How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Winter 2024

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited castles in Europe and is considered one of the most beautiful. It has a unique beauty, sitting high in the Bavarian Alps, looking over the forests and lakes. There is a certain fairy-tale quality of this German castle.

That’s probably why Walt Disney used Neuschwanstein as the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle.

Tourists flock to see this example of medieval architecture and marvel at its beauty. The castle sees 1.4 million visitors a year, with nearly 6,000 visitors a day in the summer.

I stumbled upon Neuschwanstein Castle when I was visiting Munich. This epic day trip opportunity was booked the moment I saw the stunning photos of the castle perched in the greenery of the alps.

While the palace looks beautiful amongst the summer forest, there is something unique about viewing it in winter.

I visited in winter out of necessity. I was only in Munich for a few days in December, right after two large snowfalls had blanketed Germany. Part of my assumed the castle wouldn’t be worth visiting in the off-season.

But another part of me was desperate to see this beautiful landmark.

The adventurer in me won out and I booked a visit.

Honestly, after seeing the castle in the prime of winter, I believe that is the best time to visit.

Let me tell you why.

🏰 I recommend this Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

Where is Neuschwanstein Castle?

Neuschwanstein Castle is located in Southern Bavaria, Germany. It looks over the small town of Hohenschwangau. The castle sits high in the Bavarian Alps, surrounded by thick swaths of forest.

The castle was actually supposed to be named for the town (New Hohenschwangau Castle). It’s current name, Neuschwanstein Castle, wasn’t given to the stunning architectural feat until after it’s creator’s death. It is now known as Neuschwanstein Castle, or “New Swan Stone Castle” in reference to Wagner’s character, the Swan Night.

The closest major city to Neuschwanstein Castle is Munich, about 2 hours away.

🏰 I recommend this Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

Neuschwanstein Castle’s History

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. It’s known for inspiring Walt Disney to create one of his iconic princess castles. However, the castle has its own unique history long before it was inspiring animation.

Neuschwanstein was commissioned in the 19th century by King Ludwig II, an eccentric man obsessed with creating a fantasy world filled with castles. He commissioned Neuschwanstein after already having built numerous castles around Germany.

The castle was built on the remains of an medieval castle, one of three that overlooked the villages. Ludwig’s father purchased these grounds and turned one of the castles into Hohenschwangau Castle, where Ludwig spent much of his childhood.

As an adult, he sought to build Neuschwanstein Castle in the image of a picturesque re-model of a Middle Ages castle, as was vogue at the time. He combined his romantic view of the historic architecture with his love of his friend, Wagner’s, musical mythologies. In fact, he used a stage designer to come up with the concept of the building before having an architect bring it to life. Ludwig was so involved in the technical aspects of designing Neuschwanstein Castle that he is considered its creator rather than the set designer and architect.

They broke ground on the palace in 1868. Ludwig moved in a decade later when only a small portion of the castle was complete. He intended for Neuschwanstein Castle to be his permanent residence once it was complete.

Unfortunately, Ludwig never got to see the palace completed.

In part, his changing demands and ever increasing budget drain added to the delays that drew out the castle’s construction. But his time was also split designing three other castles around Germany. Building Neuschwanstein alone cost over €43 million in modern money. It quickly drove him into bankruptcy.

Yet he continued building.

After asking parliament for the money to continue his building, he was deposed in 1886. He passed away soon after while fighting his deposition.

The remainder of the palace was finished after Ludwig II’s passing. Parts were simplified, such as the Knights’ House. Many of the over 200 rooms he’d intended were never constructed. What was completed was done in a simpler style.

6 weeks after the King’s death, Neuschwanstein palace was opened to the public. The aim was to get paying guests to help recoup the expenses of its building. In under 20 years, they’d made enough to balance the construction debts. Additional rooms were finished to allow for more visitors.

🏰 I recommend this Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

Which Disney Castle is Based on Neuschwanstein?

Neuschwanstein Castle is the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle in the Walt Disney animated movie. It is said that the romantic turrets also inspired his Cinderella’s Castle that you see in the Disney logo that is now world-famous.

Walt Disney came upon Neuschwanstein during a tour in Germany. He passed the stunning castle and was immediately struck by its clean lines romantic views.

🏰 I recommend this Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

When is the Best Time to Visit Neuschwanstein?

Although Neuschwanstein castle is open year round, I believe that winter is the best time to visit Neuschwanstein castle.

While the weather may be warmer in the summer, and the surrounding trees in the Bavarian alps may be stunning with autumn foliage, there’s something magical about visiting the German castle in winter.

🏰 I recommend this Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

What It’s Like to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Winter

I went to Neuschwanstein on a day trip from Munich in December 2017. I hadn’t considered the season when I booked a tour to see the castle: it was just the time of year I was there.

I can’t tell you how glad I am that I went in winter.

The pale limestone of the castle mirrors the white snow on the treetops. Rather than looking icy and harsh, it somehow looks warm and welcoming amongst the alps.

Walking up to Neuschwanstein becomes an adventure through a snowy forest, with frozen waterfalls and horse-drawn carriages marking your route.

It didn’t even matter that my fingers were going numb inside my mittens.

I’m not a fan of crowds or long lineups. Visiting Neuschwanstein in winter means less people. I booked a tour, so I didn’t have to worry about getting my ticket to the castle. But in the summer that can be an issue.

In the winter, there is less of a risk of tickets to enter the castle selling out.

Getting to go inside and see the castle is wonderful in the winter. The cold is kept at bay, so you can unzip your jacket and enjoy the guided tour.

Visiting in summer must be incredibly hot. You have to stay with your group, which can mean a lot of body heat in one room. There are no windows in most rooms, so no chance of a breeze to keep you cool as you spend 30 minutes exploring the medieval interior.

Visiting Neuschwanstein in the winter offers views of snowy fields and icy lakes beneath the alps. The small village beneath the alp becomes a winter haven, with gluwein and sausages to warm you after your trip.

Something about drinking gluwein while looking up at a beautiful castle, nestled in the snowy landscape, really fit with the visit. It was like being in a magical winter fairytale in the 21st century.

🏰 I recommend this Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

Tips for Visiting in Winter

• Check the weather to avoid disappointment. Sometimes roads are closed due to heavy snowfalls, or fog will make it impossible to see anything when you do arrive.
• Buy your ticket ahead of time. While you can often buy train or bus tickets on the day, you’ll need to pre-purchase your ticket to go inside Neuschwanstein Castle.
• Wear shoes with traction. Neuschwanstein is in the Bavarian alps. While it’s not incredibly high up, you’ll definitely need some solid shoes to help you make the trek. There’s about 30 minutes of walking required each way to the castle. Strap on some good waterproof shoes that have solid traction so you don’t slip on an icy day. I wore my favourite hiking boots with a pair of insulated socks. I made it to the top dry, warm, and without falling on my ass.
• Bring water and snacks. There’s nothing at the castle except the castle itself. To avoid getting hangry, pack some water and snacks to eat before and/or after your tour. Although there are some places in Hohenschwangau, they aren’t always equipped for the onslaught of tourists. The food is often more of a sit-down meal or something small. In winter, markets do pop up with gluwein and sausages. You should bring water to keep hydrated.
• Layer up. Germany in winter can get cold. It’s not as bad as winter in Canada, but the 2C average can make a day dressed poorly incredibly unpleasant. Make sure that you wear weather-appropriate clothing. If you’re planning to take some dreamy photos in a princess gown, change into it there. Start off with your long underwear or warm kit to keep from shivering your way through your day trip. Wondering what to wear to visit Neuschwanstein? Check out What to Wear Hiking, a guide that includes layering tips and my favourite warm-weather gear.
• Don’t forget your camera! Neuschwanstein Castle is truly one of the most stunning places in Germany. You won’t want to miss capturing the beauty of the alps in winter with your camera.

🏰 I recommend this Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

Getting Up to the Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is located on a mountain (well, more of a hill) above Hohenschwangau village.

There are three ways to get to the top of the hill: walking, taking a horse-drawn carriage, or taking the shuttle bus.

I chose the cheapest, but longest method to get up the hill: I walked. The walk takes about 30-40 minutes. Even in the snow, it was an easy uphill climb.

As long as you wear shoes with good tread and are well bundled up against the cold, you can easily make this climb.

The other option in winter is taking a horse-drawn carriage. It costs €6 to go uphill or €3 to go downhill. If you’re looking for a romantic, picturesque moment, take the horse-drawn carriage. It’s very much a Disney fairytale to be bundled with blankets in a carriage on your way to a castle!

The ride doesn’t go all the way up. You’ll still have to walk about 10 minutes to the castle from the lookout point below. This is because the rest of the route is too narrow for the carriage. This part of the walk is essentially flat, so it’s very easy to do.

In the winter, the shuttle bus doesn’t run. This would be the best option if you have a mobility issue. It costs €3 for a return trip, but runs infrequently. You have to time your visit to the bus in order to make your tour of the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle if you’re taking the shuttle bus.

Most visitors choose to walk up to the castle to save some money and get more views of the castle itself and the surrounding areas. The walk isn’t difficult and gives you time to stretch your legs after the commute to the village.

🏰 I recommend this Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

Inside Neuschwanstein Castle

To see the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle, you need to book a guided tour.

The 30-minute tour will take you through the 14 finished rooms inside the castle. Although Ludwig II had planned on the castle being filled with over 200 rooms, most were never realized after the King’s death.

Of the rooms you see, you’ll get a sense of the King’s opulence. His dressing room is a rich tapestry of violet silks. The two-story throne room resembles a Byzantine church more than a palace room, with a tall golden altar where he would sit beneath a mosaic of Christ and 6 ordained kings. This room shows his obsession with being King. The chandelier is modeled after a Byzantine crown. He bonded the image of Christ and the Apostles at the last supper with the divine right of kings to rule, although this was no longer the case in 19th century Germany.

The interior of Neuschwanstein Castle showcases medieval myths and sensational plays in every room. In the bedroom, Ludwig created an ode to Tristan and Isolde, fated lovers from Arthurian legends. It is complete with a custom made oak carved bed that is draped in blue silk. The Hall of Singers shows the themes of Lohengrin and Parzival, another tale of love and heroism from the Arthurian legends.

As ornate as these rooms are, they were never intended for court. Instead, Ludwig designed them as odes to the past ways of chivalry and courtly love from the Middle Ages.

Every room shows Ludwig’s fascination with the Arthurian legends and Wagner’s created mythologies. He was obsessed with bringing this fantasy to life, even if it would bankrupt him. This fantastical castle was built like a giant dollhouse for him to travel back to a different era. None of the rooms were designed for the court duties he was meant to complete.

Although they may not be remarkable to us now, Neuschwanstein Castle was home to cutting edge technology in the 19th century. It was fitted with flushing toilets, running warm water, a Rumford oven, and a battery powered bell system to summon servants.

Touring the interior of Neuschwanstein is a must-do. Although the palace is stunning from the exterior, it isn’t as ornate as Ludwig had planned. Going in to see the rooms he’d carefully constructed, even if only a few were ever finished, shows you how extravagant his dream was.

As a student of medieval literature, I was fascinated to see the themes of the stories I know so well intricately woven into the architecture of this castle.

Even if you aren’t interested in history, you should go inside the castle to learn more about Neuschwanstein and Ludwig. The tour will tell you more about the Mad German King and his flights of fancy. Plus, you’ll get incredible views of the Bavarian Alps and the surrounding hills that you can’t see from outside the castle.

When you visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, ensure you go inside to get the complete picture of this beautiful castle.

Note: You can’t take pictures inside the castle. You can only take photos in the hallway out the windows. Your tour guide will strictly enforce this to preserve the castle.

🏰 I recommend this Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

Cost to Go Inside Neuschwanstein Castle

To go inside Neuschwanstein Castle, you have to join a guided tour run by the castle. This 30-minute tour costs €13 per person. You’ll get a specific timed slot and be paired with a guide who will lead your group through the castle.

Note: They are VERY strict about the times for tours. If you are even 2 minutes late, they will leave without you. Ensure you arrive on time.

I really recommend going on the tour inside Neuschwanstein. Getting to see the inside of the castle is so impactful and the guides share the stories incredibly well.

I studied medieval literature in uni, so seeing the tales I love on this 19^thcentury castle was awe-inspiring. Even if you’re not into medieval literature, the halls are gorgeous and the story of the Swan King, Ludwig II, is fascinating. He’s a figure not often known in the world, but worth exploring.

🏰 I recommend this Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

Getting Your Ticket

The castle is open daily from 10am-4pm from October to March. The ticket office is open from 8:30am-3pm during these months.

Buy your tickets in advance and pick them up at the ticket center in Hohenschwangau. That way, you avoid the disappointment of going all the way there and it being sold out – which is a legitimate concern, especially after 12pm when the trains and buses arrive.

Tickets are almost always sold out in the summer months. You’ll need to buy them weeks or months ahead if you want to go inside Neuschwanstein Castle.

Pick up your ticket at least 60 minutes before your tour so you have enough time to get up to the castle without feeling rushed.

🏰 I recommend this Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

Is Marienbrücke Open?

Marienbrücke or Mary’s Bridge is the main lookout point to see Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s supposed to offer the best view of the castle with the surrounding alps and valley behind it.

However, the bridge is regularly closed if you visit Neuschwanstein Castle in winter. The icy conditions make it too dangerous to venture onto the bridge.

Some people still risk going to the bridge in winter, regardless of the ice and snow. One of the paths isn’t properly fenced off, so dedicated photographers put themselves at risk for the shot.

I didn’t bother trying. My balance is poor on dry land; ice is a battle not worth facing. Besides, you get great views of the castle as you walk up.

Safety is more important than a good photo! (Or a great photo.)

I do not recommend trying to get on the bridge in winter. It’s dangerous. There are fines for trespassing. And you do not want to become a statistic of Instagram-related deaths.

Neuschwanstein Castle is still a great day trip from Munich, even when the bridge is closed. You can get stunning shots on your way up to the castle. In fact, they’ll be more unique than the shots every tourist snaps at the same spot on the bridge.

How to Get to Neuschwanstein

Neuschwanstein Castle is easily accessible from cities around Germany. It is located near a major rail station that allows you to arrive by train.

Most people visit from Munich, as it’s only an hour and forty-five minutes to two hours away, depending on your mode of transportation.

Let’s look at the 3 ways to get to Neuschwanstein from Munich.

🏰 I recommend this Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

Transportation from Munich

By Car

Neuschwanstein is a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Munich. Opting to drive allows you to go at your own pace without worrying about bus schedules.

If you drive to Neuschwanstein, aim to arrive before the buses. This will allow you to tour the castle with less crowds.

Once you are in Neuschwanstein, you won’t be able to drive. You’ll have to park at one of the lots in Hohenschwangau, the town at the base of the castle. Parking costs €7 for the first 6 hours.

For more information on how to drive to Neuschwanstein castle from Munich, click here.

By Train

If you don’t want to drive, you can take a train and a bus.

Note: the schedule varies from weekends to weekdays. The earliest you can arrive on a weekend is 10am, while on weekdays you can arrive by 12pm.

To take the train to Neuschwanstein castle, use the Bayern ticket from Munich Hauptbanhof to Fussen. This 2 hour journey goes by quickly. You’ll pass gorgeous scenery, with fields lightly gilded with snow. On a sunny day, it reflects like fields of silver.

Once you arrive at Fussen, you’ll need to take the 73 or 78 bus to get to the castle. You can’t miss them: everyone at the station will immediately queue for these buses. You’ll arrive at Hohenschwangau, the town beneath the castle. Again, everyone will disembark for this stop, so you won’t miss it.

The bus and train are common for tourists, so follow the wave of people and you should be alright.

A train ticket costs 26 euros per person for a day ticket. For an extra 5 euros, you can add up to five people on one ticket.

Your train ticket covers the bus as well, so hold onto it!

Be aware that the last train leaves for Munich at 6pm. You will need to catch this train or you’ll end up spending the night in the village unexpectedly.

Click here for more information on how to visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich.

🏰 I recommend this Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

By Bus

The cheapest option to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich is to take a bus. Flixbus offers a daily round trip. You can find the bus at the Munich central bus station, nearby the train station. The bus will deliver you to Hohenschwangau in about 2 hours, depending on traffic delays.

Tickets for the bus are €12 each way. There are potential discounts for booking earlier online.

To book your bus ticket, click here.

By Guided Tour

You can also reach Neuschwanstein by taking a guided tour from Munich.

I took a tour with Sandeman’s New Europe. For €45, they guided us through the train and bus journey, led us up the alps, and told us some history of the castle.

While it was helpful to be guided along the rail journey and get a few extra facts, the tour ultimately wasn’t worth it for me. The tour didn’t include the price of going inside Neuschwanstein Castle and taking a guided tour. Instead, the €45 essentially was to be guided along the train journey.

That being said, if you’re not confident about public transportation and have 45 euros to spare, take the tour. They do make sure you get on the right train/bus. My guide also had some interesting photos and information (however, it was all repeated inside the castle).

🏰 I recommend this Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

Where to Stay

If you want more time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle or the surrounding castles (yup! there’s more than one in the area), stay in Hohenschwangau overnight.

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Wrap Up

Visiting places in the off-season can lead to some awesome discoveries. I chose to go to Germany in December for the Christmas markets. I hadn’t considered how that would affect any other things I wanted to see.

Getting to see the winter wonderland surrounding Neuschwanstein was a lovely accident. I got some beautiful photos, had a lovely walk and drank enough gluwein to make my belly warm (and my brain a bit fuzzy).

Take a risk and visit a destination in the off season.

And if you’re in Munich: make the day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s truly one of the most beautiful places in Germany.

🏰 I recommend this Neuschwanstein Castle tour from Munich

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