Füssen by 9ish. This will help you avoid the crowds that flock to Neuschwanstein later in the day, especially during summer and weekends.
If you have the flexibility, consider visiting Neuschwanstein during the off-peak months. Late fall (October to November) and early spring (March to April) offer a more serene experience with fewer tourists and beautiful scenery.
Further, winter can be a beautiful time to visit Neuschwanstein. Snow transforms the entire landscape, offering the best pictures of the palace. But remember that Marienbrucke is usually closed in winter for safety reasons.
How to book Neuschwanstein Castle tickets?
Remember that you only need to book Neuschwanstein Castle tickets if you want to tour the interiors. You do not need tickets if you only want to see the castle from outside and click pictures from the viewpoints.
That said, book your Neuschwanstein Castle tickets online on their official website at least a week in advance. It is best to book your tickets as soon as you know your travel dates to secure your preferred time slot.
Tickets to Neuschwanstein Castle sell out quickly, and you don’t want to wait until the last minute to get them.
You can also buy Neuschwanstein Castle tickets on reliable third-party websites such as Tiqets and Get Your Guide. In case the tickets are sold out on the official website, these third-party websites usually have availability.
Another option is to book a guided tour of Neuschwanstein from Munich. Guided tours usually do not include a tour of the castle interiors, but they have castle tickets available for purchase on the day of the trip. This guided tour sells tickets at an affordable price.
Neuschwanstein Castle Travel Tips
- Book your Neuschwanstein Castle tickets days (even weeks) in advance, especially if you’re traveling in summer or around the October Fest.
- Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in winter for those dreamy, white photographs when the castle is covered with snow. But remember that Marienbrucke is closed in winter.
- Start early from Munich to avoid the crowds and tour groups arriving around 10:30 – 11 am.
- Check out our guide for more Neuschwanstein Castle Travel Tips.
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