6 sure-fire ways to beat the crowds at Neuschwanstein Castle

Q: Are booking Neuschwanstein Castle guided tours worth it?

With {experience type="POPUP" id="9789" text="Neuschwanstein Castle guided tours"}, you can get direct entry to the palace. While you cannot completely bypass the crowds, your wait time will be reduced if you book the tours in advance and arrive early. The guided tours also include add-ons like transfers from Munich, a professional tour guide, and access to the nearby Linderhof Castle, enhancing your sightseeing experience.

Fast Track Entry

How long are the queues at Neuschwanstein Castle?

The Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular landmarks in Germany and attracts several visitors year-round. The Bavarian King Ludwig II had commissioned this castle to showcase his love for the arts. The palace is famous for its unique swan motifs and colorful frescoes, depicting scenes from Wagner’s operas.

Its immense popularity translates to longer crowds and wait times, especially during the peak summer season, between July and August. Standing under the scorching sun for 1 to 2 hours is not the ideal way to start your vacation. But, fret not! Book Neuschwanstein Castle guided tours to skip ahead of long lines and save time.

Neuschwanstein Castle opening hours

Entry inside Neuschwanstein Castle

There are two main entry points to Neuschwanstein Castle:

Hohenschwangau Ticket Center: This is the primary entry point for visitors to Neuschwanstein Castle. It is located in the village of Hohenschwangau, about 2.5 kilometres from the castle itself. After you validate your tickets at this ticket center, you have to take a shuttle bus or walk up to the castle.
Mary's Bridge (Marienbrucke): You can also access the castle via the Mary's Bridge, which offers stunning views of the castle and the surrounding scenery. The bridge is about a 30-minute walk from the ticket center and provides an alternate route to the castle. The bridge may be closed during the rainy season or winter months as the metal walkway gets too slippery.

The length of these queues may vary depending on the time of year and the number of visitors. During the peak tourist season, typically from June to September, the waiting time can range from an hour to almost half a day.

The walk up from the ticket center up the Neuschwanstein Castle entrance is an uphill climb, taking around 15 to 20 minutes. To make your journey more interesting, we recommend opting for a horse-drawn carriage ride up the castle. The carriage drops you off slightly away from the main gate and makes you feel like a princess stepping into a fairytale castle.

Inside Neuschwanstein Castle

How to skip long lines at the Neuschwanstein Castle?

Book guided tours

We recommend booking Neuschwanstein Castle guided tours to avoid long lines at the entrance. Enjoy added amenities like round-trip transfers from Munich, flexible booking policies, and an expert tour guide.

Neuschwanstein Castle guided tours

Visit during off season

The Neuschwanstein Castle remains crowded almost throughout the year, especially during the peak summer months, between June to August, when it is teeming with visitors. To avoid crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons, between March to June or September to October.

Best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle

3. Arrive early in the day

Visiting the castle early in the morning when it first opens is another way to avoid long queues. By skipping ahead of long lines, you can maximize your time and enjoy other activities, such as exploring the nearby town of Fussen or hiking in the surrounding Alps.

Best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle

5. Use the Mary's Bridge

You can also access the castle via the Marienbrücke Bridge, which offers stunning views of the castle and the surrounding scenery. Using this alternate route can help you avoid the long queues at the Hohenschwangau Ticket Center.

Mary's Bridge (Marienbrucke)

Frequently asked questions about skipping the lines at Neuschwanstein Castle

How can I avoid crowds at Neuschwanstein Castle?

The best way to skip ahead of the lines at the Neuschwanstein Castle entrance is to arrive early in the day and visit during the off season. You can also book guided tours to get priority entry, round-trip transfers from Munich, and a detailed tour of the castle.

What is the general waiting time to get into Neuschwanstein Castle?

During the peak season, between June and August, the castle is most crowded with visitors. The waiting time can range between 1 to 2 hours. The shoulder seasons, March to May, and September to October are slightly less crowded. We recommend arriving early in the morning, as soon as the palace opens, for a quieter visit.

Where can I book Neuschwanstein Castle tours?

We recommend booking Neuschwanstein Castle tickets and tours online to save time and money. With online ticket bookings, you can ensure guaranteed access and browse through a variety of options to choose the one that best fits your needs.

Are booking Neuschwanstein Castle guided tours worth it?

With Neuschwanstein Castle guided tours, you can get direct entry to the palace. While you cannot completely bypass the crowds, your wait time will be reduced if you book the tours in advance and arrive early. The guided tours also include add-ons like transfers from Munich, a professional tour guide, and access to the nearby Linderhof Castle, enhancing your sightseeing experience.

Can I beat the crowds if I book tickets on the day of my visit?

While it is best to book tickets in advance, you can beat the crowds with Neuschwanstein Castle premium guided tours or fast-track entry tickets. However, you may still get long lines outside the castle. Pre-purchased tickets are highly recommended, especially during the summer season.