Neuschwanstein Castle Viewpoints and Photography Spots

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Your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle doesn’t have to end after the tour or when you’ve finished admiring the castle from the grounds.

The castle is located in the Bavarian Alps, so there are plenty of stunning scenic views nearby. If you’re a nature and mountain lover like me, the views of the castle from different lookout points will definitely excite you!

Neuschwanstein offers several viewpoints, but the most breathtaking ones are from spots where you can see the entire castle perched on the hill. One of the best places to start is the famous Mary’s Bridge (Marienbrücke).

Marienbrücke

Marienbrücke is a wooden bridge with steel railings that crosses the Pöllat River. It’s only a short hike from Neuschwanstein Castle. The castle is directly north of the bridge, so from Marienbrücke, you get a perfect view of the castle’s southern side, with the Schwangau skyline in the background. This is the classic view of Neuschwanstein Castle you’ll often see on social media.

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View from Marienbrücke of Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau, Germany
View from Marienbrücke
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From here, you can easily snap a photo of the castle. But if you’re afraid of heights, you might need to face your fear first! Still, the thrill of seeing the castle from the bridge might help take your mind off it. After all, overcoming challenges is part of the travel experience, right?

Marienbrücke is a great spot for photos of the castle and selfies with the whole fairytale-like scene in the background. Just keep in mind that the bridge walkway is pretty narrow. So, unless you have an ultra-wide-angle lens, it might be hard to get a full-body shot with the castle behind you.

That’s why it’s a good idea to keep going along the hiking trail after visiting Marienbrücke. You’ll find even more amazing views of the castle.

There are two ways to reach Marienbrücke from Hohenschwangau Village:

  1. Hike up to Neuschwanstein Castle or take a horse carriage ride, then walk a few more minutes to Marienbrücke.
  2. Take a bus from P4 (the valley bus station) to the top bus station near Marienbrücke, then walk a few minutes to Marienbrücke.

The first option is better if you plan to visit Neuschwanstein Castle before heading to Marienbrücke. The second option works better if you want to visit Marienbrücke first. Just a heads up—during the winter months, Marienbrücke, the bridge over the Pöllat Gorge, might close if the weather is bad.

Neuschwanstein Castle to Tegelberg Scenic Hiking Trail

As we mentioned earlier, the hiking trail above and beyond Marienbrücke offers some incredible views. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Neuschwanstein Castle surrounded by clouds. The 360 image below shows you a sneak peek of this.

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If the weather’s clear, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of Neuschwanstein Castle with Schwangau in the background. As you keep hiking, the view opens up, and you’ll spot Alpsee and Hohenschwangau Castle in the distance. If you decide to finish the trail starting at Marienbrücke, you’ll eventually reach the Tegelberg summit, where you’ll find more stunning scenery and a beer garden for some snacks. To head back down, you can take a cable car.

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Unique view of Neuschwanstein Castle from the hiking trail to Tegelberg, Schwangau, Germany
Unique view of Neuschwanstein Castle from the hiking trail to Tegelberg
Higher view of Neuschwanstein Castle from the hiking trail to Tegelberg, Schwangau, Germany
Higher view of Neuschwanstein Castle from the hiking trail to Tegelberg
Neuschwanstein Castle looks like a dot higher up on the trail to Tegelberg, Schwangau, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle looks like a dot higher up on the trail to Tegelberg
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For more information about the cable car ride, including schedules and pricing, you can check out Tegelbergbanh Official Website.

I’m not sure of the official name of the hiking trail past Marienbrücke since it isn’t listed on the maps. So, for now, let’s call it the Neuschwanstein Castle Scenic Trail.

After checking Komoot, Alltrails, and Google Maps, I found three viewpoints along the trail that offer amazing, unobstructed views of Neuschwanstein Castle and its stunning surroundings. Let’s refer to these viewpoints as levels:

From Marienbrucke:Distance (meters)Elevation Gain (meters)Travel Time (minutes)
Level 1284205
Level 299110630
Level 3142021045
Summary: Neuschwanstein Castle Scenic Trail Viewpoints
  • Level 1 — From here, you’ll get a view similar to Marienbrücke, but without the crowds or people ruining your photos. You can snap pictures of Neuschwanstein Castle with your whole body in the frame and enjoy some peaceful moments while soaking in the beautiful view.
  • Level 2 — From here, you’ll get a higher and wider view of Neuschwanstein Castle and the area around it. The scenery stretches from Alpsee to the flat plains where the towns are, all the way to Bannwaldsee. The castle looks like a precious gem tucked into the landscape, just waiting to be discovered.
  • Level 3 — The hiking trail doesn’t end at the level 3 lookout, but this is probably the furthest point where you can still clearly see Neuschwanstein Castle. From here, the views stretch all the way to the Tyrol mountains in the south. On a clear, sunny day, you can spot at least seven lakes. It’s a view that will definitely take your breath away.

To recenter the map, simply click on the square button located at the top of the plus and minus zoom buttons. If you want to see the scenic viewpoints on the map, hover your mouse or tap on the stars in the elevation graph. The third lookout point is your final destination.

Important: Before you head out, keep in mind that the Neuschwanstein Castle Scenic Trail is tougher than the trails to Marienbrücke. You’ll want to be in good shape and wear proper hiking shoes. The trail is mostly a mountain path, so it’s rough and uneven. The ground is unpaved, with mud and small rocks that can get slippery when it’s wet. Be careful and enjoy the hike!

After touring Neuschwanstein Castle and taking in the breathtaking views, you might want to explore some nearby spots to make your trip even better. Check out my list of attractions that are just a short hike or quick ride from the castle, or explore these charming towns nearby. And in case you missed it, here are more resources to help you plan your trip to Neuschwanstein Castle:

  1. Should You Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
  2. When to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
  3. How to Get to Neuschwanstein Castle
  4. Before You Buy Tickets to Neuschwanstein Castle
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