Planned your dream visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, only to find out that tickets are completely sold out? Frustrating, right? You’re not alone—this fairy-tale destination, often called the “Disney castle,” sells out quickly, especially in peak summer months.

But don’t cancel your plans just yet! There are still ways to experience Neuschwanstein—even without a ticket. Whether you’re looking for last-minute ticket hacks or the best free views of the castle, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll share insider tips to help you:
Snag last-minute Neuschwanstein tickets (even when they seem gone)
Explore stunning viewpoints to see the castle for free
Discover nearby hidden gems to make your trip unforgettable

👉 Keep reading to find out how to save your Neuschwanstein visit.

Note: This website contains affiliate links marked with * and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate partner programs. If you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.

Last Minute Neuschwanstein Tickets

There’s still a chance to get tickets for Neuschwanstein* – if you are lucky.
Please know: Although these tickets are more expensive than buying through the official website.

Did you know this fact?
Neuschwanstein Castle, famously known as the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle, is one of Germany’s top attractions. Every year, millions visit this fairytale destination near Füssen in the south of Germany, making tickets sell out fast.

Neuschwanstein Tickets: Are they really sold out?

First, check for an alternative day on Neuschwanstein’s official website. Maybe a slight tweak to your schedule could open up more opportunities. 

If you are feeling lucky and want to get tickets for the day, head to the ticket office early (in person) in the morning. The ticket office sells a limited number of tickets daily, starting at 8:00 a.m. during summer and 8:30 a.m. during winter, as soon as the Ticket Center opens.

As demand is typically high, we recommend to arrive early to increase your chances of getting a ticket. Please note that tickets are usually sold out by late morning, and it is not possible to make reservations or purchases for these tickets. Additionally, it’s important to remember that tickets are only available on the same day.

If your dates are fixed and you want to buy tickets in advance, fear not! You’ve got the following options. 

Your options to buy last minute or next day tickets to Neuschwanstein

Just a word of caution: Tickets for a guided tour of Neuschwanstein usually cost around approx. 20 Euros per adult.

If you’re buying through these alternative sites, you may find the tickets are a bit pricier. It’s the price of convenience and securing a ticket when they’re in high demand.

#1 Option: Book Tickets via Viator

One of the best options is checking availability on Viator*.

As a trusted and legit tour provider, they often have tickets even when the official Neuschwanstein site shows no availability.

Ticket prices start at €42 per person—nearly 50% higher than the official price—but if visiting the castle’s interior is a priority, this is your best bet.

#2 Option: Get Last Minute tickets to Neuchwanstein with GetYourGuide

Another great option is GetYourGuide*, a reliable ticket platform based in Berlin.

Known for its trustworthiness, GetYourGuide often has last-minute tickets available when official options run out.

Ticket prices start at €44.98 per person, and they offer a flexible cancellation policy, giving you peace of mind in case your plans change.

#3 Option: Book your tour with Tiqets

Tiqets* is another great alternative. They’re worth a shot if you’re having no luck elsewhere.

Insider Tip: If you’d rather not fuss about driving to Neuschwanstein, consider booking a tour from Munich to Neuschwanstein*, the admission to the castle is included. It’s a stress-free way to ensure you don’t miss out on this breathtaking experience.

Alternative Options when Tickets are sold out

Exploring the Castle Grounds of Neuschwanstein

Price: Free
Adress: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau
Parking: Use the Parking Lot P 3 or P1 (hourly rate)

Even without an entry ticket, you can see the exterior of the Neuschwanstein castle.

The castle grounds are open to the public and offer stunning views of the structure’s exterior. Stroll around, soak up the atmosphere, and snap fantastic photos for your travel album.

Marienbrücke

Another excellent alternative is walking up to the Marienbrücke, a bridge situated at a higher elevation than the Neuschwanstein castle. 

From this point, you can capture some truly epic shots of Neuschwanstein against the backdrop of the surrounding scenery. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the path can be a little steep! Get there early as it can get busy as well.

Visit Hohenschwangau Castle

Consider visiting Hohenschwangau Castle, it is located just a stone’s throw away from Neuschwanstein. This castle, while not as famous as its neighbor, is steeped in history and offers its unique charm. Did you know, that Hohenschwangau is 600 years OLDER than Neuschwanstein?! 

Plus, tickets for Hohenschwangau are typically easier to come by, making it a great alternative if Neuschwanstein tickets are sold out.

Castle Hohenschwangau in Germany, Bavaria.

Füssen

The picturesque town of Füssen is located just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Neuschwanstein. Take a stroll through the town’s narrow lanes, each corner unveiling a delightful mix of medieval architecture and Bavarian culture. When you need a break from exploring, find a cozy café or bar to relax in.

Lechfall

And if you’re all castled out or if Neuschwanstein tickets are sold out, there’s another gem hidden in Füssen’s crown – the Lechfall. 

Just a short walk upstream on the river Lech from Füssen is this stunning artificial waterfall. The brisk, thundering water against the serene backdrop of lush greens and rustic landscapes is a sight to behold. The Lechfall is also beautiful during the winter when the trees are covered in snow.

With the surrounding area perfect for short walks, it’s a lovely place to unwind and soak in the beauty of nature.

This is the exact spot of the Lechfall on Google Maps.

Conclusion: What to do when Neuschwanstein tickets are sold out?

Despite the official tickets being sold out, don’t fret! 

There’s still a chance for you to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle and manage to reserve tickets in advance, even for peak tourist season. 

So, if you find the official ticket counter declaring ‘sold out’, you can always check with local tour operators. 

Websites like Viator*, GetYourGuide*, and Tiqets* are great places to look for tour packages that include Neuschwanstein Castle. 

Just remember, they might be slightly pricier than the official tickets due to the added services.

FAQs about Neuschwanstein Tickets

How far in advance should I purchase my tickets to Neuschwanstein Castle? 

It’s recommended to book your tickets well in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Tickets sell out fast. However, if you’re flexible with your plans, you can try for same-day tickets.

Can I get a refund for the Neuschwanstein tickets if I change my mind?

Unfortunately, tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle are non-refundable. Make sure to plan your visit carefully!

Are there any discounted tickets available for students or seniors?

Yes, discounted tickets are available for students, seniors, and disabled visitors. Remember to bring a valid ID to qualify for the discount!

Is the castle accessible for visitors with mobility issues?

Neuschwanstein Castle is partially accessible for visitors with mobility issues. Some areas might be challenging to navigate, so it’s best to check with the castle’s visitor services for detailed information.

Can I visit Neuschwanstein Castle on my own, or do I need to be part of a guided tour?

You need to be part of a guided tour to access the interior of Neuschwanstein Castle. However, you can explore the castle grounds and Marienbrücke on your own.

Please read further:

Save or share this post