Neuschwanstein Castle
62% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
7.1kmLength
367mElevation gain
2.5–3hrEstimated time
Out-and-back
Historical, famous trail in Ostallgäu, Bavaria.
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most famous castles in the world. It receives over a million visitors annually and has been open to the public since 1886. The castle is a 19th century Romanesque revival castle built under the Bavarian King Ludwig II, located above the village of Hohenschwangau. He had Neuschwanstein built in the style of the old German knight's castles. Today the castle is maintained by the Bavarian Palace Administration. Tickets can be bought before arrival or on the same day at the ticket office in Hohenschwangau. A guided tour is required and chargeable for adults, but free for children under 18.
This route starts at the Alpseestraße in Hohenschwangau, near Hohenschwangau Castle and the Alpsee. Hohenschwangau can be reached by bus and train and offers paid parking. From there it goes on a well-developed path of Neuschwansteinstraße up to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. After a visit to the castle, the route continues a little further to the Marienbrücke and a beautiful vantage point from which the castle can be viewed in all its glory. There are rest stops and toilets in Hohenschwangau and just before the castle.
Highlights of the hike:
- Museum of the Bavarian Kings
- Neuschwanstein Castle
- Panoramic view of Lake Starnberg and the surrounding area
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Top sights
Pöllatfall
Waterfall
Queen Mary's Bridge
Viewpoint
Panoramablick Schwangau
Viewpoint
Schloss Hohenschwangau
Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle
Castle
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Get to know this 7.1-km out-and-back trail near Schwangau, Bavaria. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 32 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
What are some of the facilities available for Neuschwanstein Castle?
In Hohenschwangau there are numerous paid parking spaces. There are rest stops and toilets in the castle and in the immediate vicinity.
What are some tips to share about Neuschwanstein Castle?
Neuschwanstein Castle can only be visited with a guided tour. Since there are only remaining tickets for the same day on site and tickets are booked out quickly, it is advisable to reserve tickets online in advance.
How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle?
Hohenschwangau, the starting point of the hike, can be reached by car. Alternatively, you can take the train to Füssen and from there take the bus to Hohenschwangau.
What is the expected weather this week for Neuschwanstein Castle?
Expected weather for Neuschwanstein Castle for the next 5 days is:
- Sun 20 September - 18.3 degrees/showers
- Mon 21 September - 16.7 degrees/clear
- Tue 22 September - 19 degrees/clear
- Wed 23 September - 21.7 degrees/clear
- Thu 24 September - 24.1 degrees/foggy
Where is Neuschwanstein Castle located?
Neuschwanstein Castle is a trail located in Ammergebirge Nature Reserve.
How hard is Neuschwanstein Castle?
Neuschwanstein Castle is considered a moderate hike that covers 7.1 km, with an elevation gain of 367 m. It takes about 2.5–3 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Neuschwanstein Castle?
Neuschwanstein Castle is considered a moderate hike that covers 7.1 km, with an elevation gain of 367 m. It takes about 2.5–3 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Neuschwanstein Castle an out-and-back trail?
Neuschwanstein Castle is an out-and-back trail that covers 7.1 km, with an elevation gain of 367 m. It takes about 2.5–3 hr to complete. Out-and-back trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow the route out to a specific point, and then retrace your steps to return to the start. The length of the trail refers to the entire route — travelling out and back on this route covers 7.1 km.
How long is Neuschwanstein Castle?
Neuschwanstein Castle is an out-and-back trail that covers 7.1 km, with an elevation gain of 367 m. It takes about 2.5–3 hr to complete. Out-and-back trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow the route out to a specific point, and then retrace your steps to return to the start. The length of the trail refers to the entire route — travelling out and back on this route covers 7.1 km.
Are dogs allowed on Neuschwanstein Castle?
No, dogs are not allowed on Neuschwanstein Castle.
When is the best time of year to hike Neuschwanstein Castle?
March to November is the most popular time of year to visit Neuschwanstein Castle.
How busy is Neuschwanstein Castle?
According to trailgoers, Neuschwanstein Castle is usually very busy. March to November is the most popular time of year to visit Neuschwanstein Castle.
Are there waterfalls at Neuschwanstein Castle?
Yes, Neuschwanstein Castle has a scenic view of Pöllatfall.
Are there scenic views at Neuschwanstein Castle?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Neuschwanstein Castle features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Queen Mary's Bridge and Panoramablick Schwangau.
Is Neuschwanstein Castle child-friendly?
Yes, many trailgoers have described Neuschwanstein Castle as good for children and families. Child-friendly trails are typically short, with clearly marked paths and fairly level terrain.
Is Neuschwanstein Castle paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Neuschwanstein Castle is partially paved.
Are there forests at Neuschwanstein Castle?
Yes, Neuschwanstein Castle is a forest trail in Ammergebirge Nature Reserve.
Is there wildlife at Neuschwanstein Castle?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Neuschwanstein Castle in Ammergebirge Nature Reserve. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Is there a fee required at Neuschwanstein Castle?
Yes, a fee is required at Neuschwanstein Castle. Check local park resources for more information.
Last updated on 20 September 2026 at 00:25 GMT+0