Neuschwanstein Castle & the charming Fussen town- the complete guide

04.12.2022.

The famous Neuschwanstein Castle doesn’t need additional introduction, its beauty overwhelms the most castles. If you’re visiting Bavaria, it has to be at your itinerary.

It has been my dream for ages and I cannot believe that I missed it for so long. I’m not procrastinating anymore the places I want to visit, but the list is looong. Even if I wait for the company, I might wait too long. So sometimes I just decide to go myself. Like in this case.

Within 2h from Munchen you’ll be in Fussen. If you’re dreaming to visiting European castles, this is definitely a place. If you’re spending some more time in Bavaria, check out Oberstdorf.

About Neuschwanstein castle

The story of Neuschwanstein castle starts with the ancient riddle:

„What is older- the egg or the hen?“

But joke on the side, pretty village of Hohenschwangau hosts Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castle. The Neuschwanstein castle was built by king Ludwig II in the second half of the 19th century. The truth is that it was never finished. Hohenschwangau castle lies on the neighbour hill and was built by Ludwig’s father- king Maximilian.

Neuschwanstein castle gives honour to the German composer Richard Wagner. The interior completely describes the Wagner’s operas.

King Swan was the nickname of the King Ludwig so the castle takes name- New swan stone- in translation.

Hohenschwangau castle pulls the roots in 1397. Unfortunately, I didn’t visit this one as I gave priority to Neuschwanstein castle. Gothic style characterises the castle and also the swan dominates. Beautiful alpine garden surrounds the castle thanks to the Queen Marie.

What you can expect during the visit

After arriving to the castle, I was obsessed to find a good viewpoint to take photos. So I followed the path to Marienbrücke, 20 minutes away from the castle.

Marienbrücke offers the most stunning view to the castle. Standing on the cliffs, it looks pretty impressive. Taking photos from here is not convenient as I become too close. So I followed the path up and found a nice corner near one fence.

Also there’s a viewpoint below the castle (near the lockers- there are also lockers in the castle) but I didn’t try. Of course, because of too many people. There’s a souvenir shop with cheap snacks to buy below the castle.

Of course, photos are not allowed inside. Only the guided tour is possible once you arrive. It takes only 30 minutes, unfortunately.

The caffe bar inside has awesome view and delicious cakes, but accepts only cash.

How to reach

Located close to Austrian border, the most convenient way to visit the castle is to base yourself in Füssen. Or in Hohenschwangau village, as you want. Füssen is one of the prettiest towns I saw so follow along.

Hohenschwangau village is only 5 minutes bus ride from Füssen. Take the bus from the train station and come back by foot. It’s a relaxing 1,5h hike passing the Schwangau Lake, which is rather a drown lake due to the grass. The lovely Kavarienberg with fantastic views of Füssen are on the way.

Once in Hohenschwangau, you’ll be amazed by beautiful hotels all around. You can easily find many eatieries and restaurants but some of them accept only cash. Including the vegan choice. Many souvenir shops fill the area. That being said, it’s not an empty village like I expected.

I thought that you need to buy a ticket weeks in advance, which I did online. But many people were in line at the ticket office in Hohenschwangau main road.

A simple road leads to the Neuschwanstein castle following the village and takes cca 45 minutes. Taking a horse ride is also an option but think about animal protection.

You can also take a bus, specific for the castle. It costs 2,5€.

Visiting Tegelberg mountain

Tegelberg mountain is an excellent opportunity for delight yourself with outdoors around Füssen. From Hohenschwangau take a bus or walk 30 minutes from the crossroad. The cable car will take you to the panoramic views. Or you can hike towards the peak of 1881m and Tegelberghuse. Challenge yourself if you have time and walk up which requiers 1,5h.

Füssen town

My kind of ideal town. Not only because is so colourful, but it’s full of hiking paths. Füssen is just so gorgeous. Everywhere you turn, surprise awaits and you’ll be amazed by the artistic identity of Füssen. The town is cozy, relaxing and full of lovely restaurants. It makes it so enjoyable to have a coffee or meal in the enchanting Füssen.

700 years of Füssen hold a significant history of violin making. You’ll discover all about it at the Museum of Füssen, which I forgot during my visit. The Old Castle with the emerald river colours is pretty charming.

The artificial waterfall Lechfall follows the river path, leaving the enticing influence. It’s about 15 minutes away from the Old town.

Five lakes around Füssen

Füssen is surrounded with five lakes. Forggensee is the fifth largest lake in Bavaria and the closest one to Füssen. This artificial lake is only 20 minutes walking from the Old town. The relaxing promenade along the concert hall offers the stunning views to the Neuschweinstein castle. During the summer you can take a boat trip. Many locals go kayaking all year around. Though on Internet it looks so turqouise, Forggensee looks pretty wild.

The small lake Hopfensee is pretty lovely and gives you the chance to discover the castle ruins. It’s full of activities so you can play golf, rent a bike or a boat.

What to eat in Füssen- vegan focus

If you’re looking for a vegan restaurant, even the Bio pizzeria will pull your attention. The stunning decor (particularly the peacock painting) will enchant your visit.

I’m surprised that this small town offers the abundant vegan palette. I was mostly visited the Turkish chain Oses Cigköfte. Emphasizing the vegan snacks, you can enjoy tortillas, falafels and turkish pizza.

Kyodai is an Asian restaurant near the train station. Except the meat, it covers the tofu delicacies. It’s always pretty crowded but unfortunately, I didn’t try. I ordered and after telling me that I ordered to take away (which I didn’t), they didn’t want to give me.

Schiffwirtschaft is a vegetarian restaurant with the fantastic river view.

Tofu delicacies is also the choice of Asia Garden. Indian restaurant Annapurna is an excellent alternative to visit.  

Snowballs are the local speciality that you can find in a small shop, pretty big for a cake balls.

Final thoughts

Fairy-tale that multiplies 10 times more is a feeling when visiting Neuschwanstein but also Fussen town and other locations here. Museum of Bavarian Kings in Hohenschwangau village is another point of interest.

Though I’m disappointed a bit with the guided tour and informations given at the castle (only 30 minutes), it’s a dream come true. Definitely take some time to enjoy the moment, don’t rush when you’re finally here.

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