Neuschwanstein Castle Opening Hours

Timings

Neuschwanstein Castle

The Neuschwanstein Castle is open from 9 am to 6 pm between 23rd March and 15th October. It is open from 10 am to 4 pm from 16th October to 22nd March.

Jan - Mar

Apr - Jun

Jul - Sep

Oct - Dec

Jan 1 TO Mar 22 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Mar 22)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–16:00	15:30
Tuesday	10:00–16:00	15:30
Wednesday	10:00–16:00	15:30
Thursday	10:00–16:00	15:30
Friday	10:00–16:00	15:30
Saturday	10:00–16:00	15:30
Sunday	10:00–16:00	15:30

Mar 23 TO Oct 15 Timings Days (Mar 23 TO Oct 15)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:00–18:00	16:00
Tuesday	09:00–18:00	16:00
Wednesday	09:00–18:00	16:00
Thursday	09:00–18:00	16:00
Friday	09:00–18:00	16:00
Saturday	09:00–18:00	16:00
Sunday	09:00–18:00	16:00

The Neuschwanstein Castle remains closed on 1st January, 24th, 25th, and 31st December.

Linderhof Castle

Jan - Mar

Apr - Jun

Jul - Sep

Oct - Dec

Jan 1 TO Mar 22 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Mar 22)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–16:30	16:00
Tuesday	10:00–16:30	16:00
Wednesday	10:00–16:30	16:00
Thursday	10:00–16:30	16:00
Friday	10:00–16:30	16:00
Saturday	10:00–16:30	16:00
Sunday	10:00–16:30	16:00

Mar 23 TO Oct 15 Timings Days (Mar 23 TO Oct 15)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:00–18:00	17:30
Tuesday	09:00–18:00	17:30
Wednesday	09:00–18:00	17:30
Thursday	09:00–18:00	17:30
Friday	09:00–18:00	17:30
Saturday	09:00–18:00	17:30
Sunday	09:00–18:00	17:30

The exhibition at the Royal Lodge is open from 11am to 6pm between April and 15 October. During the Bavarian school holidays, Sundays, public holidays, and between 16 October and March, it is open from noon to 4:30pm.
All buildings inside the Linderhof Palace are closed on 1 January, 24, 25, and 26 December.
The Moorish Kiosk and Hunding’s Hut are closed from 16 October to 14 April.
The Venus Grotto is closed for restoration work until the summer of 2025.
In winter, all park buildings except the Royal Lodge are closed.

Best time to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekdays are comparatively less crowded, giving you more time to explore the Neuschwanstein Castle and the nearby Linderhof Castle.
If you are planning a weekend visit, catch an early morning bus, or choose tours that begin early in the day to comfortably explore the castle premises. Since most locals take Fridays off to spend a weekend getaway around Neuschwanstein Castle, expect longer wait times at restaurants.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Peak season vs low season

Shoulder season (April to May): April and May are the best months to visit the castle. The weather is cooler than the summer months, ideal for a hike around the castle.
Peak season (June to October): These months are the busiest in the year. Most school and college students visit around this time after their semesters, so you may find a large number of group tours inside the castle. Afternoons tend to be quieter during these months.
Low season (November to March): Many areas in and around Neuschwanstein Castle experience snowfall in the winter months. While the snow makes for stunning visuals of the castle, it is difficult to hike up the hill and explore the surroundings during these months.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long do you need to tour Neuschwanstein Castle?

To make the most of your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, we recommend you spend at least 5 to 6 hours exploring the castle premises. Given the extensive range of rooms and intricate artifacts housed inside the castle, you may spend a full day exploring the castle.

The Neuschwanstein Castle is situated on top of a hill overlooking the lush Hohenschwangau Valley in the Bavarian Alps. If you love nature and are an outdoor adventure enthusiast, you may consider spending more time exploring the castle grounds and going hiking along the nearby trails.

Most Neuschwanstein Castle guided tours include comfortable, air-conditioned transfers and provide access to the nearby Linderhof Castle, another extravagant residence commissioned by King Ludwig II. Including transfers, you need around 10 hours to explore both the castles.

Tips to note when visiting the Neuschwanstein Castle

Plan a day trip: The Neuschwanstein Castle is flanked by the Hohenschwangau Castle, a few miles away. The Linderhof Castle, another fairytale-like castle commissioned by King Ludwig II is situated around a 2-hour drive away. Keep a few hours on hand and visit the surrounding castles when touring Neuschwanstein.

Arrive early: The Neuschwanstein Castle is spread across a large area on top of a hill. You need at least 5 to 6 hours to tour the castle. Make sure to reach early in the morning to experience some quiet moments within the castle before the morning rush.

Wear comfortable shoes: You have to walk up a steep and uneven hill to reach the castle. Even if you choose a horse-drawn carriage, you must walk a short distance to enter the premises. There are several rooms inside the castle which you must explore. Wear your most comfortable and closed shoes when touring Neuschwanstein Castle.

Respect photography policies: You are not allowed to click pictures of the interiors of the Neuschwanstein Castle. Please be mindful of these restrictions.

Visit Marienbrucke: While you are not allowed to photograph the interiors, make sure to bring a camera to click stunning visuals of the Neuschwanstein Castle from a nearby bridge, called Marienbrucke.

Avoid large bags: If you are carrying large backpacks or suitcases, drop them off at the castle’s cloakroom before beginning your tour.

Frequently asked questions about Neuschwanstein Castle’s opening hours

What are the Neuschwanstein Castle’s opening hours?

The Neuschwanstein Castle is open from 9 am to 6 pm between 23rd March and 15th October. The castle is open between 10 am and 4 pm from 16th October to 22nd March.

Is the Neuschwanstein Castle open at night?

No, the Neuschwanstein Castle closes around 4 pm to 6 pm, depending on the season. From March to October, the days are longer and the castle remains open until 6 pm. The castle closes at 4 pm between October and March, as the winter months experience snowfall and the days are much shorter.

When is the Neuschwanstein Castle closed?

The Neuschwanstein Castle is closed on 1st January, 24th, 25th, and 31st December.

Is the Neuschwanstein Castle open on weekends?

Yes, the Neuschwanstein Castle is open on Saturdays and Sundays. The weekends are the busiest visiting hours. Most locals and several tourists prefer taking Fridays off and going on hikes around the castle premises.

Is the Neuschwanstein Castle open throughout the year?

No, the Neuschwanstein Castle remains closed on 1st January, 24th, 25th, and 31st December.

When is the best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle?

Weekends are the busiest hours for Neuschwanstein Castle. If you plan a visit during the weekend, try to arrive at Schwangau as early as possible. April, May, September, and October offer pleasant weather, which is neither too hot nor too cold. You can comfortably hike up the castle hill and enjoy touring the castle premises.

How long does it take to explore the Neuschwanstein Castle?

You need at least 5 to 6 hours to tour the Neuschwanstein Castle interiors and take a stroll around its gardens. Most Neuschwanstein Castle guided tours include access to the nearby Linderhof Castle. Including transfers from Munich and a photo stop at Oberammergau, you need at least 10 hours and 30 minutes to explore the Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Castle.

Should I purchase Neuschwanstein Castle tickets in advance?

Yes, we recommend you book Neuschwanstein Castle tickets in advance to ensure guaranteed access and take advantage of the inclusions. With premium guided tours of the Neuschwanstein Castle, you can enjoy priority access and explore the nearby Linderhof Castle. An English-speaking guide will accompany you on your tour. You can also avail yourself of multilingual audio guides and enjoy complimentary snacks, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioned buses, and train coaches.