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Autumn foliage panorama of the Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

Things to do in  Hohenschwangau

A tale of two castles

The tiny village of Hohenschwangau is dominated by the mega castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, both linked to “mad” King Ludwig II. Mad he may have been, but he chose the castles’ location well, with a lake-and-mountain backdrop and Hohenschwangau at the center. Today, visitors are rewarded with easy access to the countryside and castles, where hiking, lake swimming, cycling, and of course, castle sightseeing, top the list of Hohenschwangau things to do.

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Top 2 attractions in Hohenschwangau

All about Hohenschwangau

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When to visit

The warm summer months of July and August are always busy in Hohenschwangau, along with September when more visitors come from Munich’s Oktoberfest. Ticket demand for the castles is high at this time and you can expect to spend more time in lines. In winter, the village is particularly scenic when snow dusts the ground. Visit from late December through early March for the best chance of seeing snowflakes.

Getting around

Hohenschwangau village is small and easily walkable, so a car isn’t worthwhile unless you plan to explore the wider Allgäu area. Many visitors park in one of four paid parking lots in the village and then walk to the castles. Other options for reaching the castles from Hohenschwangau include shuttle buses, summer-only horse-and-carriage rides, or bike rentals. Taxis are around but may be in short supply when it’s busy.

Traveler tips

Due to King Ludwig II’s links to Richard Wagner, Hohenschwangau Castle makes an intriguing visit for anyone interested in the history of classical music composers. For a real treat, classical music fans should look out for the August Neuschwanstein Concerts, which take place open-air in the Neuschwanstein Castle courtyards. Tickets sell out fast, so you need to buy them well in advance.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the main attractions in Hohenschwangau?
A:

The tiny village of Hohenschwangau is known for its one big attraction—Hohenschwangau Castle, where King Ludwig II was raised. Other nearby attractions include the more flamboyant Neuschwanstein Castle and the lake of Alpsee where you can sunbathe and swim from the small Alpseebad lido.

Q:How do I visit Hohenschwangau Castle?
A:

You can only visit Hohenschwangau Castle on a guided tour, which lasts around 45 minutes. The site is popular, so booking in advance is always recommended, whenever you choose to go. The castle is reachable by foot, shuttle bus, or horse and carriage from Hohenschwangau.

Q:What is the difference between Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle?
A:

Hohenschwangau Castle was the childhood home of King Ludwig II, who became passionate about the music of Richard Wagner, dedicating several rooms to the composer. The interiors are more historically interesting for these connections, compared with the plainer interiors of Neuschwanstein, which contrast with its extravagant exterior.

Q:Are there any scenic walking trails around Hohenschwangau?
A:

Yes, hiking is a big draw to the area around Hohenschwangau. Two popular circular routes include the loop around Alpsee, which covers around 3.5 miles (6 kilometers) on a 2-hour walk, or the longer Three Castles Trail (Hohenschwangau, Neuschwanstein, and Füssen High Palace), which covers a 9-mile (14-kilometer) stretch.

Q:What is the best way to get to Hohenschwangau from Munich?
A:

Drivers can follow the A7 highway to Füssen and park in one of Hohenschwangau’s car lots. A cheaper option is the train from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Füssen, then a 10-minute taxi ride or a bus to Füssen/Hohenschwangau. From here, shuttle buses, walking routes, and horse and carriages depart to the castles.

Q:Can I visit both Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein in one day?
A:

Yes. The experience of visiting both castles takes up most of the day, but be aware that the guided tours take up a small amount of this; the Neuschwanstein tour takes roughly 30 minutes and the Hohenschwangau 45 minutes. Prebooking is essential, and you’ll need to coordinate your entry timings.

Things to do near Hohenschwangau

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