Escape to the former getaway of German royalty with a visit to Hohenschwangau Castle. This impressive building and the neighboring Neuschwanstein Castle are some of the most popular places for romantic tours of southern Bavaria, visited by millions of tourists annually.
The neo-gothic castle stands on a hill overlooking the town of Hohenschwangau. It was built in 1832 using plans for the original castle that stood here in the 12th century but was destroyed over time. Tour the rooms filled with period furnishings. The sumptuous banquet hall is lined by murals of historic feats, giving the room the nickname “hall of heroes.” In the Hohenstaufen-room notice the piano used by composer Richard Wagner during his visits. Look up at a starry sky in the ceiling of the Tasso-room, bedroom of the kings.
Walk south less than 10 minutes from the castle to the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, which has an additional entry fee. Here you’ll see treasures from the Wittelsbach dynasty, which began in 1180 and dominated through World War I. See numerous models and artifacts from the building of the castles Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein by King Maximilian II and King Ludwig II in the 1800s.
Hohenschwangau Castle is in a pretty setting in southern Bavaria. Hike around the area to see very green farmland to the north and the blue Alpsee to the southwest. The area takes on a magical holiday sparkle when snow covers the lands in winter. Gaze up at the building at night, when the gleaming golden light make the turrets and crenellations look alive, just waiting for the return of royal residents.
Purchase tickets online for a guided tour of Hohenschwangau Castle at your chosen admission time. The site is open daily except select holidays. Enjoy the tour in German or English or use a portable audio-guide device for other languages. Ample free parking is available near the museum.
While you’re in the region, drive about 20 minutes northeast to visit the sister castle of Neuschwanstein, considered an inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella castle. Buses and a horse-drawn carriage also operate between these popular sites.
