9 Beautiful Tourist Attractions Near Neuschwanstein Castle

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Neuschwanstein Castle’s fairytale charm, stunning location, and fascinating history make it no surprise that millions visit the Southern Germany and Bavarian Alps every year just to see it.

But some people come only to see the castle itself, and when I hear that, I can’t help but feel a little sad. They’re missing out on so much more!

Did you know that the area around the castle is full of cool spots to check out? If they took the time to explore these nearby places, their trip would be even more unforgettable. The best part? A couple of these places are only a short walk from the castle!

1. Hohenschwangau Castle

You don’t have to leave Hohenschwangau, the village where Neuschwanstein Castle is, to find more to explore. The village also has its own castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, which is just a short distance from Neuschwanstein.

Hohenschwangau Castle, Schwangau, Germany — Hohenschwangau Castle, Schwangau

The two castles are about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) apart. In fact, you can walk between them in around 40 minutes! Not a fan of walking? You can take a shuttle bus or a horse carriage to Neuschwanstein Castle, but you’ll still need to walk for about 15 minutes to get to the entrance.

Hohenschwangau Castle was the childhood home of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the king who later built the famous Neuschwanstein Castle nearby. Originally a medieval fortress, it was rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style by Ludwig’s father, King Maximilian II.

Inside, you’ll find frescoes depicting German legends and history, along with portraits of the royal family. One of the highlights of the castle is its amazing views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and forests. You can see the Alps, Alpsee Lake, and Neuschwanstein Castle from the windows and balconies.

Visitors can also explore the castle gardens, the Bavarian kings’ museum, and the village of Hohenschwangau. Another great reason to visit is to learn about the life of Ludwig II, known as the “Fairy Tale King,” who had a passion for art, music, and fantasy. Guided tours offer a look into his childhood, interests, and the mystery surrounding his death.

If you plan to visit both castles in one day, it’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance from the online ticket shop. These castles are very popular, and tickets tend to sell out fast. When you book your tour for Neuschwanstein Castle online, you’ll also get tickets for Hohenschwangau Castle at the same time. So, you won’t miss the chance to visit Hohenschwangau when you go to Neuschwanstein.

Learn more: Official website of Hohenschwangau.

2. Museum of the Bavarian Kings

In Hohenschwangau, you’ll find another interesting spot near Neuschwanstein Castle — the Museum of the Bavarian Kings. It’s located just a short walk from Hohenschwangau Castle, right next to Alpsee and parking lot P4 in the village. If you find yourself at the ticketing center of Neuschwanstein Castle, a short 5-minute walk will bring you to the Museum of the Bavarian Kings.

Museum of the Bavarian Kings, Schwangau, Germany — Museum of the Bavarian Kings, Schwangau

The Museum of the Bavarian Kings in Hohenschwangau gives you a glimpse into the history of the Wittelsbach Dynasty, one of Europe’s oldest. The museum is especially known for its exhibits on Maximilian II and his son, King Ludwig II.

Maximilian II turned Hohenschwangau Castle into his summer home, while King Ludwig II is famous for creating Neuschwanstein Castle. The museum uses modern interactive displays to bring their stories to life.

More information about the Museum of the Bavarian Kings here.

3. Alpsee

Imagine standing on the balcony of Neuschwanstein Castle. As you look around, you’re met with views that leave you speechless. The Alps stretch out in front of you, their towering peaks reaching the sky. Shift your gaze slightly, and there it is — Alpsee.

Alpsee, Schwangau, Germany — Alpsee, Schwangau

Alpsee is a beautiful lake located in Hohenschwangau, and it’s definitely one of my favorites. When you go, you’ll see graceful swans and get a great view of the impressive castles of King Ludwig.

For those into photography, it’s a perfect spot to capture both Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle in one shot. You can even rent boats to get the best angle for an incredible view.

The lake has a large pier and a swimming island, which makes it even more fun. There’s also a kiosk at the lakeside resort where you can grab a cool drink, a snack, or a coffee. It’s a great place to relax after checking out the main sights in Hohenschwangau.

What’s great about Alpsee is how easy it is to get to. If you’re at the Hohenschwangau ticketing center, just take a short walk, and you’ll be at the lake in no time.

You can learn more about the boat rental in Alpsee here.

4. High Castle of Füssen

Did you know there’s another town nearby with a castle? Füssen, known for its High Castle, is just a short trip from Hohenschwangau. You can easily visit both Füssen’s High Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle in one day. It’s only a 5-minute drive from Hohenschwangau, or about 10 minutes by bus.

High Castle, Füssen, Germany — High Castle, Füssen

The High Castle of Füssen is a must-see spot that takes you back to the 13th century. One of the best-preserved medieval castles in Bavaria, it was once the summer home of the Prince-Bishops of Augsburg. Today, it hosts the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen branch gallery and the Städtische Galerie.

The castle is famous for being one of the most important buildings from the German late Gothic period, especially known for the illusionary paintings in its inner courtyard.

While visiting, you can explore the battlements and towers, climb to the sixth floor of the gate tower for a great view of the city, or check out the Veitskapelle, one of the highest castle chapels in Germany.

The museum inside showcases 15th and 16th-century art from the Allgäu and Bavarian-Swabia regions. Be sure to visit the “Knight’s Hall,” with its beautiful coffered ceiling, and the new terrace garden filled with medicinal and aromatic plants.

Discover the things that you can see inside the High Castle of Füssen from Füssen official website.

5. Tegelberg

If you’re up for some outdoor adventures near Neuschwanstein Castle, check out Tegelberg. It’s super close and easy to get to—just a 15-minute bus ride from Hohenschwangau on bus number 78 or 73, followed by a cable car ride from Tegelbergbahn Talstation. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can hike there from Neuschwanstein Castle’s Marienbrücke in about 2.5 hours.

Tegelberg, Schwangau, Germany — Tegelberg, Schwangau

When you get to the top of Tegelberg, which is an impressive 1,881 meters above sea level, you’re in for a real treat. The views are amazing—you can see the rugged mountains of Austria and the flat plains of Bavaria. And to top it all off, there’s a restaurant right at the peak. So, not only do you get to enjoy the incredible scenery, but you can also grab some delicious food. It’s a win-win!

For more information, please check the official website of Tegelberg.

6. Hopfensee

After checking out Neuschwanstein Castle, why not visit Hopfensee? This shallow lake is close to the castle and gives you amazing views of the Allgäu Alps from its northern shore. It’s definitely worth a visit just for the beautiful scenery.

Hopfensee, Fussen, Germany — Hopfensee, Fussen

On calm days at Hopfensee, you can see the mountains reflected on the lake’s surface, creating a stunning view. The lake is surrounded by waterfront restaurants and hotels, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the shimmering water and scenic countryside.

But Hopfensee isn’t just about the views; there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy. In summer, you can go boating, sailing, or windsurfing. In winter, the lake freezes over, offering great ice skating opportunities.

Getting to Hopfensee is easy. If you’re coming from Hohenschwangau, take bus 78, 73, or 72 to Füssen, and then switch to bus 56 to Hopfen. The trip takes around 20 minutes if you time your bus transfers right. If you’re driving, it’s only about a 15-minute drive, depending on traffic.

Keep in mind that while buses 78, 73, and 72 run every 30 minutes, bus 56 only leaves Füssen every three hours. But don’t worry, Füssen is a lovely town to explore while you wait. You can wander through picturesque streets before catching your next bus.

For bus schedules and details, visit banh.com.

7. Linderhof Palace

Neuschwanstein Castle is not the only cultural heritage that shines like a gem in the midst of the mountains of the Bavarian Alps. Linderhof Palace is another one. It can be reached from Hohenschwangau within an hour by car.

Linderhof Palace is one of the three grand landmarks built by King Ludwig II, just like Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s the smallest of the three, but also the most complete. Ludwig actually lived here and saw it finished.

When you visit, you’ll notice that Linderhof looks a lot like a French palace. That’s because Ludwig admired the French King Louis XIV, who famously said, “I am the state.” Ludwig wanted to copy him, so he designed his palace to be as elegant and dazzling as possible, using gold, mirrors, porcelain, and paintings for decoration.

You will love visiting Linderhof Palace because it’s not just a palace; it’s also a park with many amazing things to see.

Did you know Ludwig loved the operas of Richard Wagner, the famous composer? He wanted his park to look like scenes from Wagner’s operas. There are fountains, statues, caves, and buildings that are romantic and magical. He even had a boat shaped like a shell and a cave with lights and music!

In the park, you can visit the Venus Grotto, a cave Ludwig created. He liked to go there to listen to Wagner’s music and watch the lights change. You can also see the Moroccan House, the Moorish Kiosk, Hunding’s Hut, and the Hermitage of Gurnemanz — unique buildings Ludwig bought or built to make his park more interesting and exotic.

To learn more, please check the official website of Linderhof Palace.

8. Eibsee

Eibsee is located a few mountains away from both Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castle. Even though it’s a bit farther, you can still reach it by car in about an hour. Because of this, Eibsee is still considered one of the nearby destinations to Neuschwanstein. However, the quickest route to Eibsee takes you across the German-Austria border twice.

Eibsee, Grainau, Germany — Eibsee, Grainau

Today, Eibsee is considered one of Germany’s most beautiful spots and a paradise for nature lovers. When the weather is good, Eibsee is incredibly stunning, with crystal-clear water that reflects the blue sky and the towering Zugspitze mountain creating a majestic backdrop.

What makes Eibsee even more exciting is the variety of activities it offers. Imagine hiking around the lake on a trail that gives you amazing views at every turn. The trail is about 7.1 km long and takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete at a moderate pace. If you’re into water sports, you can also go kayaking on the lake.

For more information about Eibsee, I suggest checking its official website.

9. Zugspitze

Once you reach Eibsee from either Hohenschwangau or Neuschwanstein Castle, you’re just a short ride away from Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany. The Eibsee-Seilbahn cable car makes this possible. It offers a quick, scenic ride that lasts about 10 minutes. The ride starts at the lake, located at the base of Zugspitze, and takes you straight to the top.

Zugspitze, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany — Zugspitze, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Why should you be excited to visit?

Imagine standing at the highest point in Germany, soaking in the stunning views. While the scenery might not be as famous as Switzerland or the Italian Dolomites, it’s still a haven for nature lovers. Plus, there’s so much to do. You can hike the mountain trails, check out the environmental research station at Schneefernerhaus, or ski in the winter.

After all that action, grab a bite at the Münchner Haus or the Wiener-Neustädter Hut. And don’t miss the chance to take one of the three cable cars to the top of Zugspitze for a unique view of the mountain and its surroundings.

For more information, here is Zugspitze’s official website.

Besides the main tourist areas, there are also nearby towns and villages you can easily visit after exploring Neuschwanstein Castle. Check them out!

If you’re still planning your trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and its nearby attractions, make sure to check out my post, “Is Neuschwanstein Castle Worth Visiting?” for important tips and advice. The articles listed below can also help you get the most out of your visit to the castle:

9 Beautiful Tourist Attractions Near Neuschwanstein Castle, Pinterest Pin

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