[2025 Schwangau Attraction] Travel Guide for Hohenschwangau Castle (Updated Feb)

A Wonderland Where Fairytales and Reality Intertwine | Neuschwanstein Castle, Munich: Finding Sanctuary Amidst Snowy Mountains, Ancient Castles, and Lakeside Serenity—A Journey Through Time, Nature, and Culture Nestled in the embrace of the Alps, a gray-blue, spired castle stands proudly atop a snow-capped mountain, its milky-white exterior gently caressed by the morning mist. This is Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany—the prototype for Disney's iconic castle, and the "dream" that King Ludwig II dedicated his life to creating. Today, I trekked through the snow, traversed the dense forest, and found tranquility and poetry amidst the castle's reflection and the ripples of the lake, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Birth of a Fairytale: A Castle and a King's Obsession The legend of Neuschwanstein Castle began with King Ludwig II of Bavaria. From a young age, he was captivated by the mythical world of Wagner's operas, particularly the story of the Swan Knight in Lohengrin, and vowed to bring this fantasy to life. The castle's design blends Gothic spires, Byzantine golden domes, and the intricate carvings of the Baroque style. Every arched window and fresco is imbued with a fascination for swan imagery—from the swan-shaped faucets to the massive swan frescoes on the dome. Even the king's bedroom, adorned in interwoven deep blue and gold, resembles an opera stage. This "Fairytale King" poured all his passion into this project, but his excessive spending led to a financial crisis in the kingdom, and he mysteriously passed away before the castle's completion. Today, only 14 rooms are open to the public, but every detail speaks to his ultimate pursuit of art and nature: the colored glass and electric lights in the artificial stalactite cave, the Gothic carved wooden bed that took 14 craftsmen 4 years to complete… These hidden corners allow visitors to seemingly touch the soul of 19th-century Romanticism. Hiking Through Snowy Mountains and Lakeside: Healing in Nature The beauty of Neuschwanstein Castle extends far beyond its architecture. It also lies in the beauty of Alpsee and Schwansee. In winter, the mountains are covered in snow, the branches of black pines outlined like ink strokes, and the crunching snow underfoot brings back childhood memories. (Alpsee is next to the main road, while Schwansee requires taking another path at the bend by the yellow castle; there are signs to guide you.) The best spot to admire Neuschwanstein Castle is from Marienbrücke, which offers a panoramic view: the spires pierce the clouds and mist, Alpsee is like an emerald embedded in the mountains, and Schwansee, small and mirror-like, reflects the snowy mountains and flying birds. On a clear day, the lake is a transparent green, snowmelt trickles down to form streams, birdsong and the wind harmonize in the forest, and a few ducks glide across the water, creating ripples—this scene makes one understand why Ludwig II insisted on building his dream here. (The bridge may be closed on snowy days and requires two clear days to reopen.) Travel Tips: How to Plan a Perfect Fairytale Journey 1. Tickets and Time: During peak season (July–October), advance booking on the official website is required. Purchasing a combined ticket for "Neuschwanstein Castle + Hohenschwangau Castle + Museum" is recommended (available on Trip.com). Hohenschwangau Castle holds stories of Ludwig's childhood and Empress Sisi. The winter scenery is stunning, but be aware of the castle's earlier closing time. 2. Transportation: Take a train from Munich to Schwangau (Neuschwanstein. I took a bus from Munich Central Bus Station to Schwangau at 8:30 am on February 20, 2025, and returned from the same stop to Munich Central Bus Station at 4:45 pm. Tickets were purchased on Trip.com) or Füssen, then transfer to bus 73 for direct access. The hike up the mountain takes less than half an hour. Alternatively, take a horse-drawn carriage (paid) for a 19th-century aristocratic experience. 3. Photo Spots: Marienbrücke offers panoramic views of the castle. 4. Neuschwanstein Castle and Marienbrücke are on one side, while Hohenschwangau Castle (the yellow castle), Alpsee, and Schwansee are on the other (Schwansee and the yellow castle are in different directions from the fork in the road). The magic of Neuschwanstein Castle lies in its duality as both a historical fragment and a natural poem. As the setting sun paints the snowy mountains gold and the castle's silhouette fades into the twilight, you'll understand—this is not only the starting point of a fairytale but also a haven for every weary soul.

#castle Neuschwanstein Castle is revered for being the prototype of Disney’s Sleeping Princess castle, and basically everyone is rushing for it. But I would say that Old Swan Castle is more understated and more content than New Swan Castle, its simpler appearance. But the design of the inner rooms is full of thought, the 14 rooms inside are fairytale style, when many romantic style designers participated in the construction. I would say looking on the outside to see the New Swan Castle, looking on the inside to go to the Old Swan Castle. #100 Ways to Travel #Old Swan Castle #Romantic Design #Fairytale Inside #Castle #Germany Travel #Europe Travel

Another castle nestled at the foot of the mountains is Hohenschwangau Castle. Like Neuschwanstein Castle, visitors need to pay a reservation fee in advance. However, Hohenschwangau Castle is not included in the Bavarian Palace Pass, so visitors can only take photos from the outside. Does it resemble the castle from Super Mario when seen from afar? The trees below the mountain have peculiar branches, each standing out distinctly.

Across the mountain from Neuschwanstein Castle is the slightly dull-looking Schloß Hohenschwangau, which is also less attractive to tourists compared to Neuschwanstein Castle. Most visitors choose to skip this castle, even though it was where the builder of Neuschwanstein Castle, "Mad King" Ludwig II, spent most of his life. As early as the 12th century, the noble knights of Schwangau built the prototype of the Neuschwanstein Castle, which became the central theme of courtly love poetry at that time. After experiencing abandonment and destruction in wars, it was on the verge of collapse until Ludwig II's father, Maximilian II, bought it in the 19th century and had it renovated. Many famous artists of the Romantic period participated in the restoration work, allowing people today to visit the 14 rooms inside the castle. Ludwig II lived here since childhood, and it was here that he developed his somewhat eccentric personality and his passionate pursuit of art. This is where the fairy tale king of Bavaria handled official business and received guests, and where he met Wagner. Nowadays, there are also 14 rooms open to tourists in Neuschwanstein Castle, which require following a guide for visiting, similar to the way of visiting the New Swan Castle. If you need to visit both Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle on the same day, it is recommended to make an appointment for tickets in advance to avoid spending a lot of time waiting for the guided tour on site. However, even if you don't visit the rooms in Hohenschwangau Castle, it doesn't hurt to take a look at the romantic appearance of the castle.

One of the most beautiful and alluring castles in Germany. Highly recommended to visit it during your trip to Fussen and especially to Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle is also lovely although the main highlight is still the Neuschwanstein Castle. This was where King Ludwig 2 spent his childhood. We learnt a little more about his parents and his brother from the castle tour which lasted about 50 mins. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

Hohenschwangau Castle, also known as Hohenschwangau, is a castle in the village of Hohenschwangau in Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany. It is located across the hill from Neuschwanstein Castle and is adjacent to the city of Fussen. Gossau Castle is a gem of German Romanticism. It was ushered in its great period after its completion in the 12th century and became the central theme of the court's lyric poetry. The sun shines on the banks of the Lech River, but the red houses at the foot of the mountain are conspicuous. Standing in front of the ancient church, staring at history.

The interior of the Hohenschwangau Castle cannot be photographed, and we are booking the afternoon tour time. It is also good to see the location first. It has been so many days in Germany. It is finally clear today, super happy. The bright yellow exterior wall is a bright color. Goshen Castle is a gem of German Romanticism. It was ushered in its great period after the completion of the 12th century and became the court lyric poetry. Central theme. A castle in the village of Hohenschwangau in Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany, across the hill from Neuschwanstein, next to the city of Fussen. The castle of Gothenburg, a world of fairy tales, was built in accordance with the castle style of England and the Gothic Tudel style. The father of King Ludwig II was revisited in 1832-1836, and many famous Romantic artists participated in the reconstruction work. The romantic style in Goshen Castle has had a major impact on the character of King Ludwig II. He is said to be very introverted and will not see anyone even when dining. There are 14 rooms in the castle and a large number of rich collections are open for visitors. Unfortunately, you can't take pictures, but it is also a great way to provide Chinese headphones. This is the only photo I took in Hohenschwangau, not the interior but the beautiful view of the Alpine Snow Mountain.