Guide to Neuschwanstein Castle

Easily one of the most recognizable castles in the world that has inspired so many others (we’re looking at you Disney) and also one of the most frequently mispronounced. (Check out our easy pronunciation guide below). Neuschwanstein literally means ‘New swan stone,’ referencing two older castles particularly, Schwanstein, that was near the site previously. If you know anything about the history of this castle, you probably know that it was built by ‘crazy’ King Ludwig (his people really called him that) and that his story and the story of this castle is bizarre and full of mystery. When we visited, it was one of those ‘pinch-me-I-can’t-believe-we’re-here’ moments and we can’t wait for you to experience it as well.

Location

Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany, https://www.neuschwanstein.de/

Easy Pronunciation

Neuschwanstein- Noi-sh-vaughn-sty-nn

Why You Should Visit

• Located at the foot of the Bavarian Alps near an alpine lake, the scenery is breathtaking
• Two amazing castles in one location- you can visit Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castle where King Ludvig spent much of his boyhood
• You’ve seen the Disney castles, now it’s time to see the OG magical castle 
• You can see what everyone is talking about- Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular destinations in Europe!
• We honestly shouldn’t have to talk you into seeing this one- it’s pretty much the castles of castles

Quick Attractions & Must-Sees -Must-do’s

• You MUST buy the pass for both castles- Hohenschwangau castle is foundational to Neuschwanstein’s very existence 
• Take a carriage ride up to Neushwanstein- it’s a long walk up. You’ll thank us
• Make your way to the observation bridge across from the castle for breathtaking vistas and amazing pictures. 
• Hit up the museum last- you won’t need an appointment to enter and you’ll want to make sure that you devote enough time to both castles first. Priorities, ya know?
• Don’t forget to take in the rest of the amazing views- the lakes at the foot of the Bavarian Alps is one reason why the castles are even there in the first place and they’re especially good from Hohenschwangau castle and it’s gardens

Brief BUT Interesting History

The history of Neuschwanstein is pretty inextricably linked with the story of King Ludwig and earlier castles built on the site. His father, King Maximilian II bought the land and the three castle ruins to rebuild a castle residence in the neo-gothic style. Visiting King Maximilian’s Hohenschwangau, you’ll find it heavily romanticized with depictions of medieval murals on the walls and furniture reproductions. It’s especially interesting to note that Ludwig’s boyhood bedroom is full of romantic and sensual murals depicting heroic knights and bathing women considering Ludwig’s personal writings expressed strong sexual desires towards men, even at an early age. Even though his appreciation of women differed from the scenes depicted in his bedroom, Ludwig took great inspiration from this boyhood home. Some historians suggest that both opera and Neushwanstein benefited from his sexual orientation as they were outlets for expression for him due to the forbidden nature of that type of relationship for a King and his strong Catholic faith. 

In 1868, he tore down the remnants of the other two previous medieval castles that is now the site of Neushwanstein. Ludwig had explored the area of the ruins as a boy and had always loved that area and view. An interesting fact: The site chosen for Hohenschwangau was previously occupied by Schwanstein castle. Neuschwanstein’s original name was Neuhohenschwangau and was only changed after his death. In a strange twist, Neushwanstein actually sits on the ruins of two castles named Hinterhohenschwangau and Voderhohenschwangau pretty much switching names. And we thought Neushwanstein was a mouthful…

The foundation stone was laid in 1869 and by 1884 enough of the castle was completed for Ludwig to be able to move in for periodic visits to check on the site. Progress on the castle stopped and started due to strained finances. Neuschwanstein was a large undertaking, being the largest employer at the time with over 200 local workers and craftsmen working onsite. As with many of the castles of the day, Neushwanstein’s original plans were never fully realized and to this day only has sleeping areas for the King and servants. Guest accommodations were planned for later stages but were not prioritized over the more theatrical elements (like the throne room, grotto, Hall of Singers, etc.) by the reclusive king. Ludwig loved many things including the arts but not necessarily tons of people and kingly things. Drama over duty could have been his unofficial motto. Unfortunately, delays in construction and eventual removal of Ludwig from the throne, none of those additional areas were ever realized and the castle has only one formal bedroom to this day. 

In 1886 Ludwig died (Murdered? Accident? We think murdered) and less than 6 weeks later they opened up Neuschwanstein to the paying public. This would have enraged the notoriously private King but in less than 13 years, the admission fees were able to settle his building debts. 1918 brought the socialization of many civil places so Neuschwanstein became a public-owned place in the new republic. After a dispute, it was settled that Ludwig’s childhood castle, Hohenschwangau, would remain in the family’s hands and still does to this day. 

During WWII Neuschwanstein, like many other castles, was used to house art and treasures taken from museums. Neuschwanstein housed many looted pieces from France and was occupied by the Nazis for much of the war. When it seemed inevitable that the castle would come into Allied hands, Nazis nearly burned it and all of its housed treasures. #NazisSuck Fortunately, Neuschwanstein and its contents were surrendered unharmed.

Today, Neuschwanstein welcomes over 1.5 million tourists a year on average and continues to be one of the most visited sites in Europe. This stunning castle must be seen to be believed! 

‘Good to Know’ Tips

• Visiting Neuschwanstein castle and the surrounding area is an all day event so bookmark the entire day to visit this beauty & surrounding area
• Buy the Two Castle & Museum pass. Just do it. If you absolutely have to only do two, skip the museum part and see both castles. 
• ***Both castles require appointment tours to see the interiors of the castles – make an appointment and make sure to get there a few minutes early since spots fill up fast on many days!*** 
• Visit Hohenschwangau first- the tour focuses on both the design of the castle and the formative years that Ludwig spent there. The tour has gives great foundational info on Ludwig and his inspirations for Neushwanstein
• Consider taking a carriage ride up to Neuschwanstein. It’s charming, relaxing, warm in the winter (with their heavy blankets) and it’ll give your feet a bit of a break. Bring cash & of course, tip 🙂
• There are no pictures allowed inside the castle so take advantage of taking pictures at the last veranda towards the end of the tour
• Make your way to the observation bridge facing the Neuschwanstein castle. We missed this and 100% regret not making time for it! 
• If you’re hungry, there’s a little village with concession stands and we can confirm their sausages are delicious and reasonably priced
• There is an amazing gift shop at the end of the tour in Neuschwanstein. There are some beautiful silk pieces that you can’t get anywhere else. Grab those if you’d like. BUT since there’s no pictures allowed in the castle, we suggest grabbing a book with pictures of the interiors. Check out one of our most popular travel suggestions below*

Gifts & Memorabilia*

Ever find yourself struggling to cram in that book or souvenir from your trip into your already packed suitcase? We recommend buying the book or some cool memorabilia before or after your trip to save you space and have something to look forward to when your trip ends! 

Here are a few of our favorite Neuschwanstein picks!

Books: https://amzn.to/3qw2CWx

Puzzle: https://etsy.me/3qycaAA

Art : https://etsy.me/3bzY65m

Vintage Charm: https://etsy.me/2ObX8Dx

Local Places to See & Stay

Neuschwanstein is located close to the cute little town of Fussen. We recommend taking some time to wander the streets and even stay a night if you’d like. Munich is also close by (only 1.5ish hours by car) so we’re also listing some amazing places in Munich (one of our fav cities).