Hohenschwangau Castle
Alpseestraße 30, Schwangau, Germany, 87645
Located on a hilltop over the Alpsee and Schwansee lakes, the Hohenschwangau Castle (Schloss Hohenschwangau) is a dramatic 19th-century fortress built by the king of Bavaria. Often overshadowed by its neighbor, the Neuschwanstein Castle, the Hohenschwangau is worth a visit for its dazzling interior decor and striking views of the Alpsee and surrounding mountains.
The Basics
Day trips to the Hohenschwangau Castle often head out from Munich and include round-trip transportation and visits to other popular area attractions such as the Neuschwanstein Castle, Lake Alpsee, or the village of Schwangau.
Hohenschwangau Castle can only be visited on a guided tour at specific admission times. Book tours ahead of time to save time in line and be guaranteed your preferred time slot. Several hiking trails head out from Hohenschwangau and are worth exploring for excellent views of the castles.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castles are among the top tourist attractions in Bavaria.
- Save money by booking a combo tour of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein castles.
- Wear comfortable shoes; it is about a 20-minute walk from the ticket office to the castle.
- Hohenschwangau Castle is not wheelchair accessible; stairs must be ascended during castle tours.
How to Get There
Hohenschwangau Castle is located in southern Germany in the village of the same name. The castle is about 68 miles (110 kilometers) southeast of Munich near the Austrian border. The best way to reach the castle from Munich is via train to the nearby town of Fussen where you can then board a bus to Hohenschwangau. Opting for a private or small-group tour by bus or private transport will save you travel time.
When to Get There
Hohenschwangau Castle is open daily from 7:30am to 5:00pm during the summer months and from 8:30am to 3:00pm from mid-October through March. It’s best to reserve tickets in advance since tours can sell out during the summer months and holiday season. The castle can only be visited during the reserved admission time.
Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle
This late 19th-century Romanesque Revival style castle was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty castle and is one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. Like the Hohenschwangau Castle, the Neuschwanstein can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Visiting the castle is extremely popular so advanced reservation during the busy summer season is an absolute must.
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