Hey Lykkers! Ready to step into a real-life fairytale with us? We’re taking you on an adventure to the magical Neuschwanstein Castle, where stunning views and fascinating stories await.
Join us as we explore this enchanting destination!
<h3> Neuschwanstein Castle: The Fairytale Icon </h3>
Our journey began at the legendary Neuschwanstein Castle, perched high in the Bavarian Alps. Built by King Ludwig II, this castle looks like it’s straight out of a storybook. We couldn’t help but feel like characters in a fairytale as we approached the castle, with its white towers standing against the lush green backdrop of the mountains. One interesting fact we discovered was that Walt Disney used Neuschwanstein as the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Disneyland, which added a touch of nostalgia to our visit.
Opening Hours & Tickets: The castle is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (April to October) and from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (October to March). Tickets are €15 per person, and we highly recommend purchasing them online in advance, as it can get quite crowded, especially during peak season.
<b>Tip:</b> We opted for the guided tour, which gave us a deeper understanding of the castle’s history and King Ludwig II’s eccentric life. The intricate interiors and breathtaking views from the castle windows made the tour well worth it!
<h3> Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge): A View Worth the Hike </h3>
After exploring the castle, we made our way to Marienbrücke, or Mary’s Bridge. This is where you get that iconic view of Neuschwanstein Castle that you see in all the postcards. The walk to the bridge takes about 15-20 minutes, and although it was a bit of a climb, the view was absolutely worth it. Standing on the bridge, we could see the castle perfectly framed by the surrounding mountains and valleys. It was a moment we’ll never forget, and we spent quite a bit of time just soaking it all in.
<b>Tip:<b> We suggest visiting the bridge early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Also, wear comfortable walking shoes, as the path can be a bit steep.
<h3> Hohenschwangau Castle: The Childhood Home of King Ludwig II </h3>
Just a short distance from Neuschwanstein, we visited Hohenschwangau Castle, where King Ludwig II spent his childhood. Unlike the grandeur of Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau has a more traditional and warm feel, with beautiful murals depicting German legends and myths. We found it fascinating to learn that King Ludwig could see the construction of Neuschwanstein from his room in Hohenschwangau, giving us a glimpse into his dreamy imagination.
<b> Opening Hours & Tickets: </b> Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (April to October) and from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (October to March). Entry tickets are €21 per person, which includes a visit to both castles if you buy a combo ticket.
<b>Tip:</b> We combined our visit to Neuschwanstein with Hohenschwangau. It was great to see the contrast between where Ludwig grew up and the castle he built later in life. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss it!
<h3> Essential Tips for Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle </h3>
<b> Buy Tickets in Advance: </b> We recommend purchasing tickets online to save time. During peak season, tickets can sell out quickly, so plan ahead.
<b> Best Time to Visit: </b>Neuschwanstein Castle is beautiful all year round, but our favorite time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is especially vibrant.
<b>Bring Snacks:</b> There are some cafes and restaurants near the ticket center, but we found that bringing a few snacks and water was helpful, especially after the walk to the castle.
We hope you enjoyed joining us on this magical journey, Lykkers! Have you visited Neuschwanstein Castle, or is it on your travel bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
