Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles in Fussen, Germany

Aug 26, 2024 | Europe, Germany, Historical Building

Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles are two iconic castles in Bavaria, Germany

Hohenschwangau Castle: Alpseestraße 30, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
Date Picture Taken: May, 2024

I stayed in the town of Fussen, where the two castles are located. To visit the castle, you need to buy the tickets many days before the actual visit because they sell out early.

The visits to the castles are guided only and timed. I visited the two castles on the same day.

From the town of Fussen, it takes a short bus ride to the base of Hohenschwangau Castle.

The castle behind the house is Neuschwanstein Castle.

The back side

Hohenschwangau Castle

My time for the visit to the castle was not yet, so I looked around the town. View of back side

Another look at the lake

It was time to walk up to the castle

On the way to the Hohenschwangau Castle

Hohenschwangau Castle was mentioned the first time in records of the 12th century.

Until the 16th century its owners were the knights of Schwangau. During the following time it changed hands a couple of times and was partially destroyed during different wars.

In 1832, the later King Maximilian II., father of King Ludwig II., acquired the ruin and rebuilt the castle according to original plans. After its completion, it used to be the summer and hunting residence of the Bavarian royal family. In his whole life, the famous Bavarian King Ludwig II spent a few weeks each summer in Hohenschwangau.

Since 1923 the Wilttelsbacher Ausgleichsfonds owns Hohenschwangau Castle.

This is the waiting area for the tourists who want to enter the castle.

This was a way to exit the castle, so I turned around and went to the waiting area.

Backed at the waiting area

Entered the castle

The back side

This is the last picture before going inside. Picture-taking was prohibited, so there were no pictures inside. I have been to many Chateaux and Castles, and this castle’s furniture looked similar to other castles.

After the view of inside, I got out to this side.

Exited the castle

The back side

I came back to the town under the castle.

There is a dedicated bus station here. A bus takes people to the Neuschwanstein Castle area. You can buy a bus ticket at this bus station.

The final bus stop is at Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge). People are getting off here.

A short walk to the bridge

The castle from the bridge. This is the best viewpoint for the castle.

This fairy-tale castle, built by King Ludwig II, is famous for its stunning architecture and picturesque setting. It’s a popular tourist destination known for inspiring Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

This map shows the castle area with a trail path and the time it takes to go between places.

It is a bit of a walk from the bridge to the castle, but it is all downhill.

Down there is the Hohenschwangau Castle.

The rear side of the castle

The front gate of the castle is on the other side.

I tried to enter, but my time was not yet, so the guard asked me to return later.

So I walked down to a small plaza near the castle.

Neuschwanstein Castle is an iconic 19th-century Romanesque Revival castle in Germany. Built by King Ludwig II, it is known for its fairy-tale appearance and dramatic setting atop a rugged hill near Füssen.

The castle was designed as a retreat for King Ludwig II and as an homage to the famous composer Richard Wagner. Its interior is lavishly decorated, featuring murals inspired by Wagner’s operas and medieval legends. Neuschwanstein has inspired countless stories and is one of the most visited castles in Europe.