Neuschwanstein Castle Tours and Tickets

Yes. The only way to visit Neuschwanstein Castle is by buying tickets for the interior guided tours operated by the castle itself. You can purchase tickets for these timed tours on the day at the Neuschwanstein ticket center in the nearby village of Hohenschwangau—arrive early to avoid long waits in high season—or purchase tickets online in advance.

You can only visit Neuschwanstein Castle on timed, castle-run tours showing its highlights in around 30 minutes. However, when you factor in time to collect entry tickets, reach the castle by foot, bus, or horse-drawn carriage; and absorb the castle views from Queen Mary’s Bridge, your visit can take 4-5 hours.

The 40-minute or so walk to Neuschwanstein Castle is steep but more than manageable if you’re reasonably fit. However, if you have mobility difficulties or simply don't fancy the hike, you can catch horse-drawn carriages to two-thirds of the way up or a shuttle bus to Queen Mary’s Bridge, from where a downhill stroll brings you to the castle.

No. To avoid the entire 40-minute-or-so hike up to Neuschwanstein, horse-drawn carriages from Hohenschwangau village ferry visitors within a 15-minute walk of the castle. Alternatively, buses from Hohenschwangau run to nearby Queen Mary’s Bridge, from where you can stroll downhill to Neuschwanstein and, after visiting, walk back down to Hohenschwangau.

No, visitors aren’t permitted to take photos or videos inside Neuschwanstein Castle. However, you can photograph its exterior to capture its fairy-tale architecture and location. A favorite photo stop is nearby Queen Mary’s Bridge which affords unobstructed views of the castle, but you'll find additional viewpoints, including a glass deck, on the road from Hohenschwangau.