When to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle for the Best Experience

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Millions of people visit Neuschwanstein Castle every year, so imagine how packed it can get! Here’s a simple trick to make your trip awesome: time your visit perfectly. Going when it’s less crowded will totally change how much you enjoy it.

I think Neuschwanstein Castle is the kind of place you’d really enjoy if you go when it’s not super crowded. It feels like a real-life fairytale, and the magic kind of gets lost if you’re stuck with a bunch of other people. It’s even worse if those annoying travel influencers are there, more worried about getting the perfect shot for Instagram than actually experiencing the castle.

Anyway, there’s a few other things to think about besides crowds when you’re deciding when to go to Neuschwanstein Castle. Let me tell you about them…

Neuschwanstein Castle during Winter: No Crowds

If you want a quieter experience, visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in winter (November to April) can be a great idea.

But before you decide, there are a few more things to keep in mind. Some areas of the castle might be closed due to weather, like the Marienbrücke, which has the best view of the castle. Snow can also shut down the horse carriages and shuttle buses, meaning you’d have to hike up the hill yourself. Even with these challenges, many visitors say it’s worth it.

Seeing Neuschwanstein Castle covered in snow is magical and makes a winter visit unforgettable.

Neuschwanstein Castle during Autumn: Best for Photography

If winter feels too cold for you but you still want to avoid the crowds, autumn is a great time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle.

For photography lovers, it’s an especially magical season. The castle’s white walls look stunning against the vibrant red and gold leaves of the surrounding trees, creating picture-perfect views. However, autumn weather can be unpredictable. Overcast skies might make the place feel a bit gloomy, and fog can sometimes block the views. On the bright side, that same fog can add a dramatic, mysterious vibe to the castle.

Visiting in autumn is a bit of a weather gamble, but with some luck, you’ll be treated to breathtaking sights.

Neuschwanstein Castle during Summer: More Activities, More Time to Enjoy

Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in summer has its perks. For starters, all areas, including viewpoints and hiking trails, are open.

Some trails from the castle even lead up into the mountains, offering views that look like they were taken by drones—though drones aren’t allowed here. Another big plus is the long summer days, with sunsets around 9 PM at their peak. This gives you plenty of time to explore. You can fit a lot into one day, like visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, riding a cable car, hiking, touring Hohenschwangau Castle, relaxing by Alpsee, or even checking out Linderhof Palace, another creation of King Ludwig II.

Visiting the castle during summer is a great way to make the most of your trip!