Hohenschwangau Things to Do

We parked our car in one of the “castle” lots and made our way to the ticket counter. It wasn’t crowded and we got our tickets very quickly. We boarded a bus that would take us up the rest of the way to Neuschwanstein castle.

It is probably one of the most recognized castles in the world. It was even the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty castle at Disneyland. The bus dropped us about a 15 minute walk from the castle but first we took a path in the other direction to Marienbruecke (Mary’s Bridge) where we had a great view of the castle and the surrounding valley. After taking many pictures we left Marienbruecke and headed for the castle. It was a hilly walk and might be difficult for anyone who has any trouble walking.

Finally we got to the castle. There were a lot of people there but the tickets are timed so you know when you need to be there. You must take the guided tour (available in several languages). We had enough time to stop and have a hot chocolate at the little café outside the castle before our tour.

Set perfectly in the Bavarian Alps, this famous castle was built for King Ludwig II. Unfortunately he died under mysterious circumstances and never got to live in the castle. He did spend about 170 days there while it was being built. His bedroom is magnificent – 14 woodcarvers spent over 4 years working in it and Ludwig’s bed.

Another favorite room of mine was the throne room – with beautiful paintings all around - which is missing the throne because Ludwig died before it was done. I also loved the chandeliers throughout which were in the shape of a king’s crown. There is even a grotto (indoor cave) inside the castle. The castle is fascinating – my favorite by far! (Sorry no indoor photos allowed.)

Hours: April - September 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

October - March 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Closed on: 1 January, 24 / 25 / 31 December

Admission: 9 Euros/Under 18 free

Tickets available online

From town we made the 15 minute walk up to Schloss Hohenschwangau. Bult by Ludwig's father, King Maximillan, it is where Ludwig spent his childhood. It is much less elaborate than Schloss Neuschwanstein. Very few rooms are seen on the tour. I'd skip this one.

April - September 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
October - March 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tickets 9 Euros
Can book tickets online
No Cameras Inside

There is a splendid view at the Alpsee from Neuschwanstein Castle. It nestles between wooded mountain slopes in an area of un spoilt natural beauty. Even as a child, Ludwig particularly loved the romantic lake.

It would not be desirable to leave the Castle in any way. Surprising “Castle of dream” and the nature of Bavaria surrounding grasp you for ever in a romantic captivity.

The view of Neuschwanstein Castle from the bridge behind it, the Marienbrucke, is particularly impressive and the views from the castle's many windows are like framed landscape paintings.

The king often stood for a long time at the window, looking thoughtfully into the distance: across the plain or at the rugged mountain scenery.

There is a wide variety of hiking trails in the vicinity of the Alpsee, and on almost all of them you are following in royal footsteps.

This is true of the circular path leading round the shore, which is more or less in its natural state and is protected as a nature reserve, and also of the "Furstenstrasse" (Princes' Road).

This leads from Hohenschwangau over the Schwarzenberg ridge and down to Pinswang in the Lechtal.

In the middle of the former garden of Hohenschwangau, only a short walk away from the castle, is the little Schwansee (Swan Lake). The setting of this sleepy lake, which is picturesquely surrounded by the wooded Allgauer Alps, is particularly attractive.

The Schwansee has an area of approximately 0.2 square kilometres and measures seven metres at its deepest point. Since 1956 it has been part of the "Alpsee, Schwansee and Faulenbacher Valley" nature reserve.

It covers an area of almost nine square metres, with just under five kilometres of shoreline and a depth of up to 62 metres.

The lake nestles between wooded mountain slopes in an area of unspoilt natural beauty which was already popular in the 19th century - the Bavarian kings built their romantic castles here on sites originally occupied by the strongholds of medieval knights.

The Pollat Gorge is a canyon around Neuschwanstein. We advise you to have a walk around Neuschwanstein Castle. You will get a great pleasure from beautiful canyon.

Walking up in thoughts along the gorge it’s good to understand mad king and his ideals…