I have always wanted to visit this castle, ever since I learned of its existence in my mid-teens. From what I knew, you could wander the castle and learn as you went. The reality in 2023 is that you pick a tour time, and are then herded through the tourist path while listening to a recorded tour guide that you hold up to your ear. Don’t get me wrong- the castle is spectacular. It’s a B to get to; about a 2 hour drive from Munich, and if you are sporty and in shape, you may elect to hoof up to it on foot once you park, but I’m not that so my friends and I took the bus as far is it will take you and walked the rest of the way, which is still a pretty significant hike if you’re not in great shape. However, it was definitely worth the walk/hike; we just happened to inadvertently plan our trip on the day where it rained profusely but we all made the best of it. It was great to see in person. There may be other tour options where you get to see more than what we did, but It was a dream come true to see. If you care about German history, specifically Bavaria and King Ludwig/composer Wagner, you have to go see this castle. You’ll also get some great photos of the castle from the outside and from the inside out (you can’t take pictures of the inside of the castle).

The views were amazing and we took a lot of fabulous photographs. Inside the castle the rooms were amazing. There are a number of steps to climb inside the castle but they are in stages. I found it very difficult walking from the coach to the castle and back to the coach.

This is a must visit but be prepared for the wait and crowds and walking. Do not go unless you prebook online unless you like standing in line. There are restrictions on backpacks so be prepared. We searched online and could not find clarity on this issue so we included a photo here. Rick Steves has very good advice for planning your visit.

Absolutely beautiful part of the world. We chose not to go inside but the outer is definitely still worth visiting. Just as gorgeous as all the photos. Lots of lovely walking paths around the area and when you head up to the bridge you can continue on the path and get another lovely vantage point to view the castle.

There are two historic castle visits at the village of Hohenschwangau in Bavaria. These include Schloss Hohenschwangau built from 1832-1836 by Maximillian II as well as Schloss Neuschwantstein, also known as the 'fairy-tale' or 'Mad Ludwig's' castle which as built by Maximillian's son Ludwig II from 1869 until 1886 when constructed was halted after the king's death. This is probably the most widely recognised castle in the world, much to do with it having served as inspiration in the creation of Disney's Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty castles. Schloss Neuschwantstein is charmingly situated upon a wooded hillside well above the main village near the opening the narrow Pöellat Gorge. It is open from 10am to 4pm (daily) during winter months and from 9am to 6pm (daily) during summer months. Entry fee is €15 + €2.50 handling fee per adult and can be should be purchased well in advance online. Note Neuschwantstein is flooded with tourists every day of the year so be prepared to reserve well in advance of intended visits if you want to enter the castle from see it from the inside. We found tickets fully booked up several weeks in advance unlike Schloss Hohenschwangau which actually had tickets available on the day that could be purchased at the Ticket Office down in the village. In addition to taking a guided tour of Neuschwantstein, you can also enjoy lovely viewpoints of the castle. It is a fair distance from the village but very noticeable from there. For fantastic views, make your way to the charming bridge called Marienbrücke which spans across Pöellat Gorge. From here there are remarkable, unobstructed views from a higher vantage position. While also a very crowded attraction, it is free and well worth including as part of your Neuschwantstein experience. Note: If you are doing a self-drive day trip, you will find car park availablilty right in the main village at the main roundabout and directly opposite the Hohenschwangau Tourist Information Centre. It is not cheap at €10 per day but convenient for those with vehicles. Note: The TI Centre has public toilet facilities (€1 per use) just next to the front entrance. There is a staffed window and change machine for those who need to break Euro notes into coins for payment.

As a photographer, this castle has been on my bucket list for a while, and I finally took a trip to Bavaria to check it off my list. The area is a tourist trap, parking fees of 10,00€ per day, food and souvenirs shops bleeding you dry if you're not careful, horse carriage charging you and arm and a leg for a 10 minutes ride... But if you manage to battle your way up the Marien Brücke, the view is a fantastic reward. Better though, is to take a hike (difficult as the terrain is treacherous and steep) to the mountain up the bridge and find by yourself some truly amazing spots on the mountain ledge. It is hard and a bit risky, but that's where the best pictures are made.

This is a must-see! The story behind this castle is really interesting. The castle is absolutely beautiful and well worth the trip. A bit of a hike up to the castle, but there is also a horse-drawn carriage available. Tickets are deceptive. If you go on the castle's website, and click to get tickets, you will see all days are sold out and there are no tickets available, except for that day. If you get on the website at 8:00 AM, you can get tickets for that day. Well worth it!

If you walk up be prepared for a steep climb, especially if you go to the bridge first. The views are stunning and worth it! If you don’t want to walk up, wait in line for the other transport options. The castle is so beautiful and the setting is idyllic.

The outside view is almost as amazing as the inside view. Lots of steps and uphill but worth it. Wish I would have been allowed to take photos. There was also restoration being done during our visit so we missed a few things but still had a great day

We went as part of a tour group. You can only enter at your assigned time, the staff will give you an audio (various languages available) and shepherd you from room to room and will activate the audio at each "station". From castle door to last station last less than 30 mins. Then it's long walk to two souvenir shops and a dark long tunnel to a side door exit. Castle interior and view from inside is amazing. There's a balcony to take pictures from, after the last station.