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How To Visit Neuschwanstein Castle By Train

Neuschwanstein Castle is Germany’s most famous castle. Located just under 2.5 hours from Munich, it is easy to visit it by train. It receives more than 1.3 million visitors per year, and it provided the inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty. This is why it is often referred to as the Disney Castle. 

 

Equally intriguing is King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who built the castle in 1869 as a personal refuge but died mysteriously before its completion.

 

A visit to Neuschwanstein gives you a glimpse into the mind of the eccentric king. You can decide for yourself whether he was mad or just highly imaginative.

Laurel Robbins

@laurel_robbins

How to get from Munich to Füssen by train

 

Your journey starts at München Hbf, Munich’s central station. Take advantage of the Interrail German Rail Pass for this adventure and all of its benefits. The train from Munich to Füssen takes about 2 hours, and mountain peaks and cows grazing on slopes greet you as you approach your destination. Trains leave every hour and require no reservation. Depending on your connection, there is a chance you have to switch trains in Augsburg or Geltendorf.

 

germany-munich-central-stiation-trains

 

Buses will carry you on from Füssen station. Ride line RVA/OVG 73 in the direction of Steingaden/Garmisch-Partenkirchen or line RVA/OVG 78 in the direction of Schwangau. From both buses, leave at the Hohenschwangau/Alpseestraße stop. The ride takes 8 to 10 minutes and costs around 2.60 euros each way. Once you reach the village of Hohenschwangau, it is about a 30-minute walk to Neuschwanstein castle.

 

If you are travelling with your bags, there is luggage storage at Füssen station.

 

Additional info about how to visit Neuschwanstein Castle

 

Before you make the trek up to visit Neuschwanstein castle, remember to buy the 15-euro ticket at the ticket centre in Hohenschwangau – it is not possible at the castle itself. It is a good idea to buy your ticket online if you plan to visit during the busy summer months. There is a reservation fee, but it guarantees entry and helps you avoid the long wait to enter the castle (A friend of mine recently waited five hours in line.) 

 

3 other things to do in Füssen

If you have got a whole day in Füssen, consider the following activities after visiting the castle:

 

1. Take a tour of Hohenschwangau Castle 

The childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Although the castle only dates back to the 19th century, it is built on the remains of a 12th-century fortress. Admission is by guided tour only.

germany-fussen-castle-hohenschawnagau-panoramic-view

2. Get lost in Füssen’s old town 

The Altstadt dates back more than 700 years and is the southernmost point on the Romantic Road route. Highlights include The Hohes Schloss, a well-preserved late gothic castle complex, and the 8th-century Benedictine Monastery of St. Mang.

germany-fussen-houses

3. Hike or bike in the Bavarian Alps 

Füssen is surrounded by mountain peaks, and the surrounding region boasts 1500 km (935 miles) of well-marked cycling trails. It is a perfect place to get off the beaten path and explore.

germany-bavaria-mountains

Ready to buy a rail Pass? 

The Interrail Global Pass, valid in 33 countries, is the best low-cost rail pass to travel around Europe (Germany included*). And you can choose from different validities to better suit your perfect rail itinerary (from 4 travel days within a month to 3 months of unlimited train travel in Europe). 

 

If you want to stay in Germany for your entire trip, check out the Interrail Germany Pass (from 3 to 5 travel days within a month). 

 

Seat reservations in Germany

One of the best things about travelling in Germany with an Interrail Pass is that very few trains require a mandatory seat reservation (they are optional on the InterCity (IC) / ICE / EuroCity (EC) trains). This means you can travel the length and breadth of this country and hop on domestic trains without the hassle of booking a seat reservation unless you want to guarantee a seat on the high-speed trains. 

 

* Do you live and reside in Germany? Sorry, you can't use the Interrail Germany Pass, but you can have one outbound and one inbound journey with the Interrail Global Pass. 

 

Want more info about trains in Germany? 

Here's everything you need to know about Deutsche Bahn (DB), popular connections, train travel times and trains in Germany (both domestic and international). 

 

Accommodation in Füssen

The best low-cost option for staying in Füssen is the following:

  • Youth Hostel Füssen  is located a 10-minute walk from the train station. Interrail Pass holders can get the hostel card for free!

 

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