We spent the weekend in Bavaria in May. We stayed at Edelweiss, which was well-positioned for what we wanted to see and do.

One day we drove to see the fairy tale castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenchwangau!

The trip was little over an hour from Garmisch. The route took us a bit through Austria. Make sure you have an international driver’s license. And stop at a Petrol station on the border to get your toll sticker!

Parking and Tickets

There are several parking lots at the base of the hill. I think we paid €6 for the day.

We got there early to get in line to purchase tickets at the ticket center in Hohenschwangau. We didn’t have to wait too long!

TV screens show the tour times so you have to request when you wish to tour each castle, so make sure you have time to hike to the castles, rest, eat, use the toilet, and see the museum!

You can also order tickets online. You have to figure what time you want your tours and how much time it will take at each castle and the museum if you get the combo ticket. There is a separate line in the same building on the right side to pick up your prepaid tickets. You’ll see the sign.

Children under 18 are admitted FREE!

We got two combo tickets “Königsschlösser” (both castles and the museum): €24 each

Getting to the Castles

There are shuttle buses and carriage rides to the castles. Shuttles – Ascent: € 1,80 Descent: € 1.00 Both Ascent and Descent: € 2,60. Carriage rides – Ascent € 6,00 Descent € 3,00. Or you can hike up for free. The roads are paved but steep.

We were all excited to see Neuschwanstein Castle.

I didn’t brave the bridge (Marienbrücke) to get the really cool pictures. My family is still mad at me. See some pics here. It is now closed for renovations.