Neuschwanstein Castle Bus Trip

Description: Neuschwanstein Castle
Location: Bavaria
Duration: full day

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Neuschwanstein, the castle that inspired Disney and featured in Hollywood films, receives more than a million visitors a year and is a feature on many European tours.

Neuschwanstein was created in the last century by Ludwig II of Bavaria, the "Fairytale King". With it, he hoped to create a world dedicated to the fantasy of the Germanic myths featured in the operas of Wagner. In building the castle, Ludwig almost bankrupted the treasury and eventually was arrested and died in mysterious circumstances.

The journey time to Neuschwanstein Castle by bus from Seefeld is about an hour-and-a-half, if the route over the Fernpass and through Lermoos to the German border at Füssen is taken. The route passes some wonderful mountain views before dropping to flatter countryside on entering Bavaria.

Neuschwanstein Castle appears suddenly on the right perched against its backdrop of mountains. Nearby is the older Hohenschwangau Castle, which Ludwig's father remodelled and where Ludwig grew up and developed his fascination with German mythology. The village of Hohenschwangau marks the departure point for the journey up to the castles.

Hohenschwangau is the easiest to reach and is located just behind the main ticket office on a hill by the Schwansee. Neuschwanstein Castle is a steep 30 minute walk for the fit, or a ten-minute ride on the shuttle bus. Horse and buggy rides are also available for an open-air approach to the castle. The best photo opportunites are available from the Marienbrücke over the gorge behind the Neuschwanstein Castle (where the photo above was taken).

Some tours return via Oberammergau, the Wieskirche and Garmisch-Partenkirchen - others take a stop in the border town of Füssen with its spectacular fortress and medieval monastery and then make the return journey over the Fernpass.

Please note that we do not operate or organise any excursions described on this site - they are usually run by British tour companies - and are unable to give any booking information for them as times and dates are only arranged at the start of the summer!

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