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Neuschwanstein Castle with Kids: A Modern Fairy Tale

Perhaps, there is no other castle more photographed than Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle (approximate pronunciation Noy – SHVAN – shtine) It is visited by more than a million people every year and is said to be Disney’s inspiration for the Cinderella castle in Florida. I’ve dreamt of visiting this castle since I was a little girl. Apparently, I’ve shown these images enough to my daughter for her to have the same travel dream. It has been the image of an ideal castle for me but did it live up to our expectations?

Neuschwanstein Castle hill

It was a majestic sight from afar and as we got closer, it looked even more incredible. Neuschwanstein meaning “New Swan Castle” was one of three castles built by the “fairytale King” – King Ludwig II of Bavaria. He became king at 18 years old in 1864.

A war lost against Prussia led to Ludwig retaining a title and office with limited powers. He decided to create his own kingdom, with extravagant castles serving more as retreats and hideaways, to have some semblance of power. He was ultimately declared insane and whose drowning is still shrouded in mystery.

Neuschwanstein castle exterior

Construction started in 1869 and Ludwig moved in to an unfinished castle in 1884. Much of what we see today was completed in 1892 with a total construction time of 24 years. Ludwig expected three years completion but its location and his extravagant plans made that impossible.

The castle is located near the town of Fussen in southwest Bavaria overlooking the village of Hohenschwangau. Built on a mountain ridge known as “Jugend” with magnificent views, this area was a royal family favorite spot.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Don’t make the mistake of heading straight to the castle. The Hohenschwangau village is a delightful place to walk around. The buildings have windows overflowing with flowers and some with painted colorful frescoes on the walls. There were a few souvenir stores, lodging and restaurants and the Bavarian King Museums too.

Hohenschwangau village
If we had more time, we would have loved to spend a few days in this area and explored it more. There were a few hiking and bike paths including a couple of nature reserve areas. We loved walking by Alpsee Lake. It was so serene and the reflections were mesmerizing.

Neuschwanstein Lake Alpsee

Hohenschwangau Palace sits on a hill across from Neuschwanstein and accessible by stairs from the village. This was Ludwig’s childhood home which was a source of inspiration for him to create a “more beautiful and habitable” castle.

Ludwig originally named Neushwanstein “New Hohenschwangau Castle”.  Bavarian authorities renamed it after Ludwig’s death and opened it as a tourist attraction.

Hohenschwangau castle

Getting to the Castle

Visitors have three options to get up to the castle. The first is hiking up a steep hill that probably would have taken awhile to get to with kids in tow. Many also preferred to go on a horse-drawn carriage which adds to the fairy tale mystique. But, these were few and far between.

Neuschwanstein horse carriage
The most popular option is the bus which is what we took and cost less than 3 Euros roundtrip. There only seemed to be two buses during the height of summer season which was very surprising. The lines look daunting but go quickly once it’s there. They really do pack these buses to the brim and there are limited seats so expect to stand.

Neuschwanstein bus
But, the buses didn’t drop us right at the castle gate. There was still another 10-15 minute walk before entering the castle. Most of it downhill on the way to the castle but a steep incline on the way back.

Neuschwanstein walk
Though, the walk is broken up with some beautiful views of the Hohenschwangau, the Alpsee lake and the Bavarian Alps. We joined the rest of the tourists here to admire the view. It’s no wonder the royals chose this area to build their castles.

Neushwanstein tourists
The last few minutes of the walk with the castle in sight made us all very anxious. There was an unexplicable level of excitement to finally seeing this castle that has been on my mind for years. The kids raced in front of us because they really wanted to go inside the castle and explore.

Neuschwanstein castle with kids

I was half expecting a moat and drawbridge to enter the castle but there was none. Instead, it was an archway entrance which led us to a walled courtyard.

Neuschwanstein castle entrance

The Castle Tour

We got a glimpse of the Gateway Building which was the first part of the castle built and where Ludwig stayed whenever he visited the construction site. But, this wasn’t part of our tour.

Neushwanstein Gate house

Spend some time walking around the courtyard and looking at the surrounding scenery. The architecture was amazing and felt like setting foot inside a fairy tale book (minus all the tourists). We loved all the spires and turrets surrounding us.

Neushwanstein castle courtyard

Each castle ticket is assigned a specific time to go on the 35-minute tour. It felt ike being at an amusement park but was well organized. The blinking ticket time told us when to get in a specific gate for our tour guide to meet us.

Neuschwanstein tour lines
There were about 50 people per tour. We had a wonderful tour guide who spoke excellent English. We toured about 15 rooms but weren’t allowed to take any pictures. It seemed like there was always someone around watching. We got to see the two-story throne room, Ludwig’s bedrooms making it more clear just how eccentric he was. He clearly had an obsession with swans.

After seeing various European castles over the years, some rooms were a bit dark and lack the opulence of the other royals. Maybe I was expecting a lot of gilded ceilings and walls. We loved the Singer’s Hall which took up most of the fourth floor.

Ludwig was an avid admirer of German composer, Richard Wagner. Many parts of the castle’s interior pay tribute to characters in Wagner’s operas, particularly Lohengrin (the Swan Knight), through murals and various art pieces.

Neuschwanstein was built with some advanced technology for its time in the late 18th century which included central heating, flush toilets, telephones and hot/cold running water. Much like an amusement park ride, the tour ended by the giftshop.

The one room we were allowed to take a picture of was the huge kitchen afterwards. It was also considered modern for its time.

Neuschwanstein kitchen
Before going back on the bus, we went to one of the must stop places here which was Marienbrücke or Marien Bridge built above the Pöllat Gorge.

Neuschwanstein Marienbrücke

Named for Ludwig’s mother and built for her by his father, this iron bridge was the place to go to for this popular view and pictures of Neuschwanstein Castle.

Neuschwanstein castle ravine
Of course, expect it to be very crowded. This is what we saw when we first got there. It wasn’t a very wide bridge and it was a bit of a challenge to pose with the castle without anyone next to you. But, we managed.

Marienbrucke with people
Patience is the key here as we tried to maneuver ourselves to the middle and eventually to the end of the bridge where it was less crowded. This is not the spot to be for anyone who is afraid of heights. I was a bit uncomfortable being on this bridge after seeing a long way down to the ravine. But with breathtaking views surrounding us, it was easy to momentarily forget what we were standing on. Neuschwanstein with kids

While I was disappointed with how short the tour was, feeling rushed and that we only got to see 15 chambers, it lived up to my expectations for the most part. The number of tourists was a bit unappealing so I really would like to experience this castle in the winter when it’s also covered in snow and hopefully with less people.

It was still amazing to finally see the splendor of Neuschwanstein Castle in person. Do spend some time in the village and surrounding area though. The region is absolutely beautiful.

Hohenschwangau and Lake Alpsee

Tips for Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle with Kids

  • Visiting the inside of the castle can only be done as part of a guided tour where tickets must be purchased before going to the castle at the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau village.
  • Tickets: Adults 15.50 euros ($18 US); Children 17 and younger (2.50 euro). Prices as of Summer 2021. Other combination tickets are also available.
  • Reserve tickets in advance online or through the phone for specific times with an additional fee of 1.80 euro per person. Try to get the earlier tours.
  • If you’re going to be visiting other palaces and castles, look into the 14-day Bavarian Palace Pass which allows free entry to over 40 attractions. Family pass – 44 euro ($54 US). We used our pass here but we couldn’t reserve the specific time we wanted. We were able to bypass the ticket line and go straight to the reserved ticket lines though.
  • Check out the Childrens Page on the Neuschwanstein website for some fun games and activities to download for the kids.
  • Get to the castle way before your scheduled time to have a look around and in case the lines to the buses or carriages are too long. We went up an hour before our time and had a leisurely stroll.
  • Use the restrooms (free) by the entrance before heading for the tour.
  • Lockers are available and free to use in the room across from the restrooms. There’s a 3 Euro deposit but is returned after each use.
  • There were a lot of narrow and winding stairs (over 160 steps) on the tour. There was a lot of walking so be prepared to carry younger children in carriers. You cannot bring strollers/prams into the castle.
  • Many day tours are available from Munich. We had a rental car and chose to drive. This is a better option with kids. It allows you to go on your own pace and do side trips to Oberammergau and neighboring Linderhof Castle.

Neuschwanstein castle mural

*Have you visited Neuschwanstein Castle? Is it on your travel list?

Where to stay in Hohenschwangau village

  • Save up to 50% on Value Deals in Hohenschwangau through Booking.com!
  • Find the best Hohenschwangau hotels and read reviews on TripAdvisor.

Flights/Vacation Packages

  • Compare airlines, dates and prices all in one place with Skyscanner

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Neuschwanstein Castle with kids

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42 thoughts on “Neuschwanstein Castle with Kids: A Modern Fairy Tale”

  1. It really does look like a fairy tale castle – I once might have imagined living there but now I don’t know that I could be doing with all that cleaning! It looks fascinating, and the village also looks so pretty. On my wishlist :)

  2. Visiting this castle has been my dream for years! I grew up with Disney and I guess that’s why I want to go there so much. The castle is just stunning, I wish I could stay there a whole day!
    Though I can understand, I always hate it when we can’t take pictures inside a palace/ castle. Looking at the interior of a beautiful palace, I always hope I could remember it forever because I can’t take photos :( Sadly I don’t have a photographic memory LOL

    1. Thanks Halida! I don’t have a photographic memory either so we had to buy a book. I think it was Disney who made me really want to visit this castle. I’m not a big fan of castles who prohibit picture taking.

  3. I had a photograph of this castle on my wall, and I always dreamed about living in it. Or at least visiting :)

    Beautiful photos… make me want to put it back on the list!

  4. Oh my God my dear! I’m really feeling like being in a fairy-tale. What a
    wonderful castle and it’s scenery! Take me there next time!!

  5. It really is beautiful, Mary. I’m not surprised that it took so long to build. There are so many different and time consuming architectural details there.
    Glad you were able to finally see it after it’s been so many years on your list. I love that shot of you and your family on the bridge with the castle in the background.

    1. Thanks Marcia! It’s mind-boggling to think about the logistics to build this castle. No wonder it cost a fortune. We owe that picture to a very nice stranger after many practice shots.

  6. One of my favourite places in Europe, I really loved my visit to this beautiful castle. Thank you for sharing your post and those beautiful pictures!

  7. Despite the crowds it seems to be one of those must-see castles. I like your idea of visiting in the winter with a dusting of snow. Looks like your kids enjoyed this outing. And what a wonderful lot of photos you got – or your husband got!

  8. I’ve been the castle but not the bridge, it is different that when you are on your own you have more time than taking a guided tour…but then I didn’t know anything about the bridge and did get that amazing view from a distance. Beautiful just like Disneyland in real life!

    1. You’re right it was a lot like Disney in real life. This was one castle I didn’t want to do a tour from Munich. The bridge was wonderful and there were also hiking trails below.

  9. Wow, what a grand place to visit. The castle is beautiful, like in a fairytale. And I love the waterfalls. Thanks for sharing your visit. Have a happy weekend!

  10. eileen at FamiliesGo!

    we went when Tiny Traveler was 3.5. She still remembers there was a cave inside the castle. That made quite an impression. I’m very happy she saw the real thing before the Disney version.

  11. I think Neuschwanstein is a gorgeous and fun castle to visit, but I would suggest going in the spring or late fall. It is usually very overrun by tourists. I would also suggest trying to buy your tickets online so that you don’t have to worry about getting in or waiting in line. Thankfully, there are plenty of good restaurants nearby, so you can enjoy an ice cream or beverage while you are waiting. Great post. Very complete!

  12. I’m a lover of castles so this has always been on my list. Thank you for all of the helpful tips. I’ll definitely give myself a few days to explore the surrounding area instead of just a day trip to the castle. Great photos!

    Happy Travels :)

  13. This is a place on the top of my list! Thanks for this great visual tour. In my draft itinerary I was planning on staying in Hohenschwangau overnight to try and get the first tour and beat the crowds, but I guess this is nearly impossible.
    I am taking as many notes as I can from this great post, thank you!!!

  14. The whole village look like something out of a Disney movie – it’s hard to imagine actually living there! I’d love to see the castle in winter.

  15. Mary, you’ve written so many posts that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. But, this one goes to the top of that list for me personally as the Neuschwanstein Castle is the most iconic structure/picture in the world for me. It represents Germany and Bavaria and that it being my #1 bucket list item! I’ve read this post twice now. Thank you! :)

  16. Hi Mary,
    Now I know where the turrets of the castles in DisneyWorld was modeled from! It truly is a beautiful castle, definitely out of the pages of a fairty tale book. It’s great that you and your daughter finally got to see the castle of your dream. it’s just too bad you had to share it with tons of people. I guess with a place as beautiful as that, you kinda expect it to be crowded. Would like to see it myself one day. Yes, a winter time visit is probably a good idea. Thanks for the history bits. I did really enjoy it.
    I love your family photo! It’s gorgeous. You should enlarge and frame it!

  17. I have always wanted to visit this castle, but all I really knew about it was the Disney connection and what it looked like from afar. Thank you so much for telling us more details about what an actual visit is like and the little tip not to skip the village. Just by looking at the great family photo, I would have never guessed the bridge was that crowded.

    1. Hi Richard! You can visit the Marian Bridge without a castle ticket nor is it part of the castle tour. It is away from castle. You’ll pass it before the castle if you’re taking the bus up. You’ll need a it of a hike to the bridge if you’re on the carriage or walking up. Enjoy your visit!

  18. Thanks for your post! I’m going next week with my 3 year old, but we are aiming in not going inside the castles, just go up, see it from close by and see it from the bridge and then go to Tegelberg. The big question is, can we get the horse carriadge and/or the bus up and down with the pram? I know you said we can’t go inside with the pram, but since we are not planning on entering that’s not a problem… Thank you!

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