Hohenschwangau Castle, near Füssen in the Allgäu region, is a true jewel of Bavaria. Situated high above Lake Alpsee, it offers breathtaking views of the Alps. Originally built in the 12th century as Schwanstein Castle, it was rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style in the 19th century by Crown Prince Maximilian of Bavaria and renamed Hohenschwangau.
Architecture and Design of Hohenschwangau Castle
The castle's magnificent interiors are decorated with elaborate paintings and ornaments, many inspired by legends and fairy tales. Particularly impressive are the murals, which tell stories of knights and Germanic mythology.
Ludwig II, the famous fairytale king, spent his childhood here and derived many of his imaginative ideas, which were later implemented in the construction of Neuschwanstein Castle.
History of Hohenschwangau Castle
And no, the fairytale castle was not built by the fairytale king. Schwanstein Castle has existed since the 12th century and belonged to the Knights of Schwangau in the 16th century. It wasn't until the 1830s that Hohenschwangau Castle was rebuilt by King Maximilian II and then served as a nursery and summer residence for his son Ludwig II in the Ostallgäu region.
Today, Hohenschwangau Castle attracts tourists from all over the world. Guided tours allow you to immerse yourself in royal history and enjoy the beauty of the Bavarian Alpine landscape. Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or nature lover, Hohenschwangau Castle is definitely worth a visit.
Tours of the Castle
Hohenschwangau Castle is only accessible as part of a guided tour and lasts approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Tours are offered in several languages and led by experienced guides.
During the tour, you can explore magnificent rooms such as the ballroom, the royal apartments, and the children's bedroom. The view of the surrounding landscape, including Neuschwanstein Castle and Lake Alpsee, is particularly impressive.
Our tip: Hohenschwangau Castle in Schwangau can also be perfectly combined with a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle ;)
Opening times and admission prices of Hohenschwangau Castle:
Opening times:
Summer opening hours: March 23 to October 15
- daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Winter opening hours: October 16 to March 22
- daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Note: The castle is closed on Closed on December 24th, 25th and 31st and January 1st.
Admission prices:
- Here you can find the current ticket prices!
Arrival and parking
Arrival by car:
Take the A7 Ulm-Kempten-Füssen to the end of the motorway in Füssen, then continue on the B16 towards Schwangau/Königsschlösser. From Füssen, take the B17 towards Schwangau and then turn right towards Hohenschwangau/Royal Castles.
Parking: There are several parking lots near Hohenschwangau Castle, which are well signposted. From the parking lot, it's only a 20 to 30-minute walk to Hohenschwangau Castle.
There are four parking lots for you:
- P1 and P4: for cars and buses
- P2: for cars, camper vans, and motorcycles
- P3: for cars and motorcycles
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Who lives in Hohenschwangau Castle?
Currently, no one! King Ludwig II spent his childhood there. His father, King Max II, used the castle with his entire family as a summer and hunting residence.
