King Ludwig II’s Fairytale Castles: A Guide to Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein
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About the Tour
About the Tour
The enchanting region of Hohenschwangau, nestled in the beauty of the Bavarian Alps, is a valley almost out of place in reality. It comes complete with a mad king and two historical castles - one of which you've seen before as a major and beloved brand’s logo. This walking tour is a comprehensive guide to the pleasures of present day Schwangau and the stories behind King Ludwig’s iconic homes.
Your tour begins right outside the Tourist Information Office, which is the gateway to the Hohenschwangau region. A short walk uphill brings you to Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood home of King Ludwig II. This stunning 19th-century castle, built on the ruins of a 12th-century fortress, offers a glimpse into the royal lifestyle.
You’ll head down the path towards the tranquil Lake Alpsee, one of the most picturesque in Bavaria. Its shimmering blue waters are surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll. At the Schloss Bräustüberl Hhenschwangau, a traditional Bavarian beer garden, you can savor authentic Bavarian cuisine, from hearty sausages to pretzels and, of course, a refreshing pint of local beer.
The tour ends with a stroll up the hill to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. Known as the fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture, commissioned by King Ludwig II. You’ll learn the fascinating history behind its construction, including Ludwig’s inspiration from medieval legends and operas, and explore the castle's breathtaking appearance. The panoramic view from its grounds makes for a fitting end to your royal Bavarian journey.
Along the way, you’ll have a chance to:
- Revel in the eccentricities of King Ludwig II and his closest family
- Hear the history of the Hohenschwangau Castle and how King Maximilian II reconstructed it in the Gothic Revival style
- Pinch yourself at Neuschwanstein Castle and hear how this fortress inspired history’s most loved storyteller
- Visit the Museum of Bavarian Kings where you can absorb the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty, the ruling family of Bavaria
This 75-minute long walking tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making your visit to Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein truly unforgettable.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
Stormposten Lars Engerengen
In the northern reaches of Europe, amidst the crisp air and breathtaking landscapes, resides an Arctic storyteller whose words weave magic into the frozen silence. Meet Lars Engerengen, a passionate narrator of the Arctic wilderness, a voice that carries the echoes of history and the whispers of untamed nature.
Living beneath the shimmering Northern Lights and the endless glow of the Midnight Sun, Lars discovered his fascination for the Arctic’s lore in childhood. Nights spent listening to age-old tales by the fireside sparked a curiosity that would shape his life’s journey. That spark grew into a flame as he ventured across icy tundras, sailed through fjords, and trekked along snow-laden paths, collecting stories etched into the land and its people.
His storytelling is more than words—it is an immersive experience. With a voice that soothes and inspires, Lars transports listeners to remote landscapes where ancient myths meet modern realities. Through his narratives, one feels the biting wind, hears the crunch of snow underfoot, and senses the resilience of those who carved out life in this harsh yet beautiful region.
Lars doesn't tell you everything, but he tells you enough to pique your curiosity. Enough to make you want to learn more. Enough to make you want to stay a while longer.
Join Lars on a journey beyond the ordinary—a voyage into the soul of the Arctic. Each tale is an invitation to explore a world where nature reigns supreme, and history lingers in every frozen breath. Step into the story, and let the Arctic speak through him.
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 18
King Ludwig II - Crazy or just "special"?
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How VoiceMap Works
Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
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Information point Hohenschwangau
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hohenschwangau
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Ticket-Center Hohenschwangau
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Hotel Müller
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Hohenschwangau Castle
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Schlossladen im Schloss Hohenschwangau
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Museum of the Bavarian Kings
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Schloss Bräustüberl Hohenschwangau
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Road to the castle Neuschwanstein
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Souvenir Shop
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Neuschwanstein Castle Restaurant GmbH & Co. KG
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Neuschwanstein Castle
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start locationAlpseestraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
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Total distance3km
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Final locationNeuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
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Distance back to start location733.85m
Directions to Starting Point
The tour starts outside the Tourist Information and beside the bus stop in Hohenschwangau. Close by you have parking lot P1, P2 and P3.
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Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
In the first part of the trip, there are several hotels, restaurants and other places to eat. If you get hungry or thirsty, there are therefore good opportunities to solve that problem.
The last part of the tour goes up through the forest towards Neuschwanstein Castle. Here there are no eating places before the castle restaurant, which is located just before you arrive at the castle.
There are many nice stops and opportunities to rest along the entire tour, and it is laid out so that you can take breaks and go at your own pace.
Recommended stops would be at Hohenschwangau Castle, by the viewpoint of Alpsee, Museum of the Bavarian Kings and at the end by the Neuschwanstein Castle.
Best time of day
From dusk to dawn. However, if you like to combine the tour with a visit inside the castles, you should get up early - the tickets in the ticket center is sold quickly after opening.
Precautions
This tour goes along roads, paths and stairs in a hilly landscape. It is therefore unfortunately not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility challenges.
On a normal day, there are often more than 5,000 people walking the same road. Therefore, be considerate of others, and protect yourself from pickpockets.
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Questions and Reviews
Questions and Reviews
