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Imagine a castle straight out of a fairy tale, rested on a hilltop overlooking lush forests and serene lakes. That is Neuschwanstein Castle. Known as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, Neuschwanstein has become a symbol of romance and fantasy. But is the reality as enchanting as the dream? Let’s find out if Neuschwanstein Castle is worth visiting.

Neuschwanstein castle in Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century castle in Bavaria, Germany, that was built by King Ludwig II as a retreat and a homage to medieval legends. It is located on a hill over a gorge. It has a fairy-tale appearance, with Romanesque designs and elaborate decorations, but also modern technology like toilets, heating, and water supply. Most castle rooms are inspired by Wagner’s operas, Ludwig II was Richard Wagner’s beneficial. The name comes from New Swan Stone, which is derived from an opera character of Wagner, the swan knight. Furthermore, it is the most famous and most visited castle in Germany, and the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.

The construction of the castle began in 1868 and was never completed. The foundation stone for Neuschwanstein was laid in September 1869. Although Ludwig II expected the entire project to be completed within three years, only the gateway building was inhabitable by 1873. The topping-out ceremony was held on January 29, 1880, but even then the castle was still under construction. In fact, Ludwig only slept 11 nights in the castle before he died. Neuschwanstein is still uncompleted, but the most visited castle in Germany. Every year, around 1.3 million people visit the castle. Now, let’s find out if Neuschwanstein castle is worth visiting.

Tips for visiting Neuschwanstein castle

Hohenschwangau is more than just the town where Neuschwanstein is. To know if the area around Neuschwanstein castle is worth visiting, you should consider the following things to do in Hohenschwangau:

• Neuschwanstein castle visit; One of the first things you might consider is visiting Neuschwanstein castle. The entrance fee is 17.50 euros per person and tickets should be booked in advance. Here you can find all ticket information. Make sure to be on time for your tour. Also, good to know is that you can take a paid shuttle bus up the hill. Then you will be dropped nearby the castle and only have to walk a small part uphill. The other option is to walk up the hill from the car park. The shuttle-bus ticket uphill costs 3.00 per person and departs from parking 4.
• Viewpoints; Secondly, there are different viewpoints available for incredible views of the castle and surrounding area. I will tell more later on.
• Hohenschwangau castle; Furthermore, Neuschwanstein is not the only castle that you can visit in the area. You can also visit Hohenschwangau, the entrance fee is 21 euros per person. You can find all prices and information here.
• Alpsee; Furthermore, the beautiful blue Alpsee. The lake is easily accessible on foot from the parking lot. On summer days, it is a perfect way to cool down. Don’t be afraid of the water, it is not freezing cold. Also, walking around the Alpsee will give you stunning views of both castles.
• Vegan Food; To conclude, the restaurant of Hotel Müller offers a vegan option on the menu.

Find out where to park your car or camper in the next part.

Neuschwanstein car and camper parking

There is one parking available in Hohenschwangau for campers during the day, P2. This parking 2 has a specific area for motor homes to park during the day. You will get 8 hours of parking for 13 euros, you can pay for additional hours. You can pay in cash or at the specific terminal for cards. Running low on 1 euro coins? Then make sure to walk to the toilets next to the bus stop, there you will find a machine where you can change euro bills into 1 euro coins. The parking fee for cars is 10 euros a day and is equal in all parking lots available in the area of the castles.

Sadly, there is no place in Hohenschwangau where you can park and sleep for motorhomes. But, the closest sleeping spot is in Füssen for 22 euros a night. You will get a free Füssen card for free transport with the bus towards the castles.

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Viewpoints worth visiting from Neuschwanstein

Neuschwanstein is one of the most picturesque castle. There are multiple viewpoints to make stunning pictures of Neuschwanstein. Definitely visit at least a couple of these viewpoints during your time at Neuschwanstein castle:

• Car park; You don’t even have to walk to see Neuschwanstein. You will already have a view on the parking lot.
• Up top before entrance; This viewpoint is just before the entrance. You will have a view on the colored side of the castle. Also, make sure to walk to the other side to have a lovely view of the surrounding area.
• Alpsee; The Panoramablick Schwangau will give you beautiful views of the Alpsee, surrounding mountains and Schloss Hohenschwangau. This is definitely a must-see. If you decide the Alpsee loop, then you will have beautiful views of the castles during the hike.
• Marienbrücke; Thirdly, the most famous viewpoint of Neuschwanstein. This point will give you the popular fairy tale castle on the hill view. Because this viewpoint is famous, it is also crowded. There is a guard that makes sure that the amount of people on the bridge is controlled. If you are afraid of height, know beforehand that you might be scared/unable to enter the bridge.
• Higher up viewpoint; Lastly, want to get an even higher view? Then make sure to walk across the Marienbrücke and go up the hill. Here you will have views of the castle, Alpsee and surroundings.

Hiking trails around Neuschwanstein

Neuschwanstein is the perfect location to walk. The beautiful lush hills and blue lakes are perfect for a hike. Here are the popular hikes in the area:

• Hike up to Neuschwanstein; Firstly, walk up to Neuschwanstein castle and the Marienbrücke, if you have energy left, you can continue to the viewpoint higher up the hill.
• Alpsee Loop; This beautiful walk gives an escape from the touristic area. It is 5 km long and can be done in 1.5hours. Also, it gives beautiful photo spots of the castles along the route.
• Pöllat Gorge Schwangau; Don’t become enthusiastic, sadly this hike is closed off for some time already and seems to be under construction a lot. If you are lucky and the gorge is open when you are there, make sure to do it.

You can find all hikes in the area here.

Beautiful accommodation near Neuschwanstein castle

You will have multiple options to stay near Neuschwanstein castle overnight. These are the closest ones:

• Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein; Want to sleep as near as possible to the Neuschwanstein castle ? Then this is your place to go. It is just underneath the castle.
• AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa; Looking for a luxury place to stay, then this is perfect.
• Hotel Alpenstuben; This is a country style hotel on a superb location.
• Villa Ludwig Suite; Lastly, one of the romantic places to stay near the castles.

You can also decide to stay in the bigger city Füssen, which is nearby the castles. These are some special places in Füssen:

• Hotel Hirsch; Lovely hotel in the heart of Füssen.
• Lucky Home Sissi Appartment; Apartment with fridge and kitchen. The accommodation also offers free bikes to explore the city.

There are definitely more options available in the area. You can check them out underneath.

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Conclusion: Is Neuschwanstein castle worth visiting?

My answer if Neuschwanstein castle is worth visiting: YES, DEFINITELY! You should visit Neuschwanstein castle on your roadtrip in Germany. Should you visit the inside of the castle? That is up to you. In my opinion, the location on the hill and the exterior of the castle are the most impressive of Neuschwanstein. Besides that, the views over the Alpsee, swimming in the Alpsee, and walking around the Alpsee are great to spend the day.

All locations Neuschwanstein castle

To conclude, you will find all locations that I mentioned on the map underneath.

Want to add them to your own Google Maps? No problem, just star the map when you are logged into your Google account, and you will find them under your maps.