Witness the fairy tale castles built by 19th century Bavarian King Ludwig II on a day trip from Munich. Visit Linderhof—Ludwig’s rococo-style hunting lodge and last home—and Neuschwanstein, the picture book clutch of turrets and chambers that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.
Explore the historic medieval walled cities of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Dinkelsbuhl before your return train ride to Nuremberg.
Train
This train journey, a great option for a family or large group of people traveling together, takes just over an hour to reach Neuschwanstein from Munich. Once you get to Fussen, it’s a short bus ride (on either line 73 or 78) that will take you more or less directly to the castle. You’ll have a chance to stop at Hohenschwangau, King Ludwig II’s other fairy tale castle, as well, which you can also visit if time allows.
From the castle, you can see a beautiful Alpine landscape that is sure to take your breath away. You’ll also be able to explore the interior of the castle, where you will be able to see the most important rooms that were used by King Ludwig II himself. You’ll also be able to walk around the outside of the castle, which offers more amazing views of the scenery that surrounds it.
It’s recommended that you arrive at the castle early in the day, since it can often be very crowded, especially during the peak of the tourist season. You can purchase tickets in advance to avoid waiting, but even so, you may need to wait for a while once you get to the ticket center.
Once you’re done exploring the castle, it’s time to head back to Fussen, where you’ll board another bus for your journey back to Munich. On this tour, you’ll have the option to buy a BayernTicket, which is an all-inclusive pass that covers UNLIMITED rides on regional trains for the whole day. The cost is 26 euros per person, or 49 euros for a group of up to five people.
On your way back to the city, you’ll have the opportunity to see a different side of Germany’s history on a fascinating day trip to Nuremberg. You’ll be able to explore the medieval walls that have protected this city for centuries, the Imperial castle from which German emperors once ruled, and Gothic churches that house awe-inspiring works of art by some of history’s most talented artists. Nuremberg is also home to the famous Nazi rally grounds and the site of the Nuremberg Trials, which you can learn about when you explore the historical landmarks with a guide.
Bus
One of the most popular day trips from Munich is to the enigmatic Neuschwanstein Castle, inspired by Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. The castle is hidden between the beautiful mountain scenery of Fussen in Bavaria and is a must-see for anyone traveling to Germany.
The easiest way to get there is by train. The RB 77 or RB 68 trains (from Augsburg or Munich respectively) will bring you to the bus stop ‘Hohenschwangau Neuschwanstein Castles, Schwangau’ in less than 15 minutes. Here you can catch the shuttle bus 73/78 to the Castle (Jugend or Mary’s Bridge). You have the option to reserve a seat in advance for free, which will give you more space and extra legroom. The ticket includes entrance to the castle as well as a guided tour of the castle grounds.
If you don’t want to take a shuttle bus, you can walk from Hohenschwangau village directly to the castle. The walking trail is roughly 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) long and will take about 30 to 45 minutes.
During summer, it’s best to book your tickets for the castle in advance, as waiting times can be very long. However, fall and spring are also great off times to visit the castle as it tends to have less crowds.
Nuremberg is a popular city for couples and families alike as it has many fun activities and kid-friendly sights. It is also home to a very impressive medieval walled old town. If you have a few days to spare, we recommend spending more time in Nuremberg than in Fussen as there is much more to see and do here. It is especially good for budget travelers who can make the most of its large number of cheap attractions and activities. However, for most visitors one day is enough to explore all that Nuremberg has to offer. There is no need to hire a car here, as most attractions are within walking distance of the central railway station. This makes it the perfect city to explore on foot. Alternatively, you can also rent bikes to make the sightseeing even easier.
Taxi
A taxi journey from Neuschwanstein to Nuremberg can be a comfortable, convenient, and affordable way for travelers to visit the castle. The trip takes less than two hours, and the driver will pick you up from your hotel in the city center. This is the best option for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the castle without any hassles.
The picturesque scenery of the Bavarian Alps makes Neuschwanstein Castle seem as if it were pulled straight from a fairy tale. The castle is the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, and it’s an unforgettable sight that’s well worth a day trip.
You can reach the castle by train, bus, or taxi. The closest train station to the castle is Fussen, and you can buy tickets online or at the train station. From Fussen, you can also take a bus to the castle if you prefer not to walk. Bus tickets can be bought at the ticket center or on board. The bus ride to the castle is about 15-20 minutes.
Once you’ve arrived at the castle, join an English-speaking guided tour and explore the interior of the enchanting castle. You’ll learn about the history of the castle and get a chance to see its Throne Hall, Hall of the Singers, and Grotto. After exploring the castle, you can enjoy the view from the bridge behind the castle.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect family vacation or an action-packed getaway, Germany has something for everyone. From fairytale castles to timbered medieval towns, the country offers a variety of experiences that will leave you spellbound.
Take a trip down the Romantic Road and discover some of the most enchanting castles in all of Europe. Visit the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle and explore the medieval Saxon town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. During your tour, you’ll explore the beautiful forests and magical castles that are a part of this historic region.
Experience the magic of Bavaria on this all-inclusive tour that includes roundtrip airfare, accommodation in well-rated hotels, and comprehensive admission packages for the castles of Munich, Nuremberg, and Hohenschwangau. The package also includes a Panorama Cruise (Cologne), and an escorted coach tour of the Royal Castles (Linderhof Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle).
Walking
There are many ways to explore Bavaria, including hiking. One of the most popular hiking routes is located near Neuschwanstein Castle, and it combines serene forests, stunning alpine lakes, and even the River Pollat. In addition, hikers can enjoy the views of the magical castle from their journey. This route is also accessible by train, which makes it an excellent choice for those who want to avoid the crowds at the castle and enjoy a relaxing day in nature.
Taking a walk through Nuremberg is another great way to appreciate the city’s rich historical heritage. During this walking tour, you can discover the fascinating stories behind the city’s cobbled streets and stone buildings. Your guide will reveal the myths and legends of love, death, and madness that surround the city’s most famous fountains. You will also hear about the notorious witch trials that took place in the 17th century.
Whether you prefer to learn about the city’s medieval past or its post-war trials, this tour will give you a deeper appreciation for Nuremberg and its unique history. Afterward, you can continue your journey to other destinations in Bavaria.
If you are interested in exploring more of Bavaria, consider combining this day trip with a visit to the enchanting castles of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Neuschwanstein. These two castles are just a short drive from each other, making them the perfect pair for a fairytale adventure. Alternatively, you can take a day trip to Munich to learn about the city’s unique blend of history and innovation, from medieval origins to its modern automotive heritage.
Visiting Munich can be an amazing experience, and it is a good idea to plan it as a separate stopover from your trip to Neuschwanstein. This will give you plenty of time to relax in the vibrant city before heading to the breathtaking castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. The journey to Munich is easy by train or bus, and you can easily rent a car from providers such as Sixt*. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the many buses from Fussen to Neuschwanstein.
