How to Have The Perfect Neuschwanstein Castle Winter Visit
Planning a Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle In Winter?
Of course you are! And I’ll bet you have questions.
You’re in the right place! I’ve taken trips to Neuschwanstein Castle in all seasons. I’ve explored it during spring, and I have even traveled up the mountain to find the best photos in chilly fall and winter weather!
Here you’ll find a complete guide for what you need to know in order to take a Neuschwanstein Castle winter trip- based off of my own experiences in Germany and Bavaria over the years!
Neuschwanstein Castle in winter is a sight to behold, and, along with beer, WWII historical sites, and bratwurst, it is one of the main things Germany is most famous for,
The peaks of the surrounding mountains gleam with snow, the turrets of the castle itself shine in the sunlight, and the town of Hohenschwangau at the foot of the castle feels like a fairy tale.
Visiting Schloss Neuschwanstein in winter was one of my favorite times to see the famous castle, and it will be a trip you’ll remember forever.
Can You Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Winter?
Although it is cold, you can absolutely visit Neuschwanstein Castle in winter!
In winter, Schloss Neuschwanstein still receives visitors. And, though it is less crowded, there are still many who make the trek during this time!
You’ll just want to consider how to best get to the famous castle in winter.
Where the castle is located, in the Bavarian Alps, the roads are less-traveled and wind their way through the mountainsides and valleys in precarious ways.
Thankfully, guided tours of Neuschwanstein still run during the winter (even with snow!), so you can get to the castle easily without too much trouble.
What to Know About Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein is one of the most famous castles in the world, and easily the most popular one in Germany.
Located at the end of the famed Romantic Road, Neuschwanstein Castle sits above the town of Hohenschwangau near Fussen in the heart of the Bavarian Alps.
More than anything, Neuschwanstein Castle is beautiful and stunning.
It is tucked away into the treetops of a nearby forest, and a glimpse of it through the surrounding branches is enough to excite the hearts of visitors.
Disney’s Fairy Tale Castle
One of the things Neuschwanstein is best known for is being the castle that inspired the heart and mind of Walt Disney.
Believe it or not, both of the iconic Disney castles (Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Disneyland, California and Cinderella’s Castle in Disney World, Florida) were designed and based on Neuschwanstein Castle.
Who was King Ludwig II?
King Ludwig II became King of Bavaria at the young age of 18.
After suffering political and wartime defeats, he became more introverted and secluded than before, ultimately spending significant amounts of money in order to build lavish, beautiful castles.
His propensity for dreaming and expensive things earned him the title of “Fairy Tale King” as well as “The Mad King of Bavaria.”
The Mad King built the famous Castle Neuschwanstein, intending for it to be a place of escape for him.
He was a lover of all things music and art, and the design was meant to be in dedication to the popular German composer, Richard Wagner, whom Ludwig admired greatly.
While King Ludwig moved into the castle in 1886, he only lived at Neuschwanstein for a few weeks before his untimely death.
Unfortunately, following his death, the castle interior was never completed. However, Neuschwanstein Castle was opened to the public just a few weeks later.
What is the Best Time to Visit Neuschwanstein?
Visiting Neuschwanstein during the winter is a fantastic decision.
This is when crowds are lower, and you’re less likely to encounter sold-out ticket offices. The only exception to this is during the month of December when the advent season brings many visitors to Germany for Christmas markets.
And, while the weather will be cold and you’ll need to prepare for it, the scenery at Neuschwanstein is second to none and is breathtaking during winter.
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Is A Neuschwanstein Castle Winter Visit Worth It?
Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in winter is absolutely a worthwhile trip.
It’s business as usual at Neuschwanstein in winter, so the only thing you’ll be contending with (or loving) is the weather. Honestly, when I went at the end of December, it wasn’t too cold! There was no snow, and it was definitely bearable.
Just picture it: a breathtaking castle glistening with snow, treetops surrounding you as far as you can see. The crisp winter air just waiting for you.
It’s the winter wonderland you’ve always imagined.
Not to mention the stunning photos you’ll have with basically no one in them!
Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Winter
Taking a guided tour of Neuschwanstein is the only way to visit inside the Disney castle.
Small group audio tours are offered throughout the day. However, with Schloss Neuschwanstein being as popular as it is, it is highly recommended that you book tickets online ahead of time.
You can drive to Hohenschwangau, park, buy tickets at the ticket office, and visit the castle on a short inside tour! As long as you are comfortable organizing those logistics.
However, Neuschwanstein is located a good hour and a half from Munich by car, so, unless you’re staying in the area, I’d recommend taking a full-day guided tour from Munich.
Guided Neuschwanstein Castle Winter Tour From Munich
Tours to Neuschwanstein run at all times of the year, so taking a tour during the winter months is still possible.
If this is your first time visiting the area, I absolutely recommend you take a guided tour.
Booking this tour is a fantastic option, and it runs every single day throughout the year.
I’ve taken this tour multiple times myself- with my husband, parents, friends, and students on various different occasions.
It visits two different castles as well as small town in Bavaria, and it is the same tour in the winter as it is during the summer months. Nothing is changed!
Below is a quick summary of what you’ll find on the guided tour (HINT: it’s SO much more than just Neuschwanstein!):
✔️ Linderhof Castle
The first stop on your tour from Munich is one of King Ludwig II’s other castles, Linderhof.
This castle is more ornate than Neuschwanstein and was actually completed, unlike Neuschwanstein. This means that you can see all of the rooms inside!
The tour of the palace is shorter (about a half hour), but still informative. And even though the gardens won’t be blooming in winter, you can still admire some of the landscaping and fountains.
Plus, there’s a fantastic little beer garden on site!
✈️ CHECK PRICES for your Winter Tour of Neuschwanstein here!
✔️ Village of Hohenschwangau
Next, the tour will make its way through Bavaria, stopping in Hohenschwangau beneath Neuschwanstein Castle.
Hohenschwangau is a gorgeous little town with small shops and restaurants. If it’s your first time here, be sure to stop and explore!
If you’re looking for an affordable, yet tasty lunch, my favorite place to eat in Hohenschwangau is Ludwig’s Stuberl. They have delicious German dishes and a lovely little seating area where you can relax before or after your climb to the castle!
I recommend grabbing lunch here and then beginning your ascent to the castle itself for your tour!
Tip: Make sure to visit the TIP-Royal store in the village!
It has the most adorable, authentic, German Christmas decorations and is a great place to grab a souvenir!
✔️Inside Neuschwanstein Castle Winter Tour
You’ll find that the tour of Neuschwanstein’s interior during winter months is the exact same as the tour in other seasons.
The tour, again, is shorter, as Neuschwanstein Castle was never actually finished. As such, there are only 14 rooms open for visitation to the public.
Today, you can see things like King Ludwig II’s bedroom, his throne room, dressing room, and large hall for visitors.
For more information about what you will see during the tour, head here.
✔️ Town of Oberammergau
The best thing about booking a guided tour from Munich is the stop in Oberammergau.
It is a tiny town in Bavaria that many would miss if they weren’t stopping there via tour.
Oberammergau is famous for putting on the Passion Play every 7 years. The play is the area’s claim to fame, with the town and surrounding villages being completely booked during this time.
Nonetheless. Oberammergau is worth a short visit to see the beautiful postcard-like town. You can grab a pastry from the bakery or perhaps pick up a German cuckoo clock or other souvenir!
✈️ CHECK PRICES for your Winter Tour of Neuschwanstein here!
How to Get to Neuschwanstein Castle From Town
Once you’ve arrived in Hohenschwangau, you’re still not technically at Schloss Neuschwanstein.
You see, the castle sits in the hills above the town. In order to visit, you must first ascend into the Bavarian Alps- and it’s not the easiest journey!
Thankfully, you have a few choices for how exactly to get to the entrance of Neuschwanstein.
I have personally visited Neuschwanstein via all of these transportation options, and they are all convenient and cost-effective! It all depends on what you’d like to see, how much time you have, and your personal level of fitness.
Take the Bus
This option is hit or miss during the Neuschwanstein Castle winter months because it is weather-dependent.
As long as there is no ice or snow, there are shuttle buses that run about every 20 minutes. These will take visitors from Hohenschwangau to the Mountain/Marienbrücke Station. From here, it is a short walk to the castle.
I have taken the shuttle bus many times, and it is a seamless trip. I have never had to wait more than 5 minutes to catch a ride, even when there were many visitors waiting.
Tickets for the shuttle bus can be bought in town, at bus stops, and on the bus from the driver. Round-trip tickets for adults are €3.50.
✔️ Take the shuttle bus if you are looking for a quick and easy trip up the mountain with little strenuous exercise!
Walk Up the Mountain
It sounds (and looks!) crazy, but trust me, you can walk up the mountain to visit Neuschwanstein.
Fair warning: It is a long, uphill climb.
BUT- the scenery can’t be beat. A Neuschwanstein Castle winter makes for stunning surroundings.
You’ll spend about 40 minutes walking along a paved road that winds through a beautiful wooded forest area.
Will you be winded at the end of the walk? Yep. Will it be worth it? I personally think it was!
✔️ Walk up to Neuschwanstein if this is your first time visiting, or if you are looking for the best views, have good physical mobility, and have some time to spare!
Tip: At the base of the castle there is a counter-service snack shack that serves up bites to eat, drinks, and, most importantly, hot mulled wine and beer!
Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
Yeah, you read that correctly. Horse-drawn carriage ride!
One of the most fantastic ways to reach the summit that is Schloss Neuschwanstein is by being pulled by majestic horses in an open carriage.
This option is a bit more expensive than taking the shuttle bus, but it definitely a unique way to travel.
Trips via carriage are €12.00 round trip, and you can purchase tickets at the carriage itself. The journey takes about 20 minutes each way.
✔️ Take a carriage ride to the castle if you’re looking for a unique memory-maker!
When is the Marienbrücke Bridge Closed?
The Marienbrücke Bridge is, without a doubt, the best photo location at Neuschwanstein. Unfortunately, at times, the Marienbrücke Bridge can be closed due to weather- especially if there is snow and ice.
Although it is disappointing, the suspension bridge hangs over a massive gorge, so one can understand why it makes sense that it’d be closed in treacherous and slippery conditions.
You can check whether or not Marienbrücke Bridge is open here. The status is updated each day under the “Current Notifications” section.
Does it Snow in Neuschwanstein Castle?
It snows at Neuschwanstein Castle often!
In fact, the average snowfall for the area is about an inch per day. With temperatures below freezing for the majority of January and February, you’ll likely encounter some snow during your trip in Bavaria.
Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle in December
Tours of Schloss Neuschwanstein go on as planned during this time, and Neuschwanstein Castle is beautiful in December!
Snow, fairy-tales, Christmas markets nearby…what’s not to love? It’s basically a winter wonderland.
Just be aware that German Christmas Markets are a huge pull for Bavaria. Tourists flock to the area from all over, and basically all of them want to see Neuschwanstein.
So, December at Neuschwanstein Castle can get pretty busy.
✈️ BOOK your December tour of Neuschwanstein Castle ahead of time to guarantee your seat!
Is There A Neuschwanstein Castle Christmas Market?
When you’re visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in winter, you don’t want to miss the nearby Fussen German Christmas Market.
Fussen is about a 5 minute drive from Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein.
This lovely, quaint Bavarian town has a Christmas market that is absolutely worth visiting.
Finish your day at Neuschwanstein, and enjoy the lights and magic of a German Christmas market at night in Fussen- a true winter wonderland.
Can You Visit Neuschwanstein Castle Without a Tour?
Anyone can visit the exterior of Neuschwanstein Castle.
However, in order to tour the inside, you must book a tour. Entry into the castle is not permitted without a tour ticket.
If you’re looking to just view the outside, you can park in Hohenschwangau and walk up to the castle.
The Marienbrücke Bridge and other viewpoints are open for public access, so you do not need a ticket to get some great photos or sights of Neuschwanstein.
Is Hohenschwangau Castle Worth Visiting?
Nearby Neuschwanstein, you’ll also find another of King Ludwig II’s famous castles, Hohenschwangau Castle.
Although he didn’t build it, he did renovate it after it was decaying and spent much of his childhood at Hohenschwangau Castle.
I have never personally visited Hohenschwangau, as you’ll find that your visit to Neuschwanstein takes up a decent amount of time!
However, if you’re staying in the area of Schwangau or Fussen for more than just the day, it would definitely be a great place to continue exploring!
Hohenschwangau Castle also has guided tours, with much of the beautiful interior being visitable. You can buy tickets to tour here at the Schwangau Visitor’s Center ticket office, where you buy Neuschwanstein tickets as well.
And, if you’re at all interested in the historical side of things, it may be worth visiting ince it is another one of King Ludwig II’s castles.
Conclusion: Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Winter
A visit to Neuschwanstein Castle in winter is definitely a great idea!
You’ll have a relaxing time in the Bavarian Alps, complete with stunning scenic photos (probably with no one else in them!).
No matter what time of year you choose to visit, Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is a fantastic memory-making trip. But seeing Neuschwanstein in winter is something special.
Have a great trip!
