Neuschwanstein castle is located high above the village of Hohenschwangau in Germany and was the inspiration for the famous Disney castle we all know so well. Getting to the castle can be done by foot up the steep hill or by taking the shuttle bus that drops you almost at the top. Costs for the shuttle bus is 1.80 euros for one way or 2.60 euros for the return trip and it drops you about 20 minutes walk from the castle. I’d suggest getting the bus up the hill and then walking down to take in the view.
The best viewing spot to see Neuschwanstein castle is from Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) in my opinion, which is where this photo was taken. It offers the least obstructed view of the castle, but can be quite busy so be sure to pick your spot and wait out the other tourists as they seem to come in waves given the shuttle bus drops off just 5 minutes walk away.
Entrance to the castle will cost 12 euros and can only be done via guided tour. While I never took the tour, everyone I’ve spoken to said the guided tours feel rushed, and can be quite busy due to the sheer number of tourists that visit. If you really want to see the inside of the castle and pretend you’re in Disneyland then go for it, otherwise just enjoy the outside view and save your money.
Lastly there are some shops at the top of the hill next to the castle if you feel the need for a drink or snack. I’d suggest finding food at the bottom of the hill or in one of the nearby villages if you want your money to go further.
I was not a Disney fanatic as a child but I can see how this Castle could have been an inspiration for so many things! It looks amazing. I’ve never had Germany on my list of places I wanted to visit but I’ve been reading so many good things about it lately. Plus there is that freelance visa I could get and hang around for a while…And I did host a couchsurfer who was from Germany so I could always have a visit. I like how someone stuck a lock on that fence. Is it possible to do private tours so you don’t have to rush through the castle? The views beyond the castle are stunning. Me like!
Mica, Germany has a bunch of castles to visit (more than I thought) and yes the freelance visa is a big draw card to get people into Europe for awhile. I’m afraid the castle only provides guided tours which is what put me off them. I want to wander and explore at my own pace. Given the number of tourists that visit the castle however I can imagine a guided tour is the only way to get people in and out.
I love this castle and what a great photo! I visited a few years back but is was a crazy foggy day so you couldn’t see the castle unless you were standing right beside it. I hope to return someday and see it from this location. I did take the tour and you’re right, it was rushed but I figured I came all this way, I’d better check out the interior.
Hi Marsha, I got lucky with the weather as it had been raining the day before and part of the day I visited. It’s a shame you got there and had so much fog but at least you got to explore the insides.
This photo looks like it came out of a book of fairy tales~
Thanks Irene, it certainly captures the fairytale huh.
You go all the way and don’t go inside the castle? What’s the point !!!
Raj, I go into quite a few of them but normally when I can take my time and enjoy it all. Not when I’m rushed through and won’t enjoy the experience.
spent a lot of time in Germany, can not say seeing this castle has ever been top of my list – maybe because of how touristy it is. Does look beautiful though
Can’t believe we missed this on our road trip through Europe! It is a stunning site.
Lovely photo and the castle looks amazing, too! I would love to visit it one day.
Thanks Milena, its a really photogenic castle and worth the effort to get to the top.