Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

Neuschwanstein means “New Swan Stone”. The name of the castle derives from one of Wagner’s opera’s character, the Swan Knight.

The Neuschwanstein castle was built for only one person – the King Ludwig II. Neuschwanstein is so immense though, that in some days it is visited by up to 6000 tourists.

Ludiwg slept only 11 nights in the castle.

Ludwig was Richard Wagner’s patron, and many rooms of the castle were inspired by Wagner’s operas.

Even so, Wagner never had a chance to visit the castle as he died before it completion.

The castle is one of the most photographed buildings in the world, even if photography is not permitted inside of the castle.

Today, more than 1.5 million visitors come to see Germany’s fairy tale castles, making it one of the most visited castles in the world. Here’s everything you need to know about this charming attraction before you make the trip. Travelers wondering how to get to Neuschwanstein from Munich — without joining a tour group — will find many there are many options available for making the journey, including public trains and buses. Munich is approximately two hours from Munich by car, with A7 being the primary motorway until either Füssen or Kempten. Parking for Neuschwanstein is all located at the village of Hohenschwangau. Trains to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich will go as far as Füssen, from where visitors will need to transfer to a local bus.

Trains and intercity buses are also available for travelers seeking transportation from Garmsich or from Innsbruck to Neuschwanstein. All travelers visiting Neuschwanstein will first arrive in Hohenschwangau, which is the location of the Ticketcenter, parking lots, Museum of the Bavarian Kings, and other attractions for tourists. From Hohenschwangau, visitors can reach Neuschwanstein by foot, by shuttle bus, or by horse-drawn carriage.

CASTLE HOURS

Neuschwanstein Castle is open from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. between April and October 15. From October 16 until March, the hours shorter from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The castle is open every day of the week, save for December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

Travelers with disabilities may not find Neuschwanstein Castle to be particularly accessible, as even the shuttle buses and horse-drawn carriages to the entrance are followed by a short walk.

And while the castle is one of the most photographed attractions in all of Germany, no photography is permitted inside the castle — meaning you’ll need to snap those Instagram pictures from outside.