Neuschwanstein tickets sold out: your options or what to do instead

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.

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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

#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.

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