Marienbrucke (Mary’s Bridge) is a bridge across Pöllat Gorge, right behind and near Neuschwanstein Castle.
This footbridge is named after Queen Marie and is one of the most popular viewpoints for tourists wishing to shoot some great portraits.
Walking up straight to the hillside will give you more glorious and undisturbed views of the castle, which makes this the best viewpoint of Neuschwanstein Castle.
Are you planning on hiking to Queen Mary’s Bridge for the best view of Neuschwanstein Castle? Buy your tickets online and admire the surroundings peacefully.
It retains good historic integrity, including original railing, large arch designs, and intact builder and engineer plaques.
In 1845, the bridge was first constructed using timber, which didn’t turn out to be the sturdiest material, and then it was replaced multiple times with iron.
Hike to the Queen Mary’s Bridge
The hiking trail up to Queen Mary’s Bridge is about 45 minutes and is completely paved until you reach the castle.
Even though the path is smooth and pleasant, it is better to look out for your safety by following the signs to the bridge.
Also, remember to wear comfortable footwear if you are planning for this trek.
How to reach Mary’s Bridge (Marienbrucke)?
Your first option is to reach by foot; you only need to follow the official pathway until you reach the castle.
Then, go further up on the trail, and you will reach the bridge with the iconic view. However, it is a long way, so do it only if it suits your fitness level.
Unfortunately, cars and buses are not allowed on the road to the castle, but you can take a shuttle bus that departs from the Hohenschwangau Palace to the stop.
From the bus stop, there is a five-minute walk to Mary’s Bridge and an extra ten-minute walk to Neuschwanstein Castle.
You can pay for the bus and take a short drive up to the bridge or hike by walking a little.
Note: Shuttle bus prices: $3 for the uphill trip, $2 for the downhill, and $4 for a return trip.
You can book a guided tour to Neuschwanstein Castle and sit back without going through all the hassles.
No matter what you choose, you must walk up a steep uphill road to reach the castle and the bridge.
So, be prepared with some comfy shoes and lots of water!
You can also choose to go up with a horse carriage; however, you still need to walk 5-10 minutes uphill from the ending point of the ride to the castle.
In the end, if you are taking the long official way up to Neuschwanstein Castle, keep your eyes open, and do not forget to shoot some pretty pictures to admire the castle in detail.
FAQs
1. Do I need to buy a ticket to the Castle to access the Mary’s Bridge?
No, Marienbrucke is an independent structure that offers excellent views of the Neuschwanstein castle. So you can access the bridge with or without a ticket to the Royal Castle. However, if you want to explore the which is only possible with a guided tour, you must purchase a ticket.
2. What are the timings for the Mary’s Bridge?
Mary’s Bridge is open 24 hours, all day, and is a free attraction. One thing that is essential to note is that the Bridge’s timings are not connected with the opening hours of Neuschwanstein Castle. So if you plan a trip to the castle and the journey together, align it with the castle timings, as you can visit the bridge any time.
3. Can I take Public transport to reach the Marienbrucke?
Yes, buses are available to take you to Marienbrucke. shuttle bus will take to the bridge and stops at the bus stop valley next to the parking lot P4. The cost per person for the bus ride is € 3 and about € 4 for a roundtrip. Also, Mary’s Bridge is only a 5-minute walk from the final destination bus stop.
4. Why is it called the Queen’s Bridge?
It is called the Queen’s Bridge as it gets its name from Queen Mary, the mother of King Ludwig, who built the Bridge and Neuschwanstein castle. Marienbrucke, the bridge’s original name, also loosely translates to Queen’s Bridge. However, as the Bridge is over Pöllat Gorge, it is also called the Pöllat Bridge.
5. How far is Marienbrucke from Neuschwanstein Castle?
The Bridge is about 3 kilometers away from the Royal castle. Following the hiking trails, you can reach the Castle from the Bridge in about 15 minutes. If you plan to drive up to Mary’s Bridge, you can reach there in about 8 minutes, and after parking, you can either walk up to the Bridge or take a shuttle.
6. Is the Marienbrucke closed?
No, as the restoration work was completed in 2022, the bridge is now open for visitors. Also, Mary’s Bridge typically remains closed depending on the weather; if it rains or snows, it is closed for safety reasons. So plan your trip to the bridge after checking the weather conditions.it is closed for
Featured Image: Romaoslo / Getty Images Signature
