-Europe.Germany.Bavaria.Neuschwanstein-
It’s really hard not to be impressed by lovely castles, especially in the magnitude of Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. If I could only get to see one castle, it would be this one. The castle is much like Lake Bled of Slovenia, in that it is worth seeing in all the four seasons. I am especially partial to the autumn views. No matter when you choose to visit, it is always a good idea to have a Day trip to Neuschwanstein.
Getting Up There
No vehicles are allowed to drive up to the Castle. Do note that entry to the castle is only possible via guided tours. Once you have gotten your tickets at the tourist center in Hohenschwangau, there are 3 options:-
By Shuttle Bus:
There are buses running on demand and you can pay for either the uphill , downhill or return trip. The pickup is at P4 (Parking) and stops near to the Marienbrücke a nice lookout point. There is then 500m downhill walking to reach the castle. Tickets can be purchased on the bus.
By Horse Carriage:
Similar to the buses except the pick-up point is at Hotel Müller and drop-off is about 500m uphill walking to reach the castle.
On Foot:
You can always hike up – it is a steep uphill though which requires about 4o minutes for 1.5 km. This option is free. I would recommend taking the bus up and coming down on foot.
At the Castle
Upon arrival there is a wait area for your tour number to be called, so make sure you are there ready. As I have mentioned above, entry to the castle is only possible with guided tours which takes approximately 30 minutes.
The castle was never completed, and even so I was surprised at the modern gadgets of the time. There are toilets that self-flush, telephones, electronic bells to summon the servants and lift for meals to be sent up. There is such attention to details, one can only view it as a labour of love. It is obvious King Ludwig II wanted to build his perfect castle here. I found the 30 minutes to be a little rushed through the castle but it was worth to see it for the architectural and interior wonder it is.
Don’t forget to admire the outside of the castle too!
Views and viistas
The view of the castle in its entirety is why many people come here. Many people get their photos of the castle from Marienbrücke (Queen Mary’s bridge – named for the King’s Mother). The bridge itself makes a nice photo with the waterfall and yep a long drop down.
The shuttle bus stops before the bridge, and no surprise there are always a huge number of visitors on it trying to get the perfect shot. I get queasy when there are too many people on it and much prefer taking my time when there is not so much traffic. Chances are higher when you go when there are no shuttle buses running. We managed to be on an empty bridge with no one around early in the morning. I was pretty stoked albeit still sleepy.
Not only is the castle truly astounding, the views around it are impressive as hell.
*TIP:
Best to check the current conditions on the website when planning a trip there. The Marienbrücke might not be open or there is some renovations being done on the facade.
Here are more views from another side , heading down from Marienbrücke toward Neuschwanstein – you can be awed by views of Hohenschwangau and the valley.
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The Bavarian Neuschwanstein Castle is still on my dream list. It’s great that you have given so many tips on how to organize a visit. Castles are amazing. They have great architecture and, most of all, an amazing story. When visiting castles, you have the impression that you are moving back hundreds of years. That you are in a different era.
Wow Neuschwanstein is just stunning. Like something out of a fairy tale. I am glad there are no tour buses that go right up to the castle gates as I am sure that would ruin some gorgeous photography opportunities. I am surprised there are so many modern features like flushing toilets! I wouldnt have expected that!
Neuschwanstein Castle has been in wishlist for a long time now. Good to know that it looks great in all seasons, so I can plan my trip on any season! While shuttle bus sounds convenient, horse carriage sounds awesome! Whoa! The view of Queen Mary’s Bridge with that backdrop and waterfalls, looks incredible.
Neuschwanstein Castle has been at the very top of my wishlist to visit for a long time. It is that gorgeous fairy tale castle that we all imagined as children growing up. I love the idea of taking horse and carriage up to the castle! Would be faublous with kids. The view of the castle is so iconic I would definitely want to visit Marienbrücke, as you recommended.
Wow! This is beautiful. It looks like something straight from a storybook. It’s nice that they offer guided tours as listening to guide allows me to appreciate more. Would love to visit someday. Thank you for sharing these tips.
Your post revived my Germany tour as I really loved castles here. Neuschwanstein castle on hilltop really looks like fairy tale castle. Even the drive to this castle is very romantic. Taking horse carriage and reaching to top is like fairy tale type of tour. Also the views from top is incredible. Great you spotted fall foliage here.
Ah! This brings back memories. I was there a long time ago when I was 14! I love Bavaria. It’s such a gorgeous place, and the views from this castle were stunning! Thanks for taking me back. 🙂
I visited Neuschwanstein in the winter, unfortunately there wasn’t any snow. Your images of the fall are gorgeous! I chose to take the shuttle up. They were not running enough at the time and I missed my time slot. Beware, they are SERIOUS about that time slot and almost didn’t let me in. I usually do not like guided tours but this one was super informative and moved quickly.
Neuschwanstein Castle sounds and looks beautiful with the gothic architect taking you back in time. I can imagine the idyllic, fairy tale ride on a horse-carriage up to the castle. The views of Hohenschwangau and the valley from the castle are awe inspiring. I loved the fact that it looks equally fascinating in all weathers. The backdrop, architect, views….everything is wonderful about this place.