Hohenschwangau Castle

4.6 (37,615 reviews)

CastleTourist AttractionHistorical PlacePoint of InterestEstablishment

Tickets: book ahead or walk in?

Book 4 weeks aheadBook in advance, it sells out

Same ticket office and timed entry system as Neuschwanstein, advance booking advised in summer.

How far ahead

2-4 weeks in summer, days off-season

Ticket release

Tickets released on hohenschwangau.de, often weeks ahead

Timed entry

Yes

Typical price

EUR 13

Busiest

10:00-14:00, July and August

Quietest time

Early morning or late afternoon weekdays

Skip-the-line ticket

Worth it

Skip-the-line tickets Official site Everything to book in advance in Füssen →

Best time to visit

Early morning right after opening or late afternoon, when the crowds of tourists at Neuschwanstein are smaller and it is calmer in these parts.

Budget tips

The entrance ticket costs around 15 euros, but it is worth buying a combined ticket for both castles (Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein) online in advance, you will save time in line and a few euros.

Recommended for

History lovers, Families with children, Romantics, Fans of King Ludwig II

Plan your visit

1.5-2 hours

About

Quick facts: King Maximilian II chose this castle as his summer residence and had it rebuilt in a romantic style. His son, Ludwig II, spent much of his childhood here and later watched the construction of nearby Neuschwanstein from its windows.

Highlights: In the Hall of Knights, huge murals depict the legend of the Swan Knight Lohengrin, which inspired Wagner to write his famous opera. From the castle window, there is a perfect view directly at Neuschwanstein, as if the two castles were holding a quiet dialogue across the valley.

Insider tips

Take a sweater or jacket for the tour, it is cold inside even in summer.
The best photo is from the road below the castle, where you can capture the entire facade with the snow-capped Alps in the background.
After the tour, take a walk to Lake Alpsee, it is only a 10-minute walk and the water has a beautiful turquoise color.
Avoid the lunchtime hours (11:00-14:00), that is when the largest organized groups arrive.