7 Charming Towns & Cities Just Around Neuschwanstein Castle

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For those looking to explore charming towns and cities near Neuschwanstein Castle, there are plenty of options, many just an hour’s drive away or easily accessible from Hohenschwangau. Seven of these stand out as especially worth visiting, and I’ve listed them below. Even better, they make great bases for exploring more of the Bavarian Alps.

Fussen

Füssen is a charming town in Bavaria and a key center for violin making, thanks to the spruce trees from the nearby forests, which help create highly resonant instruments. Today, it’s a popular stop for memorable wandering before or after visiting the famous Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles.

Füssen has so much to offer! Start with the town center—it’s a must-see with its stunning baroque churches and charming gothic houses.

History buffs will love the Museum der Stadt Füssen, which highlights the town’s rich past as a hub for violin and lute making. Don’t miss St. Mang’s Abbey, home to Germany’s oldest fresco. And, of course, there’s the High Castle, known for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, impressive Gothic frescoes, and amazing views of the town and surrounding landscape.

Wondering about Neuschwanstein Castle? It’s super close—just about 3.2 miles (5.2 kilometers) away. A quick 14-minute drive will get you there. No car? No problem! Hop on bus number 78 from Hohenschwangau, and you’ll be in Füssen in just 10 minutes.

Learn more from the official website of Füssen.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a popular vacation spot in Germany, especially for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. It’s home to some of the best ski areas in the country. Fun fact: it hosted the 1936 Winter Olympics, which was the first to include alpine skiing.

If you love mountains, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the place to be. The town offers an extensive hiking trail network and top-notch skiing facilities.

It’s made up of two distinct areas: Garmisch, which has a trendy, urban vibe, and Partenkirchen, which still holds onto its traditional Bavarian charm. Be sure to bring your camera, because the streets are absolutely picturesque!

The town is also in a great spot to see Zugspitze and Eibsee.

As for Neuschwanstein Castle, it’s about 38.5 miles (61.9 kilometers) away from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which is about a 53-minute drive. If you’d rather not drive, you can take bus 9606 from Hohenschwangau and get there in around 2 hours and 7 minutes.

Check out my discovery guide for Garmisch-Partenkrichen for more information.

Mittenwald

Tucked at the foot of the Karwendel mountain range, you’ll find the charming alpine village of Mittenwald. It’s famous for its stunningly painted houses, a tradition called Lüftlmalerei. Like Füssen, Mittenwald has been a big name in Germany’s violin-making industry for over 300 years.

When you visit Mittenwald, there’s plenty to do both in the village and nearby. You can check out the Violin Making Museum, wander through the old village center to admire the Lüftlmalerei, or take the Karwendelbahn lift for stunning views.

If you’re into skiing, don’t miss the Dammkar Ski Route. Also, make sure to visit the Hummock Meadows, Ski Route Dammkar, and Leutasch Gorge—these natural attractions are what make Mittenwald so special.

Mittenwald is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Neuschwanstein Castle. If you’re driving, it’ll take you around 1 hour and 9 minutes. For public transportation, you can take a bus from Hohenschwangau, Königsschl. to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which takes about 2 hours and 7 minutes. From there, you can catch a train to Mittenwald.

Learn more about the amazing attractions that await you in Mittenwald.

Oberammergau

At the foothills of the Bavarian Alps sits Oberammergau, a town with a rich cultural and artistic history. It’s famous for its centuries-old woodcarving tradition, detailed frescoes, and the world-famous Passion Play, which is performed every ten years.

Oberammergau is a must-see, especially during the Passion Play, but there’s plenty to explore outside of the event too. Even in the off-season, the town is full of art and craftsmanship waiting to be discovered.

While you’re there, you’ll find talented artists creating amazing handicrafts, like religious wood carvings. Be sure to check out the Parish Church St. Peter and Paul, with its stunning frescoes. The town’s Lüftlmalerei, or decorative façade paintings, bring biblical stories, peasant scenes, classic images, and even fairy tales to life.

Getting to Oberammergau from Neuschwanstein Castle is easy. It’s just 28.7 miles (46.2 kilometers) away, and the drive takes about 43 minutes. If you’d rather take public transportation, you can catch the Regionalverkehr Oberbayern GmbH (RVO/RVA) bus from Hohenschwangau. It’s a comfy ride that takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes.

See how beautiful Oberammergau is and discover the amazing experiences it offers.

Munich

Munich, the heart of Bavaria, is known for its rich history, lively culture, and a mix of traditional and modern architecture. It’s also home to the world-famous Oktoberfest, Germany’s biggest beer festival.

In Munich, there’s so much to see, from the lively Marienplatz to the impressive Neues Rathaus and Peterskirche.

Be sure to check out the Munich Residenz and Nymphenburg Palace—they’re both stunning. Nature lovers will appreciate the Westpark and the English Garden, one of the world’s largest urban parks. If you’re into cars, don’t miss BMW Welt.

Getting to Munich from Neuschwanstein Castle is easy. It’s about 76.4 miles (123 kilometers) away, a scenic 1 hour and 48-minute drive. If you’re taking public transport, the FlixBus from Hohenschwangau will get you to Munich in around 2 hours and 5 minutes.

Learn more: Beautiful places to see in Munich

Bregenz

Bregenz, often called the City by the Lake, is a gem in Austria’s westernmost region, Vorarlberg. This town has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age and was once home to a Celtic fortress. Today, it’s a lively town with Austria’s largest harbor and the famous Bregenz Festival.

During your trip to Bregenz, there are plenty of relaxing and amazing things to do.

What should you not miss? First, take a peaceful walk along the Bregenz Lake Promenade to enjoy the stunning views of the lake. Then, head up to Pfänder Mountain for an incredible bird’s-eye view of the town and lake. Architecture lovers will enjoy the Vorarlberg Museum in the town center.

If you’re visiting in July or August, don’t miss the Bregenz Festival, one of Europe’s most popular events!

As for getting to Bregenz from Neuschwanstein Castle, it’s a scenic 75.5 km (47 miles) drive, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car. If you prefer public transport, be prepared for a longer journey. The route includes stops at Füssen, Kaufbeuren, and Lindau-Reutin, and the whole trip will take about 4 hours and 13 minutes.

Discover more from the official website of Bregenz Tourism.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck, the gem of the Austrian Alps, is a city that blends city life with nature perfectly. Its charming buildings, set against the dramatic alpine mountains, make for a stunning view.

When you visit Innsbruck, there are some must-see sights. Check out the city’s iconic “Golden Roof,” a piece of Austria’s Imperial history, along with Ambras Castle, Tirol Panorama, the Court Church, and Innsbruck Cathedral.

For an incredible panoramic view of the Alps, hop on the Nordkette cable car. From there, you’ll get a stunning view of Innsbruck and the surrounding snow-covered peaks.

If you’re planning to visit Innsbruck from Neuschwanstein Castle, it’s a fairly short trip. The castle is about 36.4 miles (58.6 kilometers) away, and it takes around 1 hour and 24 minutes to drive.

Do you prefer public transport? It will take a bit longer. You’ll need to take a bus from Hohenschwangau to Garmisch-Partenkirchen station, then another bus to Innsbruck, which takes around 4 hours and 17 minutes.

Do you want to visit Innsbruck? Here are three different ways to spend a day in Innsbruck. (If you’re staying for two days, check out this sample itinerary.)

Looking for attractions near Neuschwanstein Castle? Check out my list of spots within walking distance or just a short ride away. And if you missed it, here are some other resources to help you plan your trip to the castle:

If you’re eager to explore more of the region, be sure to check out the diverse attractions in the Bavarian Alps and Southern Germany.

Discover 15 Attractions & 5 Charming Towns of Bavarian Alps

Explore Southern Germany’s Bucket List Destinations

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