Swan song in stone: The fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria

The German mountains captivate, and just when you think nothing could be more beautiful… atop the peaks, a true wonder appears – Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria.

Neuschwanstein, with its complex name that’s hard to pronounce on the first try, is the most recognizable and photographed castle in the world.

For a long time, I looked at pictures of this fairytale palace on the internet, but the time came for me to be here in person. I had a goal – to visit all the castles in Germany, as they are so colorful, medieval, and straight out of children’s book illustrations. In my castle fever, Neuschwanstein was the first.

Schwangau – The Swan Village.

And here I am! I found myself in a magical place! I stand in the village of Schwangau, a village of magnificent castles surrounded by lakes and the Ammer Mountains. It’s hard to believe that in the Middle Ages, the plague claimed the lives of many people living in such a fairytale place.

Schwangau is called by different names: “Swan Village,” “Village of Royal Castles.” The village itself is located at the foot of the mountain, above which the legendary, fairytale castle Neuschwanstein rises like a magical giant.

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria – Swan song in stone.

This white castle with its slender turrets soars above the green of the high mountains near Munich. Its name is as beautiful as its name: Neuschwanstein, i.e. the New Swan Stone. The palace, built in 1869, was so named by the romantic king Ludwig of Bavaria in memory of the legendary swan knight Lohengrin.

Shy Ludwig built this castle in hopes of seclusion, but today it attracts around 1.4 million people a year.

Reaching the castle is not easy: it stands on a huge rock. But I was richly rewarded for my efforts when I looked at the luxury of the halls and rooms: I saw wall paintings based on German legends, columns shaped like stalactites, and incredibly elegant wood carvings. By the way, Neuschwanstein served as the model for the fairytale castle in Disneyland.

You can get to Neuschwanstein by horse-drawn carriage for 6.4 EUR one way, by bus for 2.6 EUR round trip, or you can walk, which is what I did.

Upon approaching the castle, I was met with a fork in the road: one way leads to the elegant interior, the other reveals the beautiful outlines of the swan palace from the Marienbrücke bridge, which hangs over a chasm.

I wanted to see the postcard view, so I went to the bridge. Here, heart-shaped locks hang, people kiss and take photos. This place is definitely romantic.

After taking a few shots, I climbed even higher. From the heights, other views of the castle open up, even more grand and impressive. And if you climb to the very top of the mountain, you’ll see the most breathtaking view of the surroundings. But as always, time was short, and I couldn’t reach the clouds.

Having admired Neuschwanstein, I headed back to the castle itself. Inside, I took a tour. Unfortunately, photos were not allowed, and I wasn’t bold enough to sneak my camera out. But I saw everything with my own eyes.

Inside, you can easily imagine ladies in luxurious dresses strolling through the long, quiet corridors, and Ludwig himself. Being within the castle walls, your imagination runs wild about the people who once lived here. They lived without any thought that years, or even centuries, later, curious tourists would be wandering around.

Inside the castle, there’s a musical about the life of Ludwig II. The walls are decorated with scenes from Wagner’s operas. Magnificent furnishings, walls adorned with paintings, and extraordinary halls and rooms.

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria truly impressed me. You know, castles are usually only beautiful from the outside, but once you enter. But not Neuschwanstein. Here, you want to linger, maybe even sleep in a canopy bed and enjoy a cup of coffee on the veranda in the evening, watching the crimson sunset. Ah, if only I were a princess, or better yet, a swan princess.

Planning a trip around Europe and want to go beyond Bavaria? Then check out my recent posts about other fairytale locations such as Dreamy Salzburg and Quiet escape to Lake Fuschl See, which is in Austria. These places feel like they stepped out of the pages of fairy tales – ancient castles, grazing cows in green meadows, the purest smoothness of the lakes. It all inspired me so much that I just can’t help but recommend them to you right here. You can fit them into one trip as they are quite close to each other.

What else to see nearby? The Swan Lake Alpensee.

Near Neuschwanstein, on a wooded cliff, stands its brother-neighbor Hohenschwangau, the second castle of the “moon king.” You can buy a combined ticket to visit both castles at the ticket office. Today, Hohenschwangau is owned by the Royal Bavarian House and is a museum with painted walls.

You can stay overnight in the nearby town of Füssen and explore not only the medieval castles but also all the nearby beauties, including lake Alpensee.

It turns out Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake exists. Here it is! This lake was immortalized in the legend of Prince Siegfried. Alpensee has been turned into an open-air theater. They stage performances of “Ludwig II – Longing for Paradise” here. The stage is made of glass, and the lake itself is illuminated with artificial lighting.

In the Middle Ages, Bavarian minstrels sang about the knightly deeds performed on these lands in honor of the Holy Grail. A knight sailed in a boat pulled by a White Swan to help Duchess Elsa von Brabant. The knight saved her but did not reveal his name. The name Lohengrin, as the brave man was called, was revealed, but the knight had to return to the Holy Grail. Wagner created the opera “Lohengrin” based on this legend.

Exploring Füssen and surroundings.

You should wander around Füssen. There are countless cycling and walking routes that pass through picturesque Bavarian villages and lakes. In the Middle Ages, Füssen was an important center where violins and lutes were played.

Have you heard about the “Romantic Road”? Füssen is the final stop on this romantic journey that begins in Würzburg. It is mentioned on the wall of a building on Sebastianstrasse. The road itself runs through all of Bavaria from north to south, from Würzburg through Franconia. If these names mean little to you, let me explain in simple terms: this road passes through the most picturesque, beautiful, and charming towns and villages in Germany. Read, for example, the reports about Rothenburg, the most beautiful town in Germany, the capital of Christmas.

How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich.

By Train: I found that taking the train is one of the most convenient ways to travel from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Read more about Munich here. This city is also worth a visit. You can wander its streets, meet Bavarians in national costumes, drink beer in the oldest beer hall Hofbräuhaus, and visit the most beautiful church, which is decorated with a million paper cranes on holidays. It’s incredibly beautiful! Also, read my post about a trip to Berlin if you’re planning a big journey through Germany.

Start at Munich Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station): Purchase a Bayern Ticket, which offers unlimited travel for a day within Bavaria and is valid for up to five people. It costs €25 for one person plus €8 for each additional person.

Board a train to Füssen: Trains to Füssen depart regularly, and the journey takes about two hours. Be sure to check the timetable ahead of time.

Take the bus from Füssen to Hohenschwangau: Once you arrive in Füssen, buses 73 and 78 will take you to the village of Hohenschwangau, where Neuschwanstein Castle is located. The bus ride is about 10 minutes.

By Car: For those who prefer driving, renting a car can be a flexible option. The drive from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Follow the A96 highway towards Landsberg am Lech, then switch to the B17 towards Füssen. There are parking facilities in Hohenschwangau, from where you can either walk up to the castle or take a shuttle bus. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.

To the castle, as I already wrote, either walk uphill (40 minutes) or take the bus (5 minutes).

Check Aviasales to find the cheapest flights to Munich if you’re traveling from another country.

Tips before visiting.

Buy Tickets in Advance: Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is incredibly popular, and tickets often sell out. I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online well in advance to secure your visit. Tickets can be bought through the official website, and prices are around €15 for adults (2024 prices). There are reduced prices for students, seniors, and children.

Arrive Early: To avoid the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience, try to arrive early in the morning. The first tours start at 9:00 AM, and an early start can also give you more time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: The walk from Hohenschwangau village to the castle is uphill and can be quite steep. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. If walking isn’t for you, there are shuttle buses available, or you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride for a unique experience.

Check the Weather: The weather in the Bavarian Alps can be unpredictable. Bring a jacket, especially if you’re visiting in the cooler months. An umbrella or raincoat might also come in handy.

Three most fabulous hotels near Neuschweinstein Castle in Bavaria.

Nestled in the heart of Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle is a fairytale brought to life. For those who, like me, are enchanted by its dreamy spires and majestic setting, finding the perfect place to stay nearby is crucial to fully immerse oneself in the magic. Here are three fabulous hotels near Neuschwanstein Castle that I discovered and simply must share with you. These hotels are ideal options for anyone wanting to experience the fairytale atmosphere to the fullest.

First on my list is the Hotel Müller Hohenschwangau. Located just a stone’s throw from Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, this charming family-run hotel offers an unbeatable combination of comfort and proximity. The rooms are cozy and well-appointed, with many offering stunning views of the castle itself. One of my favorite features is their restaurant, which serves delectable Bavarian cuisine. Waking up to a hearty breakfast with the sight of Neuschwanstein in the distance is truly a magical experience. The hotel staff are incredibly warm and welcoming, making you feel right at home in this enchanting setting.

Next up is the Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel. This boutique hotel is the epitome of luxury and elegance. Each suite is designed with a perfect blend of modern comfort and classical style, featuring spacious rooms, plush bedding, and, in some suites, private balconies with breathtaking views of the castle. The hotel’s wellness area, with its sauna and relaxation room, is perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. I was particularly impressed by their attention to detail and impeccable service. Staying at Villa Ludwig feels like being transported into a royal fairytale.

Lastly, I want to highlight the Hotel Alpenstuben. This delightful hotel combines rustic charm with modern amenities. The rooms are tastefully decorated in a traditional Alpine style, offering a cozy retreat after a day of adventure. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious local dishes, and their outdoor terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal while soaking in the picturesque surroundings. What sets Hotel Alpenstuben apart is its friendly atmosphere and the genuine hospitality of the staff. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel like part of the family.

Each of these hotels offers a unique experience, but they all share one thing in common: they allow you to fully embrace the fairytale magic of Neuschwanstein Castle.  I hope you find your stay as enchanting as I did!

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