Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen is one of the most iconic attractions in Germany, drawing approximately 1.5 million visitors each year with its fairy-tale architecture and breathtaking Alpine setting.

And honestly, we get it. The photos make it look like something straight out of a Disney movie—which, fun fact, it kind of is.

It was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle. But have you noticed that you only see photos of the outside, but never pictures of the inside?

That’s because photography inside the castle is not allowed, making it hard to evaluate if the tour is truly worth it. 

We have done the tour with friends from Mexico and Brazil, so let us give you our honest opinion about it. Is it really worth going inside for 30 minutes, given the ticket price of 18 euros per adult?

Let’s dig in and weigh the pros and cons of the tour inside, based on our own experience.

Is the Neuschwanstein Castle Tour Worth it? These are the Pros and Cons

View of Neuschwanstein from afar, the castle can only be visited with a guided tour.
Neuschwanstein Castle is stunning from the outside, but what about the inside?

The Pros: A Glimpse into A King’s World & Mind

Let’s start with the positives of taking the tour inside Neuschwanstein Castle. 

The guided tour itself offers historical context, shedding light on King Ludwig and the events surrounding the castle’s construction. The guides do a good job of explaining the symbolism behind the decor, making the experience much richer, especially since you cannot wander through the castle on your own—you must take either a guided tour or use an audio guide. 

One of the most captivating aspects of the tour is that you get a rare glimpse into the eccentric mind of King Ludwig II, also known as the ‘Mad King’.

Ludwig ascended to the Bavarian throne in 1864 at the age of 18 and became known for his fascination with grand architecture, art, and mythology. 

He was an enigmatic figure, deeply interested in romantic ideals and operas by Wagner, and he invested a lot into building elaborate palaces, including Neuschwanstein, which cost 6.2 million Deutsche Mark.

Despite his grand ambitions, Ludwig only lived to the age of 40. His mysterious death in 1886 only added to his legend, making him an intriguing historical figure in Germany. 

The Throne Room, for instance, is one of the highlights. It’s grand and opulent, with its golden chandeliers, mosaic floors, and stunning domed ceiling that creates an atmosphere of regal fantasy. We couldn’t help but feel awe-struck by the grandeur of it all. It’s truly like stepping into another world—a mix of medieval romance and Ludwig’s personal fantasies.

Another highlight of the tour is the King’s bedroom. The intricate woodwork here is very “special”, with the bed canopy resembling Gothic church spires. 

It’s said that it took 14 woodcarvers over four years to complete, and honestly, it shows. The attention to detail is breathtaking, and it gives you a sense of the dedication Ludwig had to his vision. 

The bed has been inspired by Wagner’s opera Tristan and Isolde, and you should really try to spot the many swans that can be found everywhere—even on the washstand and door knobs. 

The word ‘Schwan’ in ‘Neuschwanstein’ actually means ‘swan,’ which reflects Ludwig’s fascination with these majestic birds. Ludwig’s fascination with swans is evident throughout the castle, adding a unique charm to the experience.

Simply put, the tour lets you dive into the fairy-tale world and creative passions of King Ludwig II.

The Cons: Crowds, Limited Access, and Unfinished Rooms

Now, let’s talk about the downsides of the Neuschwanstein tour. 

We won’t sugarcoat it—Neuschwanstein can be incredibly crowded, and the guided tours are no exception. With over 1.5 million visitors each year, the groups can be quite large, and the experience of being shuffled from room to room can feel rushed. 

Some visitors do feel like they are being hurried along, but we personally did not have the same feeling. 

However, as you are part of a tour, you cannot walk at your own pace. When we are in these kinds of groups, we usually stay at the very end of the group and walk really slowly to make the most of it. 

And keep in mind that the tour guides work here every day, so it can happen that they are not as excited as you are. We found that our guide sounded like an audio tape, so sometimes it was hard to follow.

Another potential disappointment is that not all parts of the castle are accessible. The tour only covers a limited portion of the interior, focusing primarily on the main rooms that were completed before Ludwig’s mysterious death. 

We did not know this before, so we were a bit surprised. This is definitely something you should be aware of. If you come expecting to explore every nook and cranny of this fairy-tale castle, you might leave feeling a bit underwhelmed.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Neuschwanstein Tour

If you decide to take the tour to go inside Neuschwanstein Castle, we recommend planning ahead. 

Book your Neuschwanstein tickets online well in advance—at least a few weeks ahead, especially during the peak tourist season. 

English tours sell out fast during the high season, so make sure to secure your spot early. We also have a blog article about what to do if Neuschwanstein Castle tour tickets are sold out.

If you’re staying in Munich, you can book a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle with Viator*, including transportation from Munich to the castle. You can buy the castles entrance tickets on the tour bus.

Hohenschwangau Castle

Pairing your visit with a tour of Hohenschwangau Castle can also help make the experience more fulfilling. The contrast between Neuschwanstein, with its dreamy but incomplete interiors, and Hohenschwangau, with its lived-in feel, provides a fuller picture of Ludwig’s life and legacy. Take some time to explore Alpsee Lake as well—it’s a beautiful spot that offers a quiet escape from the tourist crowds, perfect for reflecting on your experience.

🏰 We recommend booking this guided tour from Munich to Neuschwanstein + Linderhof Palace*

Neuschwanstein Alternatives: Other Castles in Bavaria

If you’re on the fence about taking the Neuschwanstein tour, there are some fantastic alternatives in Bavaria that offer rich history and beautiful architecture without the same level of crowds:

Hohenschwangau Castle

Located right next door, it’s less crowded, and it’s where Ludwig spent his childhood. The tour here is more intimate, providing a better sense of the daily life of the Bavarian royal family.

Hohenschwangau Castle
Hohenschwangau Castle

Linderhof Palace

Another of Ludwig’s creations, which is much smaller but no less impressive. It has beautiful gardens and feels more intimate, offering a detailed look at Ludwig’s personal tastes and eccentricities.

🏰 1 Tour = 2 Castles
We recommend this guided tour from Munich to Neuschwanstein + Linderhof Palace*

Herrenchiemsee Palace

Inspired by Versailles, this palace is set on an island in the middle of Lake Chiemsee. The boat ride to the island adds an extra layer of adventure, and the palace itself is lavish, reflecting Ludwig’s admiration for French royalty. However, the landscape of the Bavarian Alps surrounding Neuschwanstein is unique and different from the setting at Herrenchiemsee, making each location distinct in its own way.

Burghausen Castle

For a different experience, Burghausen Castle is one of the longest castles in the world, stretching over a kilometer. It’s much less crowded, and you can explore at your own pace, making it a more relaxed experience. This castle has a more medieval and knightly character, do not expect it to be as highly decorated as Neuschwanstein.

Final Thoughts: Is the Inside Neuschwanstein Tour of Worth It?

Neuschwanstein is the most iconic castle in Germany—there is simply no comparison to it. 

If you are in the south of Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle is on many bucket lists. It would be like going to New York and not seeing the Statue of Liberty. 

Whether the Neuschwanstein Castle tour is worth it ultimately depends on your expectations. 

If you’re fascinated by history, enjoy elaborate architecture, and want to learn more about the enigmatic King Ludwig II, then the tour is likely worth your time and money. 

The intricate details of the interiors, the grand Throne Room, and the fascinating backstory of King Ludwig all contribute to making the experience truly memorable. 

Our friends from Mexico and Brazil were both fascinated by the landscape as well as the interior. 

Even if you do not get tickets for the inside, the landscape and the view from Marienbrücke are worth going for. 

However, be prepared for crowds and booking a guided tour. The Neuschwanstein tour is relatively short, and with only about one-third of the interior finished, it leaves some visitors wanting more time to appreciate the details.

If you go into it knowing that you might be shuffled along with 30 minutes to absorb everything, you might still enjoy the tour inside the castle for what it is—a brief but interesting look into the life and imagination of King Ludwig II and the fairy-tale vibe of medieval romance.

That being said, our personal opinion is: Yes, the Neuschwanstein tour is worth it.

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