Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein are two exceptional attractions that give you an incredible experience during your visit.
People often confuse which castle is worth visiting and which is okay to miss out on.
You can reach both castles by train from the same village, but which should you visit first?
We are here to help you with this query.
Here’s a detailed comparison between Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein so that you can choose the best one for your visit.
Quick Comparison Between Hohenschwangau Castle And Neuschwanstein

Hohenschwangau Castle | Neuschwanstein Castle |
---|---|
Childhood home of King Ludwig II | Built by King Ludwig II |
It is fully built | Only 14 rooms are finished out of the 200 rooms. |
Visited by about 300,000 visitors every year | Visited by 1.4 million people annually |
Famous for its 90 paintings, the Hall of the Swan Knight, and its gardens. | Popular for inspiring the Disney movie Sleeping Beauty |
Built between 1833 to 1837 | Built-in 1884 |
Private day trip | Skip the line ticket |
Hohenschwangau Castle: Overview

Location: Alpseestraße 30, 87645 Schwangau.
Ticket Prices: Adult (14 to 99 years) – €71, Child (6 to 13 years) – €50, Infant (upto 5 years) – €19, Student (with ID) (upto 99 years) – €69
Viewpoint: Jugend
Experience: Hall of the Swan Knight, Hall of Heroes and Knights, more than 90 paintings and its Gardens
As one of the popular attractions in the remote village of Hohenschwangau, the castle is one of the place’s highlights.
Crown Prince Maximilian discovered him during a hike and was so captivated that he decided to buy and rebuild it.
He commissioned his favorite architect to rebuild the old medieval castle on the ruins.
You will find romance in the exteriors and interiors of the castle, with its gorgeous gardens and 90+ paintings.
The yellow castle was so majestic that the royal family often spent their summers relaxing.
If you want to know more about the Mad King, you can visit Hohenschwangau Castle to glimpse his childhood.
Neuschwanstein Castle: Overview

Location: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
Tickets: Adult (18 to 99 years) – €221, Child (upto 17 years) – €91
Viewpoints: Marienbrucke, Reith Alpe, Tegelberg Ski Slope, Schwangau- Landstrasse, and the hiking trails leading to Mary’s Bridge.
Experience: lower hall, throne Room, glimpses of modern technology, dressing rooms, Salon, and 11 more finished rooms. Gardens, Marienbrucke, and views of the Bavarian Alps.
This Fairytale Castle is of the most popular spots in Bavaria, Germany.
With over 1.4 million visitors yearly, the Disney-inspiring castle has more than 200 rooms, of which only 14 are finished.
You will mainly visit the third and fourth floors and the king’s most important quarters during your tour.
As the second floor was never finished, it now contains a shop, cafeteria, and multimedia, an excellent spot for resting.
The castle’s interiors are enchantingly beautiful and will take you directly inside one of the Disney classic movies.
Do you know that Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney to build Sleeping Beauty Castle?
Read our article on Neuschwanstein and Disney Castle and learn why.
A side of pure nostalgia, stunning views of the Bavarian Alps, and the thrill of hiking to Marienbrucke, Neuschwanstein offers an array of experiences.
This is why it is said that a visit to Germany is complete with a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle.
Hohenschwangau Castle vs Neuschwanstein

After a quick comparison, here’s a detailed version of the points to consider before visiting the castles.
History of Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein

King Maximilian of Bavaria, King Ludwig’s father, rebuilt the neo-gothic Hohenschwangau Castle on the ruins of another castle called Schwanstein.
The Royal family’s summer and hunting castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, is where Ludwig II was born and spent most of his childhood summers.
After his father’s death, King Ludwig made Hohenschwangau Castle his residence.
Neuschwanstein, on the other hand, was the masterpiece of King Ludwig and a way to immerse himself in the poetic and romantic world.
Hohenschwangau is not as glamorous as its well-crafted neighbor, but you should stop by this castle to make the most of your tour.
While Neuschwanstein, inspired by Richard Wagner, holds the reputation of King Ludwig’s fantasy world.
Opening Hours of Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein
Castle | April to 15 October | 16 October to March |
---|---|---|
Neuschwanstein Castle | 9 am to 6 pm | 10 am to 4 pm |
Hohenschwangau Castle | 9 am to 5 pm | 10 am to 4 pm |
Also, both castles remain open daily except on the 24th, 25th, and 31st of December and the 1st of January.
You will find that Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castle have similar opening hours, which benefits their visitors.
You do not have to align your visit according to the different timings of the castles.
Instead, given their proximity, you can easily visit both royal buildings within the same time frame.
The best time to visit: Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castle

The months between November and April are the best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, as you may experience fewer crowds.
Here’s the tricky part the winter season may not be pleasant for sightseeing.
But the castle covered in snow is a sight to behold.
While King Ludwig II’s visionary castle remains crowded during the summer due to the tourist season in Germany.
Hohenschwangau Castle offers a more crowd-free environment compared to Neuschwanstein.
The best time to visit the castle is in the fall (September to October).
Due to snow and other weather conditions, most services will likely close down during winter.
In the summer, the castle is pretty crowded due to the flock of tourists.
But during the day, visiting the castles early in the morning or later in the afternoon can also help you avoid crowds.
Crowd Flexibility in Hohenschwangau Castle vs Neuschwanstein

The insane popularity of Neuschwanstein Castle makes it very crowded during peak season, especially during noontime.
Hohenschwangau Castle usually does not have this problem.
However, it gets a little crowded during peak hours, but that would not affect your castle experience.
Try to arrive early or late in the afternoon to visit both the castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau to avoid crowds.
The best way to do this is to stay in nearby villages: Fussen or Hohenschwangau.
Or else you can visit both Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein castles on weekdays, as the castles see more visitors on weekends.
Regarding the duration of the visit, it will take around 45 minutes to finish your Hohenschwangau Castle guided tour.
You can complete the inside tour of Neuschwanstein in 35 minutes, and after that, you can spend more time outside.
There are several Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castle tours that you can take to explore both castles in one day.
Best Way To See Both Hohenschwangau And Neuschwanstein Castles

With so many visitors every year, you may find it difficult to tear through the crowd to have an exciting time at the castles.
We suggest the best way to visit Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle.
The best way to explore the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle is through a guided interior tour.
As photography isn’t permitted inside, the tour of the castle’s interiors will genuinely be a discovery for you.
You can even explore the castle from the outside from a different angle by reaching the Mariaenbrucke Bridge.
This is a great opportunity for adventure, given that the hiking trail that leads you to the bridge offers impressive views of the castle.
But when it comes to Hohenschwangau Castle, the interiors are beautiful, but the real magic comes from its gardens.
The best way to explore Hohenschwangau will be by spending more time in its serene gardens.
So when it comes to Hohenschwansgau Castle vs Neuschwanstein, the latter gives you more options for exploration.
Ticket prices of Hohenschwangau Castle vs Neuschwanstein

You have to get a ticket to see both castles from the inside.
The Neuschwanstein Castle ticket is cheaper than the Hohenschwangau Castle ticket.
The ticket price for Neuschwanstein Castle for adults is €15, whereas it is €21 for Hohenschwangau Castle.
Both castles can only be visited on a guided tour.
Neuschwanstein Castle allows free entry for children under 18, while only children under 7 get free entry at Hohenschwangau.
You must pay €11 for the ticket for children between 7 and 17 years old.
The same goes for the general education school tour.
While it is free admission in Neuschwanstein, you pay €11 for students’ access in Hohenschwangau.
Save yourself from waiting in line by booking your tickets online.
How To Visit Neuschwanstein Castle And Hohenschwangau

Visiting Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles is a breeze.
Located in Hohenschwangau village, they are just a short distance apart.
It takes only 2 minutes by car or a pleasant walk to reach Neuschwanstein Castle from Hohenschwangau.
Reaching the castles from the ticket counters takes around 20-30 minutes for Hohenschwangau Castle and 40 minutes for Neuschwanstein Castle.
But don’t worry. You have options!
Shuttle buses and horse carriages are available, especially for Neuschwanstein Castle, making it easier to conquer the steep hill.
Unfortunately, these amenities may not be available when heading to Hohenschwangau Castle.
In terms of transportation, Neuschwanstein takes the crown.
Touring Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein

Discovering both castles is a breeze with an organized guided tour.
Having a vehicle and a knowledgeable guide makes navigating tricky paths easy.
Luckily, numerous tour options are available, from full-day excursions to skip-the-line tickets.
Say goodbye to the crowds and enjoy a private tour from Munich, or opt for a guided day tour with fascinating insights.
Finding the perfect tour has always been challenging, especially with online ticket options.
Get ready for an unforgettable castle adventure!
Viewpoints of Neuschwanstein vs Hohenschwangau Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle offers multiple vantage points.
The top spots are Marienbrucke, Reith Alpe, Tegelberg Ski Slope, and Schwangau Landstraase.
On the other hand, Hohenschwangau Castle has a single but breathtaking viewpoint called Jugend.
From here, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Lake Alpsee on the left and the Allgau Alps on the right.
The latter triumphs with its more comprehensive viewing options in the battle of Hohenschwangau Castle vs. Neuschwanstein.
Get ready to capture these enchanting castles from all the best angles! Read our article on the Best Viewpoints of Neuschwanstein Castle.
Hohenschwangau Castle vs Neuschwanstein, Which Is Better?

These two royal castles have their own unique charm.
Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration behind Disney’s fairytale, is perfect for magic-seekers.
On the other hand, Hohenschwangau Castle offers insights into the intriguing Mad King of Bavaria.
If you crave tranquility, the peaceful yellow castle in a remote German village is for you.
However, Neuschwanstein steals the spotlight due to its popularity.
It’s the castle everyone wants to see and boasts bragging rights.
Most online tours cover both castles, offering a complete experience.
Instead of choosing one, why not visit both?
After all, why settle for one castle when you can explore two in a single day?
Choose the best of both worlds and make unforgettable memories.
FAQs
1. How much time does it take to tour Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castles?
An inside castle-guided tour of Neuschwanstein is 35 minutes; you can take as much time to see the exterior and surroundings. On the other hand, it takes around 45 minutes for a guided tour of Hohenschwangau Castle. Both castles and other tourist attractions in the Bavaria region can be visited in one day.
2. What is the distance between Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle?
Both castles are located very close, making it easy for visitors to arrive at Neuschwanstein from Hohenschwangau and vice versa. The distance between the two castles is 2.2 km (1.4 miles), and you can cover this distance in 30 minutes by foot.
3. How to visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich?
You can drive from Munich, which takes around 2 hours to arrive at Neuschwanstein Castle. Or take a train to Fussen and take a bus to Hohenschwangau village from there. Also, you can walk from there to the Neuschwanstein ticket center.
4. Did King Ludwig live in Neuschwanstein Castle?
Neuschwanstein Castle, a fantasy world in the most theatrical setting, was the ambitious project of the Mad King. Unfortunately, the king died in 1886, when only 14 rooms were completed. Although he lived in Neuschwanstein for only 175 days.
Featured Image: PTN-Images, PatiPhotography