How to Get to the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany?
Neuschwanstein castle is the biggest tourist attraction in the region of Hohenschwangau near Fussen. The fairy-tale beauty castle is located at the foot of the Alps. For more than 1 million visitors a year it is an integral part of their “Märchenstrasse” (fairy tale route) through Bavaria, especially for children who are bewitched by the images from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Neuschwanstein is situated on a rugged hill above Schloss Hohenschwangau about 30 kilometers southwest of Füssen in south Germany, close to the border to Austria.
The Neuschwanstein complex is one of the most important works of romanticism architecture because it combined several historical elements like Christian and medieval fortresses with towers, battlements and embrasures with new design concepts which were characteristic for modern 19th-century buildings. The fairy tale castle was based on German Romantic art, its idea based on the Hohenschwangau castle. The idea behind was to reach the castle by horse carriage from Munich.
Overview of Germany
Germany is an ancient country with a rich history that has seen it at the forefront of European thought, politics, and art for over 1,000 years. This long and varied history has shaped a culture that is uniquely German, combining Christian values with a love of literature, art, philosophy, and reason. Rich in natural beauty, Germany is also home to dozens of fascinating medieval castles, including the world-famous Neuschwanstein. A favorite destination for millions of tourists each year, Germany offers something for everyone. Whether you’re into history, its art, its culture, or simply its stunning scenery, a visit to Germany is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Germany is a country located in Central Europe. It shares borders with nine other countries: France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. The capital city of Germany is Berlin, and the largest city is Hamburg.
More About Germany….
People of Germany are German. The official language is German, and almost all people of Germany speak this language. Several other languages widely spread around in Germany as well.
There are about 81 million inhabitants in Germany which means it is the 15th most populated country in the world. There are many more male inhabitants than female inhabitants (7 men for 1 woman).
The climate of Germany is as cool to mild winters and cool summers. The climate varies slightly from region to region but almost everywhere has an oceanic climate due to cooling winds flowing down from the north and the prevailing westerlies blowing at latitudes below 40°N. Mean air temperatures range from -3-5 degrees Celsius in January to 16-18 degrees Celsius in July. Annual precipitation is between 600 and 1,000 mm.
The predominant religion in Germany is Christianity. The largest denominations are the Catholic Church and the Protestant Church. Other faiths represented in Germany include Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism.
Germany is extremely popular for its beer. The country has over 1,200 breweries and produces about 5 billion liters of beer per year. Germans are also passionate about their sausages, which come in hundreds of different varieties.
Tourism is an important industry in Germany, with millions of people visiting the country each year to enjoy its many attractions. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany include Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Heidelberg, Cologne, and Frankfurt.
Neuschwanstein Castle History
The history of this castle runs back to the 19th century when it was home of King Ludwig II, who celebrated his dream here. The finishing of the rooms were not possible at all because he died in 1886 before the end of construction.
The Neuschwanstein complex is popular as one of the most important works of romanticism architecture because it combined several historical elements like Christian and medieval fortresses with towers, battlements and embrasures with new design concepts which were characteristic for modern 19th-century buildings. The fairy tale castle’s base is on German Romantic art, its idea based on the Hohenschwangau castle. The thought behind was to reach the castle by horse carriage from Munich.
Since its completion in 1886, Neuschwanstein Castle has become a popular tourist destination. More than 1.4 million people visit the castle every year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The castle is open to visitors from early April to late October.
More About the Castle….
The financing of constructions of Neuschwanstein was by Bavarian king Ludwig II who had to borrow money for it. Ludwig was a shy and introverted person who loved nature and poetry. He had no children and ascended to the throne at 18 years old, after his father’s death.
Ludwig II ruled Bavaria from 1864 until 1886, until he was insane and taken into custody. He died two days later, under dubious circumstances, in Lake Starnberg. Some say that they killed him, but there was never a valid proof. Today, Ludwig II is popular one of the most controversial figures in Bavarian history.
The Hohenschwangau castle was for King Maximilian II between 1832 and 1835. The son of Ludwig I, King Maximilian II was a patron of the arts and sciences. He had no children either and ruled Bavaria from 1848 until his death in 1864. After his death, his nephew Ludwig II ascended to the throne.
King Ludwig II had two main residences: Schloss Neuschwanstein and Schloss Linderhof. While he started building Schloss Neuschwanstein shortly after becoming king, he only finished it towards the end of his reign because of increasing debts. The constructions of Schloss Linderhof started later , between 1878 and 1886. King Ludwig II died in 1886 under mysterious circumstances in Schloss Berg on the shore of Lake Starnberg after visiting Linderhof Palace for the last time.
Neuschwanstein Castle Location
The Neuschwanstein Castle is located in the Schwangau district of the Bavarian Alps, about two hours southwest of Munich. The castle is on a cliff overlooking the village of Hohenschwangau below. You can reach the castle by car or bus from Munich. There is a parking lot at the base of the castle hill, and a shuttle bus runs from the parking lot to the castle entrance.
How to Get to Neuschwanstein Castle
Go from Where?
To get to the castle, take the S2 train from Munich to Füssen, which is the last station on the line. The train ride will take about 1.5 hours and costs $27 one-way for regular service or $44 one-way for premium service (discounts are available if you purchase tickets in advance).
The shuttle bus runs between Füssen railway station and Neuschwanstein castle every 15 minutes during daylight hours, daily from 8:00 am – 5:30 pm (last departure from the castle). The journey takes 8 – 10 minutes and there is no additional fare beyond what you’ve paid for your train ticket. (for example, an S2 roundtrip ticket + shuttle bus = $45 total). If you’re going to return to Füssen by train at a later time, ask the shuttle bus driver if he can drop you off near the station (there is no designated stop). If not, then call for an Uber – the nearest public transit hub that comes with an app.
Hiking
Hiking to the Neuschwanstein Castle is not for the faint of heart. It is an arduous hike with steep inclines and declines along the way. It is a 6 mile round trip, so give yourself plenty of time – especially if it’s hot out! The hike begins at Hohenschwangau near King Ludwig’s father’s castle. There are two trails you can take based on your preference in scenery:
The Füssen Valley Trail takes about 3 hours to hike each way. The Reutte Valley Trail takes about 4 hours to hike each way.
If you want to continue hiking after viewing Neuschwanstein Castle, there are two more hikes you can do from here. One which loops back down into town via Schloss Linderhof. The the other which follows the river into Austria to Hohenschwangau. We opted for this latter hike, which is about 5 miles long one way (we didn’t want to walk all the way back down to town but instead catch a shuttle bus).
Ticket price list in Neuschwanstein Castle
Below is a list of ticket prices for visiting Neuschwanstein Castle.
Adults – €15.00
Children Under 18 – €7.50
Children Under 6 – Free
Reduced entry on Wednesdays – €11.00
Family Ticket (2 adults & up to 3 children) – €37.50
Senior Citizens – €14.00
Disabled People – Free
Photos & Videos – €10.00/each
Combination ticket for Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau and Linderhof Castles – €28.00
Pupils – free
There are supplementary charges for specific events within the castle at times of high demand, eg. Fireworks Shows in Summer Months or Christmas Market in December . The supplementary charge will vary depending upon the event. Moreover, the time you visit accordingly, so be sure to check what is available on the date of your visit before purchasing the entry tickets!
Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle
The Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. You can tour in this castle for about an hour, and there are no audio or guided tours. There are however, a few interactive exhibits in the castle that you can enjoy.
The breathtaking views and beautiful photos you can take from the castle are another great reason to visit.
The Neuschwanstein Castle is open daily except on days when special events (eg. Christmas Market or Fireworks Night). They will usually announce such news beforehand, so be sure to check before visiting! All you need to do is buy a regular train ticket from Munich to Füssen. Then head up the hill with your ticket in hand right after getting off at the station – there’s no additional fee for hiking up the hill as it’s not far!
Once you’ve finished touring the inside of the castle, be sure to walk around the outside for some amazing views of the surrounding countryside!
Architecture of Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany
The exterior of the Neuschwanstein Castle is an example of Romanesque Revival architecture. However, the inside is a mix of Gothic and Romanesque features. The designer of the castle is Christian Jank, but King Ludwig II had a big hand in its design and decoration. The castle wasn’t moving ahead with constructions after King Ludwig’s death. This was when his nephew took over as regent.
King Ludwig II, who commissioned the construction of Neuschwanstein, only lived in the castle for 172 days. He was never able to finish it due to his untimely death.
Neuschwanstein Castle – World Heritage candidature
The Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, It was in movies and TV shows, such as The Great Escape and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. In 1984, it was in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The beauty of Neuschwanstein castle is undeniable and it earned its popularity.. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to make a stop – it’s definitely worth the hike!
Conclusion
If you are looking for an unforgettable European adventure, look no further than Neuschwanstein Castle located at the foot of the Alps in Germany! Not only is this fairytale-like castle a sight to, but the surrounding countryside is just as beautiful, making it a must see! It’s also accessible by public transportation and has friendly staff.
Further, check out Bhutan and its’ cultural life to learn more about this fantastic country.
