Arrive in the valley
1 Bus 73 or 78 to “Hohenschwangau Neuschwanstein Castles, Schwangau”. Go to 2 Ticket Center and if using the shuttle continue to the stop at 3 Alpsee car park P4.
YOUR BASE CAMP IN ALLGÄU
Castles at Füssen.
Experience history.
Neuschwanstein (Schloss Neuschwanstein), Hohenschwangau, High Castle and castle ruins: Discover the castles around Füssen with pictures, visiting tips and ticket links.
Discover excursionsPhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel
CASTLES & CULTURE
Your day.
Your discoveries.
From the royal castles in Schwangau to the quiet castle ruins on the hills: here you will find well-known destinations and places where you can discover history without much hustle and bustle. Our hostel in the Füssen old town is your starting point.
AFTER YOUR OVERNIGHT WITH US
Your castle visit.
With time for the journey.
The time on your Neuschwanstein ticket is your entrance to the castle. Plan backwards from there: bus ride, routes and waiting time at the shuttle come before that. We recommend planning reserves for traveling by bus and shuttle approximately 2 hours 15 minutes from leaving the hostel to the tour. If there is a big crowd, start earlier; The right bus connection determines your actual departure time.
THE PATHS AT A GLANCE
From the bus to the royal castles.
Where do you get off, where do you go up? Our map shows you the stations in the valley and the paths on the mountain.
- Public bus from Füssen
- 34Shuttle stops
- Footpath Neuschwanstein
- From the shuttle above & Marienbrücke
- Hohenschwangau · Stairway
- Hohenschwangau · Alpseeweg
Take the shuttle up
From 3 after 4 “Youth / Marienbrücke”: about 15 minutes drive. After that 10–15 Minutes steeply downhill to 5 Neuschwanstein. To 6 Marienbrücke you walk from the upper stop for about 5 minutes.
Walking to the castles
From 2 You need Ticket Center 30–40 minutes up to 5 Neuschwanstein. To 7 Hohenschwangau The shorter stairway leads approximately 20 minutes; about the Alpsee route 30 minutes.
The shuttle doesn't stop at either castle. The Marienbrücke is a detour to the viewpoint; Access to Neuschwanstein is not via the bridge. All times are guidelines without waiting times and breaks. Before your visit, check the shuttle operation and possible path and bridge closures.
Paths checked on 11. October 2026: Castle administration, Shuttle & climbs and Marienbrücke & access. For precise orientation on site: Open official local map ↗.
1 · SECURE TICKET IN ADVANCE
Your entry time.
Buy your ticket in good time from the official ticket shop. For authorized use, choose the guest card tariff and take your Füssen Card with you as proof. Day tickets in the Ticket Center are only available subject to availability.
Adults pay with Füssen Card 20 € instead of 21 €. Come when purchasing online 2,50 € per ticket added. Children and young people under 18 also need a ticket; Admission is free, but the online fee still applies.
Official ticket prices →2 · FROM HOSTEL TO HOHENSCHWANGAU
Bus 73 or 78.
From the hostel you walk about 3 minutes to train station Füssen. Choose a service on route 73 or 78 that stops at “Hohenschwangau Neuschwanstein Castles, Schwangau”. According to the annual timetable, direct journeys take around 8 minutes; Detours and traffic may extend the journey.
With your valid Füssen Card in the original The bus ride including the return journey is free of charge. You will receive the card when you check in in the evening. Check the return journey for your visit in advance.
Timetable line 73 →Timetable line 78 →
3 · SHUTTLE AND LAST WALK
Up to the castle.
The separate shuttle starts on Alpseeparking P4. It runs as needed approximately every 20 minutes; the journey takes approximately 15 minutes. You still walk at the “Jugend / Marienbrücke” mountain station 10 to 15 Minutes steeply downhill to the castle.
The shuttle costs extra: 3,50 € uphill, 3,50 € downhill or 5 € for return journey per adult. The Füssen Card does not cover the shuttle. Buy the ticket on site; Take cash with you, card payments are not possible on the bus.
Shuttle prices and operating times →| Step | Path or preparation | Schedule time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | From the hostel to the train station Füssen | approx. 3 minutes |
| 2 | Be at the bus stop before your chosen bus departure | approx. 10 minutes reserve |
| 3 | Bus to Hohenschwangau | approx. 15 minutes planning time |
| 4 | Go to the ticket center or shuttle stop P4 in town | approx. 10–15 minutes reserve |
| 5 | Standing in line for the shuttle; longer if there is a crowd | at least 30 minutes reserve |
| 6 | Shuttle ride to the mountain station | approx. 15 minutes |
| 7 | Last walk to the castle entrance | approximately 10–15 minutes |
| 8 | Arrive at the castle before your booked entry time | approx. 15 minutes reserve |
Additional columns: Wipe the table sideways or move it with the arrow keys.
When do you have to leave the hostel?
Example: Tour at 11:00 p.m. Plan to be at the castle by 10:45 at the latest and, if possible, choose a bus that arrives in Hohenschwangau by 9:15 at the latest. Leave the hostel 10 to 15 minutes before the departure of this bus. For example, with a suitable departure at 9:05, that would be 8:50 at the latest. This is a calculation example; You can find the actual bus for your day in the timetable.
During holiday periods and when queues are long, you should allow more time. If you want to buy a castle ticket on site, you will need additional time for the box office; Even then a ticket is not guaranteed. When taking an early tour, check in particular whether the bus and shuttle are already running.
On the day of departure: Vacate your room by 9:30. You can store your luggage with us free of charge and pick it up after your visit to the castle.
Shuttle times and costs for your excursion.
During summer opening hours: first uphill service 8:00, last uphill service 17:30, last downhill service 18:45. During winter opening hours: 9:00, 15:30 and 17:00. The shuttle only runs when the roads are free of snow and ice; it does not run on 24. and 25. December or on 31. December and 1. January. Check the current operations and traffic information before your visit.
Example of costs per adult with a valid Füssen Card: Public bus there and back 0 € + castle entry 20 € + online fee 2,50 € + shuttle there and back 5 € = 27,50 €. Accommodation and meals are included; Separate rates apply for children. If you walk from Hohenschwangau, the shuttle fee does not apply; It will take you about 30 to 40 minutes to climb.
Prices and operating times checked on 11. October 2026. The reserves are our planning recommendations and not measured waiting times. Sources: Füssen Tourism for free bus travel, Shuttle operator and Castle administration to the last walk. The current operator information applies.
By car you also first drive to Hohenschwangau and park there in the valley for a fee. For the way to the castle you need the same planning from Hohenschwangau.
Questions about accommodation & excursions
Neuschwanstein CastlePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
Neuschwanstein CastlePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
Neuschwanstein CastlePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
Neuschwanstein CastlePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel
THE FAIRY-TALE CASTLE
Neuschwanstein Castle
- Hohenschwangau
- Guided tour
- Reserve tickets in advance
White towers, steep rocks and below the lakes of Hohenschwangau: Neuschwanstein is one of the most impressive excursion destinations in Füssen. Ludwig II had his idea of a medieval knight's castle realized here. Behind the famous facade there are richly furnished rooms that can be viewed as part of a guided tour.
Also plan the way up to the castle for your visit. The surrounding area with Alpsee and viewpoints turns the appointment into a whole excursion. When the entrance is open, the familiar view of the castle opens up from the Marienbrücke; When it comes to blocking, there are other perspectives around Hohenschwangau.
Good to know: Only book through the official ticket provider. The time slot on your ticket is the start of the tour - the climb is also part of your planning.
Hohenschwangau CastlePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
Hohenschwangau CastlePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
View of Hohenschwangau CastlePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel
THE CHILDHOOD OF LUDWIG II.
Hohenschwangau Castle
- Hohenschwangau
- Guided tour
- Combines well with Alpsee
The yellow castle above the town of Hohenschwangau looks different than its famous neighbor: more homely, closer to the valley and embedded in wooded slopes. Ludwig II spent part of his childhood here. During a guided tour you will encounter the rooms of the royal family and the world of images that helped shape his later castle ideas.
Hohenschwangau can be combined with a walk to Alpsee. If you want to visit both royal castles, you need enough space between the tour dates. The route between the castles, waiting times and a break at the lake cannot be done in a few minutes.
Good to know: For a relaxed visit, it is better to experience a castle in detail than to book two tours too close together.
Facade painting in the inner courtyard of the High CastlePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
Historical Hall in the High Castle FüssenPhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
State Gallery in the High Castle© Füssen Tourism and Marketing / Gerhard Eisenschink 
High Castle FüssenPhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
High Castle FüssenPhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel
ART OVER THE OLD TOWN
High Castle Füssen
- In the middle of Füssen
- Galleries & courtyard
- Walking distance from hostel
Just a few streets away from our hostel, the High Castle rises above Füssen. The inner courtyard alone is worth the trip: the painted bay windows and windows look surprisingly three-dimensional from the right perspective. This facade painting is one of the special features of the former seat of the Augsburg prince-bishops.
Inside, the state gallery and the municipal picture gallery complete the tour. Depending on the area opened, there are views over the roofs and insights into the historical rooms. Afterwards you can walk through the Baumgarten back to the old town - a nice cultural morning without a long journey.
Good to know: The inner courtyard and exhibitions have different entrances and opening times. Especially when visiting a museum, check the current information.
Castle ruins Eisenberg and HohenfreybergPhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
Castle ruins Eisenberg and HohenfreybergPhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
Castle ruins Eisenberg and HohenfreybergPhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
Castle ruins Eisenberg and HohenfreybergPhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
Castle ruins Eisenberg and HohenfreybergPhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel
TWO CASTLES. A TOUR.
Castle ruins Eisenberg & Hohenfreyberg
- Eisenberg at Füssen
- Two neighboring ruins
- Hiking destination
Eisenberg and Hohenfreyberg are located on two neighboring hills. Between the remains of walls, gates and courtyards, it is easy to imagine how these castles used to overlook the landscape. Today the views of the foothills of the Alps are just as much of an experience as the old stones.
You can reach the ruins on foot from the Eisenberg and Zell areas and can combine both in one trip. The paths lead uphill; Sturdy shoes are also useful for a short visit. For families, exploring the farms is exciting, while cyclists can combine the castles as a destination with a walk on the last stretch.
Good to know: The two ruins can be visited together on a hike. Stay on the historic walls and use signposted paths.
Falkenstein castle ruins near PfrontenPhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
View from the Falkenstein castle ruinsPhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel
LUDWIG'S UNFINISHED DREAM
Falkenstein castle ruins
- At Pfronten
- Castle ruins with panorama
- Plan for advancement
The Falkenstein castle ruins stand on a rock high above Pfronten. Ludwig II wanted to have another spectacular castle built here. That didn't happen - what remained were the historical ruins and a wide view over the Allgäu and the mountains.
The visit feels more like a mountain hike than a classic castle tour. Several hiking trails lead up; Even those who approach the summit by road have to walk the last part of the way. The view is worth a quiet break. You can connect the Falkenstein with paths on the Zirmgrat, but you should carefully plan the additional distance and elevation gain.
Good to know: The access road is regulated. Check the current access and parking information in Pfronten before driving up.
Ehrenberg CastlePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
LUMAGICA in the Ehrenberg castle worldPhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel
HISTORY IN TYROL
Ehrenberg Castle World & highline179
- Reutte in Tyrol
- Castles & suspension bridge
- Separate excursion
At Reutte you will encounter several fortresses around Ehrenberg Castle. Old walls, the hermitage in the valley and the view from the heights tell of an important historical transit route. You can structure your visit as a walk through the castle world or as a longer excursion with several stops.
The highline179 suspension bridge complements the historical visit with a view from lofty heights. It is a separate part of the excursion; You should check access, tickets and possible climbing assistance with the operator. Those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground will find a lot to discover even without crossing the bridge.
Good to know: The other photos show the Lechtal at Reutte. Castle visit, bridge and transport offers may require different tickets.
Ruin Hops by the lakePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
Ruin Hops by the lakePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
Ruin Hops by the lakePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
Ruin Hops by the lakePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
Ruin Hops by the lakePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
Ruin Hops by the lakePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel
SMALL RUINS WITH LAKE VIEWS
Hop castle ruins
- Hops by the lake
- Forest path uphill
- Combine with a sea excursion
Above Hopfen am See are the remains of Hopfen Castle in the forest. The walls are significantly smaller than the large castles in the region, but the combination of forest path and view of the lake and mountains is particularly beautiful.
The detour fits in with a day at Hopfensee: first up to the ruins, then walking along the waterfront or taking a break by the water. The climb is short, but remains a forest path with an incline. Take shoes with good tread and plan the route to your chosen starting point in Hops.
Good to know: Take shoes with good tread for the forest path. The visit can be combined with a walk along the Hopfensee promenade.
STORIES ON ALPSEE
Museum of the Bavarian Kings
- Hohenschwangau on Alpsee
- museum
- Even for rainy days
At the Alpsee, the Museum of the Bavarian Kings complements the view of the castles with the history of the Wittelsbach family. The tour helps to classify Ludwig II, his family and the royal building projects. Unlike a castle tour, you can visit the museum at your own pace.
This is a good addition to a day in Hohenschwangau - even if you didn't get a tour of the castle. Combine the exhibition with a break at the lake. For families, it's worth checking out the current offers for children in advance.
Good to know: You can find advantages with the Füssen Card on our guest card page.
WieskirchePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
WieskirchePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
WieskirchePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
WieskirchePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel 
WieskirchePhoto: Image archive Bavaria City Hostel
ROCOCO IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MEADOWS
Wieskirche near Steingaden
- Steingaden
- Sanctuary
- Rococo & ceiling painting
From the outside, the Wieskirche stands quietly in the landscape near Steingaden. Inside there is a bright room with stucco, ceiling paintings and a richly designed altar. Take time for the details and look up: the architecture and images always appear different depending on the location. Our own photos show the outside view and several perspectives inside the church.
The pilgrimage church remains a place for worship and prayer. Therefore, plan a cultural stop to coincide with the visiting times and the announced celebrations. You can combine the excursion with a walk in the area; The offers and dates of the pilgrimage curate apply to church tours.
Good to know: Tourist sightseeing is not planned during church services. View current visiting times and house rules in advance.
MAPS & INFORMATION TO TAKE WITH YOU
Your trip.
Well prepared.
Official brochures from Füssen Tourism and Marketing and its partners. Open the PDF or save it for travel. The original editions remain unchanged; note their respective status.
Cultural tips
PDF · 2 pages · 7,3 MB
Map of excursion destinations
PDF · 2 pages · 0,6 MB
Castle information
PDF · 2 pages · 3,7 MB