Hohenschwangau Castle

3 highlights around Hohenschwangau Castle

• World-famous royal castle with medieval charm set amidst a fascinating mountain landscape
• Large murals depicting legends in the interior rooms
• Crystal-clear mountain lakes of the Allgäu included

King Ludwig II spent a lot of time at Hohenschwangau in the Allgäu

King Maximilian II used Hohenschwangau Castle near Füssen as a summer and holiday residence for his family. His son, Ludwig II, spent much of his childhood here. Both inside and out, there are many architectural details to discover. Inside, the magnificent rooms, including large-scale murals depicting medieval legends, await interested visitors. These were created based on designs by Moritz von Schwind and Ludwig Lindenschmidt the Elder.

The furniture on display dates predominantly from the time of construction, i.e., the 19th century. During the then-dominant stylistic period, the Biedermeier era, simple elegance, functionality, and comfort were valued. King Ludwig II, who inherited the castle, also gave it his own personal touch in terms of interior design, remodeling it according to his taste.

Murals as inspiration for Neuschwanstein Castle

The large murals in the rooms of Hohenschwangau Castle depict medieval legends of the region, such as Lohengrin, the Swan Knight. These truly legendary tales of heroism fueled the already vivid imagination of the young King Ludwig II and served as inspiration for Neuschwanstein Castle, which he later commissioned. King Ludwig loved the courage and loyalty of the protagonists in old German legends like the Nibelungenlied, as well as the often tragic love stories. Sadly, the king did not live to see the completion of his castle, as he died before its construction.

Hohenschwangau Castle: Location

Hohenschwangau Castle is located near Füssen in the beautiful Allgäu region, perched atop a hill. This vantage point offers unobstructed 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding forests and ridges of the Bavarian Alps. At the foot of the castle lies Hohenschwangau, a district of Schwangau. Two crystal-clear mountain lakes beckon visitors in the immediate vicinity: the nearby Alpsee and the Schwansee, part of the Schwansee Park. Both are perfect for swimming during your holiday, offering a refreshing respite from the summer heat. Or simply enjoy them as a source of relaxation and inspiration during your day trip.

Schwansee Park with Lake Schwansee – a place to linger

The Schwansee Park at the foot of the castle, with its magnificent natural surroundings and tranquility, is perfect for a long walk in the woods. The highlight of this peaceful oasis is the crystal-clear Schwansee lake, which can be easily circumnavigated. Along its shores, you can relax on a bench and unwind – perhaps with a picnic basket filled with regional delicacies. The royal castle park boasts a very natural landscape of woods, meadows, and streams. Here you will find plenty of peace and quiet and the opportunity to recharge your batteries. Many spots around the lake offer stunning viewpoints, providing glimpses of the fairytale Hohenschwangau Castle or the adjacent mountain scenery of the beautiful Allgäu region.

The paths you’ll walk on in the park are already 160 years old. Even the royal family of Maximilian II of Bavaria regularly strolled here. The park was initially designed by landscape architect Carl August Sckell, and later Joseph Lenné continued his work, creating a palace park in the English style. This style is inspired by the wildness of nature – straight lines, for example, are not favored. Artificial waterways, meadows, and trees – everything is designed to appear as natural as possible. This also applies to the hiking trails. Together with the adjacent area, the Alpsee basin, the total distance is almost 60 kilometers – a dream for hiking enthusiasts. On these paths, observant nature lovers can admire a great diversity of plants and animals, including many endangered species such as orchids, gentians, butterflies, dragonflies, amphibians, and birds – a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hohenschwangau Castle: Tickets

Tickets for Hohenschwangau Castle are available at the Hohenschwangau Ticket Center

(Alpseestraße 12, Hohenschwangau). It is located just a few minutes’ walk from the parking lots.

Alternatively, you can book tickets online in advance. This is particularly recommended during peak season, on weekends, and holidays, as the number of people who can participate in a tour is limited. Visiting the castle’s interior is only possible as part of a guided tour. When booking online, you can also select a time for your tour. Furthermore, it is possible to purchase a combination ticket for Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castles (as of March 2025).

* The reduced price is for seniors aged 65 and over, students, and people with severe disabilities. It also applies to holders of a guest card (Ostallgäu district) and/or a Königscard. The accompanying adult of a person with a severe disability receives free admission, provided this is noted in the disability ID card with the code B, H, or BI.

Hohenschwangau Castle: Directions from Hotel am Hopfensee

The drive from our wellness hotel at Lake Hopfen takes just under 15 minutes by car (9 km):

• Uferstraße
• Hopfener Straße
• B16 (Augsburger Straße) to Füssen
• In Füssen, follow the signs for Hohenschwangau / Royal Castles (B16 and then Füssener Straße/ B17)
• Take Parkstraße and turn onto Alpseestraße shortly before Hohenschwangau

There is parking near the castle. The climb of about 40 meters in altitude is relatively short and manageable, but also somewhat strenuous. If the path is too difficult for you and you would prefer to enjoy pure relaxation, then you will surely appreciate this offer: You can also take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride up and simply let go of all your worries.

Hohenschwangau Castle: Address

Hohenschwangau Castle
Alpseestraße 30
87645 Hohenschwangau (Municipality of Schwangau)
Bavaria, Germany

Other beautiful excursion destinations for your vacation nearby

• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Lake Hopfensee
• Tegelberg Cable Car
• Museum of the Bavarian Kings
• Romantic Road

Allgäu: Ideal for a wellness vacation as a couple, with friends, or as a family

Whether you’re looking for a getaway as a couple, a family with children, or just the two of you as friends – the Allgäu region offers relaxation for every group. You can explore Hohenschwangau Castle or Neuschwanstein Castle, along with the stunning natural surroundings, on the many hiking trails, or even celebrate your wedding in this romantic setting.

If you enjoy hiking, we have a special insider tip for you: The best time to hike to Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) is early in the morning, traversing the wildly romantic Pöllat Gorge below Neuschwanstein Castle along the Pöllat mountain stream. This path, which seems straight out of a fantasy film, is less crowded than the usual route. Especially at this early hour, you’ll have the place to yourself, your loved one(s), and nature, allowing you to experience your hike in a truly immersive way.