Is Neuschwanstein Castle Worth Visiting in Winter

When you think about Germany and its beautiful castles, one castle that stands out is Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps.

Many people visit it in the summer, and it gets crowded. But guess what? Neuschwanstein Castle is more beautiful in the winter.

If you plan a trip to Germany between December and March, you might wonder whether Neuschwanstein Castle is worth visiting in the winter. 

Is there anything important you need to know?

Even if it’s cold and the Marienbrucke might be closed, don’t worry. Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in the winter is awesome! Let’s find out why!

Why visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Winters

Here are reasons for visiting Neuschwanstein in the winter:

1. Stunning Scenery:

Neuschwanstein Castle, often called the “German Disney Castle,” transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months.

The combination of symmetrical snowflakes, fresh white snow on the Bavarian Alps, and the beautiful landscape gives the castle an amazing look.

It gives a real-life fairy tale experience, especially when the snow gently drifts down, creating a scene straight out of Elsa’s kingdom in Frozen.

2. Lesser Crowds:

Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in winter means experiencing its charm with fewer crowds.

While you won’t have the castle all to yourself, it’s far from the bustling crowds of peak seasons like July.

The quieter atmosphere allows for a more intimate and enjoyable exploration of the castle and its surroundings.

3. The Glühwein, Wursts, and Quarkballen:

You can try some delicious German winter snacks if you visit Neuschwanstein in the winter. At the bottom of the castle, you can warm up with mulled German wine.

While the castle itself doesn’t have a lot of food options, there are stands nearby where you can grab classic German sausages and yummy Quarkballen.

It’s also a good idea to bring some snacks from a bakery before you go.

Experience sipping warm, spiced wine while strolling in the snow with scenic views. 

Neuschwanstein Castle Winter Tickets

Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle requires tickets that can be booked online or at the ticket counter.

We recommend booking online tickets in advance to avoid the last-minute unavailability of tickets.

Neuschwanstein Castle tickets are priced at €103 for adults (18+ years), €42 for children (up to 14 years), and €62 for youth (15 to 17 years).

Students with an ID can enjoy a discounted rate of €85.

By purchasing your tickets early, you save money and skip long lines for hassle-free entry.

Which Month is Best for Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle

When planning a winter visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, choosing a month that suits your preferences is necessary.

If you want to see Germany in festive lights and are not scared of snow, you must visit in December.

December sets a festive tone with Christmas markets, but expect more crowds.

The Marienbrücke might be closed on certain days due to snow, and the weather can be unpredictable.

If you prefer a quieter visit, January is your month. The castle will likely be covered in snow, creating a magical scene.

However, the Marienbrücke may still be inaccessible on certain days. 

Consider February as a balanced option. The weather is usually more stable, offering a mix of snowy but clear days.

March signals the transition to spring with milder temperatures. The Marienbrücke will properly reopen.

Each month offers a unique experience, so consider your preferences for crowds and weather when planning your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle in the winter.

Regardless of the month, dress warmly, as it can get chilly. Wear proper winter shoes if walking to the castle, as the paths can be slippery. 

How to Reach Neuschwanstein Castle in Winter

It is a short drive from Hohenschwangau to Neuschwanstein Castle, only 0.4 km, and takes about 2 minutes. 

The roads are well-maintained and plowed in the winter, so you should not have trouble driving to the castle. 

However, it is a good idea to check the weather conditions before you go, as heavy snow can sometimes make the roads impassable.

Renting a Car: 

Renting a car to reach Neuschwanstein Castle in winter is a convenient option.

Ensure the vehicle is equipped with all-season or winter tires, as these are mandatory during the winter. 

You can park at one of the parking sites in the village of Hohenschwangau.

Walking, Horse Ride, or Shuttle to the Castle: 

Once you reach Schwangau, you can walk, take a shuttle, or ride to the castle.

The shuttle bus runs every 25-20 minutes but may not be available on days when it’s snowing.

The charming horse-drawn carriage costs $7 per person to go up and $3 to go down.  It takes you to the Mary’s Bridge near the  Neuschwanstein Castle.

Alternatively, the journey to Neuschwanstein can be covered by a 30-minute walk up a steep hill.

Consider wearing durable, comfortable, and waterproof shoes for a comfortable ascent.

Christmas in Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Christmas is a special time in Germany. It is celebrated with two public holidays on 25 and 26 December.

On Christmas Eve, Christmas trees are decorated with lights and colorful decorations,

and families prepare a festive meal and gather to celebrate.

You can join in the festive spirit of Germany in various ways.

Christmas markets in Germany, also called the Christkindlmarkt, are very popular.

Visitors can explore stalls offering traditional foods and decorations. You can also buy famous glass ornaments and wooden crafts like Nutcrackers.

Visitors can see the famous Nuremberg Christmas Market in the old town.

It has beautiful handmade goods, tasty treats, and angelic Christkind.

You can also spend Christmas Eve at Berlin Cathedral with concerts and familiar carols. 

You can enjoy various other things in Germany during Christmas. Read our article to learn more.

Reviews on Neuschwanstein in Winter

Enjoyable day
⭐⭐⭐⭐

It was a very enjoyable day. The tour leader was fantastic. She definitely knows the history of Neuschwanstein and King Ludwigès life. She also took care of everyone and was very friendly. The coach was comfortable and we also had a great driver. the place was fantastic and definitely not to be missed.We were lucky that it was a lovely day and we could enjoy the place. We also had a time slot booked to the castle and everything was perfect. The only dissappointment was that we couldn’t visit Lindorf castle from the inside. was informed of this the previous day. We got the chance to see it from the outside. Apart from this, I definitel recommend this tour.

 Very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐

The tour is very good. Totally worth the money. good guide as well. very good experience overall. will consider other tours from this in future. Our tour guide was kind and interesting. The bus is in good condition. Good driving. Enough time at both places.

Excellent tour!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐

The drive was super smooth and the whole tour of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof was amazing and so beautiful. Despite how freezing cold it was, it was def worth freezing my fingers and toes lol. When we went, there was snow and it really felt like you stepped into the world of Narnia and felt like we were in a complete different realm. Our tour guide was super fun and experienced and her knowledge behind the history of the castles and Bavaria was super intersting and you just want to listen to everything she says. Loved it til the very end.

Amazing day trip
⭐⭐⭐⭐

We had a fabulous day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Castle. Our guide Francesca was both informative and engaging. The coach was comfortable.

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Featured image : A castle snow. AI-Generated Stock photos by Vecteezy