Can you visit Neuschwanstein without ticket?

can you walk around neuschwanstein castle without a ticket?

Yes! Fortunately, you can freely explore the castle’s exterior and the surrounding grounds without purchasing a tour ticket. 

Neuschwanstein Castle sits atop a picturesque hill, surrounded by lush forests and offering stunning panoramic views. 

Take your time to stroll through the castle’s courtyard, admire the details of its facade, and capture the perfect photograph from one of the scenic viewpoints such as the Marienbrücke.

Hike to the Marienbrücke Bridge to get the best view (free!)

For those seeking an even more breathtaking perspective or the perfect Instagram picture, a visit to Marienbrücke Bridge is highly recommended.

The Marienbrücke is a suspension bridge located just above the Pöllatschlucht and there you have the most stunning view of Neuschwanstein Castle perched high on the hill. The hike to the bridge is free, as is access to the bridge itself (no ticket required). However, keep in mind that the bridge has a capacity limit of 164 people, and there’s a display board showing the number of people on the bridge at any time.

It’s a approx. 45-minute walk (1 km) from Neuschwanstein Castle, but you can also choose to ride a shuttle bus (3.50 Euro up, 2 Euro down), or take a horse-drawn carriage (8 Euro) for a more romantic experience. Please be aware that the walk is steep and uphill.

Despite being crowded during peak seasons, the view from the bridge is absolutely mesmerizing and worth the effort. In fact, on clear days around midday, the sun is usually behind you, creating perfect lighting for photos.

Although Marienbrücke is generally accessible, weather conditions such as rain or strong winds might limit access. It’s always good to check before heading out. The wooden planks of the bridge make it sway slightly underfoot, so being free of vertigo is an advantage if you want to cross and fully enjoy the breathtaking views into the deep gorge and of Schloss Neuschwanstein.

Lastly, if you decide to take the shuttle bus, it runs once an hour, and you can hike down in about 20 minutes or catch the bus again.

The Downside: You cannot Go Inside Neuschwanstein without a Tour

Unfortunately, visitors cannot see the interieur of Neuschwanstein Castle without a ticket. All visitors must join a guided tour at a fixed admission time, and there are limited tickets available each day.

It is advised to plan ahead, especially when visiting Neuschwanstein Castle during peak travel periods.

Tip: See the interior with a guided tour

We recommend to book your tickets early as these tours are likely to sell out!

Check Availability* →

How does the Neuschwanstein ticket system work?

The castle management (yes, castle management – how fun!) requires visitors to buy a ticket and join a guided tour (30 minutes) to access the inside of Neuschwanstein.

These tours are conducted in English and German and provide valuable insights into the history and architecture of the castle. There are also audio-guides available in other languages.

Please be aware: It is not allowed to take pictures inside the castle!

Tickets can be bought in advance as well in the ticket office in Hohenschwangau.

However, you should keep in mind that that Neuschwanstein is one of the top destinations in Germany and is sold out fast and peak season.

Where to buy tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle?

Tickets for the Castle Tour can be purchased online on the official website or at the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau.

It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines and sold-out tours.

The price for adults is 18,00 Euros on the official site, with an additional 2-2.50 Euro booking fee per person. Children under 18 and students enter for free—lucky ones!

We recommend to book tickets well in advance, as tickets often sell out quickly, and the lines at the ticket center can be very long. If you forget to buy your ticket ahead of time, your best bet is to:

a) arrive early (around 8 am) to the ticket office and

b) get extremely lucky to get one of the last tickets.

If there are no tickets available on the official website, try Viator* or GetyourGuide* as an alternative.

But bear in mind, that those tickets on Viator and GetYourGuide are more expensive than the official ones. However, if you really really want to see the Neuschwanstein castle and tickets are sold out, then this is the place to buy a ticket.

Join a Guided tour from Munich

You want to take a Day Trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein? This Tour also includes a stop at the Linderhof Castle.

Check For Tickets →

Exploring the Hohenschwangau Castle

While Neuschwanstein Castle steals most of the spotlight, don’t overlook its neighboring sibling: The Hohenschwangau Castle. 

Situated just a short distance away, Hohenschwangau Castle is equally captivating and offers its own unique charm. 

In the 12th century, Castle Hohenschwangau was mentioned in documents for the first time. So Hohenschwangau is like old-old – 600 years older then Neuschwanstein.

In the 19th century king Maximilian II (father of king Ludwig II) strolled around the – let’s say neighborhood – and found Hohenschwangau by accident. He liked the castle and the surroundings so much, that he bought the castle and renovated it to a romantic castle to live in.

This castle, where King Ludwig II spent his childhood, is open for exploration when you join a guided tour (45 minutes). Discover the royal chambers, learn even more fun details about the castle’s history, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. 

Visiting Hohenschwangau Castle is a fantastic way to complement your experience at Neuschwanstein Castle.

If you want to visit both Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein in one day, plan 2,5 hours in between both castles. You need enough time to get from one castle to the other.