How to visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle with kids

Last updated: November 5, 2020

On one of our road trips through Germany, we visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, that inspired Disney’s Cinderella castle. Who hasn’t dreamed of visiting this fairytale castle in Germany? It was such an amazing moment getting to see this Bavarian Castle up close!

Nestled on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau, Neuschwanstein castle is a real life fairytale castle located in an enchanting forest, just like the Disney movies!

On the blog, I will highlight how to visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle with kids, so you can plan that family trip to Germany, exploring castles!

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Visiting the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle was high on our bucket list and we were fortunate enough to get to see it. We stayed here for two days and found a lovely apartment rental close by.

 The surrounding area of the castle is just beautiful, breathtaking Mountain view’s and gorgeous crystal clear lakes. 

History of the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle

King Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned the castle as a retreat, and was intended as his home, until he died in 1886. He only got to sleep in the castle for 11 nights before his death, and six weeks later was open to the public.

The fairytale Neuschwanstein castle is now one of the most popular tourist destination in Europe, and the most visited castle in Germany.

Best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle

The best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle would be in the spring, the weather is milder and there are less crowds. If you plan on visiting during the summer, make sure to arrive here early to get those crowd free photos!

If you plan on doing the guided tours of Neuschwanstein Castle, make sure to purchase tickets online to avoid the long queues. We were here in March, so lines weren’t too bad. Your tickets are on a specific time slot, so plan accordingly and add extra time, especially if you want to spend some time exploring the hiking trails in the area.

How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is an easy day trip from Munich. The drive from Munich to Neuschwanstein takes about an hour and a half, and you can find a few parking lots in the area once you arrive.

You can also take the train from Munich’s Central station to Füssen. From there busses run regularly to the castle. Take bus 73 (direction Steingaden / Garmisch-Partenkrichen) or bus 78 (direction Schwangau) and exit at stop Hohenschwangau – Alpseestraße

Once you make it to Hohenschwangau, there are a few ways to get to the castle. You can hike up to the castle, which takes about 30-40 minutes (depending on fitness level) from the ticket center to the castle. 

There is also a shuttle bus you can take up to Neuschwanstein Castle, which is the best way when visiting with kids. We chose to shuttle up and hike back down, It’s a nice walk along the beautiful forest. 

Neuschwanstein Castle is an easy day trip from Stuttgart,Germany as well. Read this Ultimate guide on the best day trips from Stuttgart for more ideas!

Where to get the best views of Neuschwanstein Castle

One of the best views of Neuschwanstein Castle is on the Marienbrücke bridge. Just be aware that this narrow bridge can get pretty crowded, so I suggest getting here early.

If you want an even better view of the castle, continue past the Marienbrücke bridge and hike up for the best aerial views. If you want to avoid the crowds, I suggest hiking the many trails around the castle. There are many other vantage points in seeing the castle, plus there are less people and the views are stunning!

Tip-Be aware if you visit in the winter, the Marienbrücke bridge can be closed, you will have to call the ticket center to find out whether or not it is for the day. 

Go for a hike

The surrounding forest is just so beautiful, before we make our way to the castle we decided to go on a short hike exploring the area.

There are quite a few hiking trails around Neuschwanstein Castle. One of the most popular trails is the Marienbrucke trail, which leads you to one of the most dramatic castle views!

We also found a lovely trail with a beautiful stream, and views of the castle and bridge. It was such a serene place, and we loved that there were no crowds!

TIP-Pack some snacks and water for the kiddos if you go on a hike!

Neuschwanstein Castle with kids

Neuschwanstein Castle Tour

On your visit to the area, make sure to go on the Neuschwanstein Castle tour. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets online ahead of time to skip the long lines. Tickets costs 13€ for adults, while accompanied children under 18 are free. There is a 2.50€ service fee when purchasing tickets online.

Your timed entry tickets takes you on a tour of the Castles interior, and takes about 30-45 minutes. It was amazing getting to learn more about the history, and the interior was so beautiful.

Unfortunately, photos are not allowed inside, which was kind of a bummer. The only way to to take photos is if you get permission ahead of time. Visit the website here for info on photography permits.

Be aware that the guided tours are rushed, with very large groups, and you don’t have much time to soak it in. The guide speaks through an audio device, which is sometimes very hard to hear. I was hoping there was a chance to do a self-guided tour, but I guess it’s not possible with the amount of visitors they get.

Hohenschwangau Castle

On your Neuschwanstein castle trip, don’t miss a visit to Hohenschwangau Castle.

This castle was King Ludwig II’s childhood home, and his residence while building Neuschwanstein Castle.

You can go on a guided tour of the castle, and you can purchase your tickets online here. Tickets for Adults and children 7 and up cost 18€, with a 2.50€ service fee when purchasing tickets online.

Lake Alpseebad

Once you make it through the  Neuschwanstein Castle tour, make your way down the hill to Lake Alpsee.

This Alpine lake is the perfect place to unwind after your visit to the castle. The emerald green, crystal clear waters is just so mesmerizing, and the views are just absolutely stunning! 

During the summer, you can even rent a boat and take a cruise around the lake. You can also go for a hike along Lake Alpsee. There’s a circular trail that wraps around the shore, and goes for about 3.2 miles.

Nearby, there is a restaurant with outdoor seating. Order a glass of wine and just admire the beautiful Alpine lake scenery. 

Some fun day trips from Neuschwanstein:

Legoland Germany is just a short drive from Neuschwanstein Castle! Read our blog on how to spend the day in Legoland.

Read about our weekend visit to Rothenburg ob Der Tauber here.

Want to visit Nuremberg? Read about our visit to Nuremberg Germany here.

Accommodations near Neuschwanstein Castle

During our visit, we stayed at an apartment rental house just a short drive away. Haus Alpenrose was a perfect stay, with gorgeous views of the castle.

Book your hotel near Neuschwanstein Castle here:

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