One of the most amazing things that I have done in Europe is taking a tour at Neuschwanstein. Sure, its super touristy it sometimes feels like there is a million people there, but it is also a breath taking monument with amazing hiking trails, beautiful views, and lots of rich history. I believe everyone should see Neuschwanstein (and its neighboring castle Hohenschwangau) at least once in their life, and I wanted to write this blog to explain how to do it in the easiest way possible if they’re already in Munich.

One week before

During the high travel season (June, July, and August), tours at Neuschwanstein fill up early. It is recommended that you book your tour pass a week in advance from their website here. There are 3 options of places to tour: Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, and the Museum of the Bavarian Kings. My recommendation is skipping the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, but if possible make time to see both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. Neuschwanstein is definitely the most beautiful of the two castles, but Hohenschwangau offers a fantastic tour of the interior and has a lot of really interesting artifacts from the people who used to live there. If you can only do one, however, then go for the Neuschwanstein tour.

The day of the tour

On the day of the tour, allow for at least two hours travel time from Munich. Get up early in the morning and head to Munich Hauptbahnhof, the central train station. There, you can buy a regional travel ticket for one person, or for a group of people that will allow you to travel for up to 24 hours. If you’re traveling in a group, the group ticket works out to be the cheapest because it is 24 euros, plus an additional 5 euros per person. Get on the train to Füssen and ride it until the end of the line, enjoying the beautiful views of the Bavarian countryside along the way. Once you arrive at the Füssen Hauptbahnhof you will exit the train, turn right, then there is a bus stop there with groups of people going to see the castle. Take the 71 bus to Schwangau (you can still use your regional day pass so you don’t have to buy a new ticket) and then hop off with all the other people going to see the castle in Schwangau. Head to the ticket center and collect your tickets for your tour (don’t forget that you must arrive 90 minutes before the start time of your tour) and then go to the castle of your tour. Enjoy the tour and take some amazing photos, and then head back to Munich the same way you came (and don’t forget, the ticket should still be valid so you don’t have to buy a new one).

Insider tip

I recommend talking the walking path to the right of Neuschwanstein as far as it will go. You get to a bridge where you can take an amazing photo of the castle. If you keep going along the path it will eventually come to an end, but there is a section you can climb up a bit and get a more private view of the castle. It’s definitely worth the extra effort!