The town closest to Neuschwanstein Castle is Hohenschwangau.
Why Hohenschwangau is the Closest
Hohenschwangau is the direct gateway to Neuschwanstein Castle. It is the specific village where the path leading up to the iconic castle begins. For visitors, Hohenschwangau serves as the primary access point, offering the last opportunity for parking before embarking on the ascent to the castle. This village is strategically located right at the foot of the castle hill, making it the most immediate and convenient starting point for any visit. While often referred to as a village, Hohenschwangau is an integral part of the larger municipality of Schwangau.
Nearby Towns and Regions
While Hohenschwangau is the closest village providing direct access, Neuschwanstein Castle is also situated near a couple of other well-known towns in the picturesque Allgäu region of Bavaria, Germany. These towns play a significant role in accommodating visitors to the castles.
- Schwangau: Hohenschwangau is geographically part of the municipality of Schwangau. This broader area includes several villages and offers various accommodations and tourist facilities.
- Füssen: This charming, historic town is slightly further away than Schwangau but still very close. Füssen acts as a key transport hub for visitors to the castles, providing train connections and a wider range of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Many visitors base themselves in Füssen and travel a short distance to Hohenschwangau to access the castles.
Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle from Hohenschwangau
Once you arrive in Hohenschwangau, accessing Neuschwanstein Castle is straightforward. All ticket sales for Neuschwanstein (and Hohenschwangau Castle) occur at the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau village. From there, visitors have several options to reach Neuschwanstein, which is perched higher up on the hill:
- Walking: A scenic uphill walk typically takes about 30-40 minutes.
- Shuttle Bus: Buses operate from a stop near the Ticket Center, taking visitors closer to the Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) viewpoint, from where it's a short downhill walk to the castle entrance.
- Horse-drawn Carriage: Carriages offer a traditional and leisurely ride part of the way up the hill, followed by a short uphill walk.
Parking facilities are exclusively available in Hohenschwangau village, making it essential to start your journey here.
Key Locations at a Glance
To provide a clear understanding of the proximity of various locations to Neuschwanstein Castle, here's a quick overview:
| Location | Proximity to Neuschwanstein Castle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hohenschwangau | Immediate, Direct | The village at the foot of the castle, where the path begins, and all ticket sales and parking are located. |
| Schwangau | Very Close | The municipality that encompasses Hohenschwangau. It offers additional accommodation and services for visitors. |
| Füssen | Close | A larger, historic town a few kilometers away, serving as a primary transport hub and offering a wider array of amenities, including train access and more hotels. |
