How to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle
Did you know you can visit the castle from the Walt Disney logo in real life?
Just 120km outside of Munich, Germany is the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. No trip to Bavaria is complete without stopping at this real-life fairytale.
How to get there
There are three ways to get to the castle:
1) Drive yourself (and challenge the infamous autobahn!)
2) Book a private bus with a group tour
3) Use the efficient public transportation system
On my journey, I booked a day tour that took me on an adventure from the center of Munich to the Linderhof Palace, ,Oberammergau, and finally Neuschwanstein.
While not the exact tour I took, this tour provides a similar itinerary >>
Linderhof Palace
You would do yourself a disservice if you drove through Bavaria and didn’t catch the additional fairy-tale like sites around you.
Linderhof Palace was created for the International Exhibition in Paris 1867. It was purchased by railroad tycoon Bethel Henry Strousberg, and eventually ended in the hands of King Ludwig II (Owner of the Neuschwanstein Castle we’re all here for) . Of his three castles, this is the only one he lived to see its completion.
Whether or not you’re interested in that history lesson, the castle is a Versailles within itself. As you can see in the above photo, I visited in winter. During the summer months, the grounds are overflowing with lavish gardens truly fit for a queen. The inside of the palace is absolutely jaw-dropping. The master bedroom is entirely lined and filled with more gold than any of us will likely see in our lifetime. While the castle is always worth a visit, try and plan your itinerary in the spring to truly capture its beauty.
Oberammergau
Since 1633, Oberammergau residents have performed their rendition of the Christ story to keep the Black Plague away. Well, it seemed to work until 2020. This sleepy town comes to life once every ten years to present a full production of the story with cast members who were exclusively born and bred in the town. Due to Covid-19 delays, the next production is scheduled for summer 2022.
Even in its off-years, the little mountain town nestled in-between the alps feels a part of a storybook. It has delightful Christmas shops, sausage vending machines (yes, you read that correct) and lovely little cafes and shops. Its a great place to stop for lunch on your way to Neuschwanstein Castle.
Neuschwanstein Castle
The moment you’ve all been waiting for – real life Disney. Built in 1869 by the mad King Ludwig II, this castle i known as a castle of paradox. It was built at a time when castles were no longer needed, but the king wanted to romanticize old Germany – while installing modern technologies.
To enter the castle, you will need to book a guided tour. If you arrive with a tour group, that is generally included in your trip. If you arrive on your own, you’ll want to book a tour ahead of time. You cannot enter the castle on your own.
Additionally, the walk up to the castle can be brutal. If you are not physically able to complete the steep walk, there are carriages you can hire to take you up to the castle. Which, honestly, is almost more magical to arrive at the castle by horse and buggy.
Tours usually last about 35-45 minutes. If you don’t feel like visiting the inside, there is no cost to walk up and see the castle from the outside up close and personal.
After your visit, you’ll hop back on your bus and head back to Munich to grab a pint at the Hofbräuhaus.
