The Neuschwanstein Castle and many other beautiful excursion destinations

Neuschwanstein Castle

Via the toboggan run, the so-called "Rodelbahn", to the castle

Various paths lead from Hohenschwangau to Neuschwanstein Castle. We recommend taking the gravel path "Rodelbahn" with its moderate incline. This leads you to the vantage point "Jugend" with a view of the Alpsee and the Schwanengau. Further on, the now tarred path leads to Neuschwanstein Castle. In the castle, you can marvel at the splendidly furnished living and presentation rooms, which were inspired by the sagas of the Middle Ages and Richard Wagner's stage works.

Tip: Shortly before 11 p.m., the lighting gradually goes out and the castle "goes to sleep".

Hohenschwangau Castle

From knight's castle to summer residence

King Ludwig II spent a large part of his childhood in Hohenschwangau Castle. You can reach the summer and hunting residence of the Bavarian kings from the Hohenschwangau district on foot in about 15 minutes or by horse-drawn carriage. The interiors are painted with scenes from medieval legends and poems and the swan, the heraldic animal of the knights of Schwangau can be found several times. From Hohenschwangau Castle, Ludwig II had a beautiful view of the opposite ruins of the castles Vorder- and Hinter-Hohenschwangau, where he would later realize his own castle dream.

Museum of the Bavarian Kings

Modern exhibition with impressive views

To gain insight into the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty or to pass the time waiting for your admission to the castles, we recommend a visit to the Museum of the Bavarian Kings. It is picturesquely located at Lake Alpsee and has a modern exhibition with exhibits worth seeing.

Tip: The museum regularly hosts lectures or other events such as the "Seerenade" with classical music on the shores of the Alpsee.

Picture credits: © Wittelsbacher Ausgleichsfonds, MdbK

Excursion 1

Historic old town of Füssen

The neighboring town of Füssen, about 4 km away, has some highlights to offer. Whether in the High Castle with branch gallery of the Bavarian State Painting Collection or in the Museum of the City of Füssen in the former monastery of St. Mang. Here, those interested in culture will definitely get their money's worth. But you can also stroll leisurely through the old town with its historic buildings, cafes and shopping opportunities. In addition, the Lech Falls and the Forest Adventure Center are worth a visit, especially for children.

Tip: Special events such as the music festival Vielsaitig or the Kaisersaal concerts.

Excursion 2

Pfaffenwinkel

The town of Steingaden in the upper Bavarian Pfaffenwinkel is approx. 18km away from Schwangau. The Romanesque Welfenmünster is located in the middle of the village. After the visit of the former Premonstratensian church you drive further into the Wies. There, picturesquely situated, the Wieskirche, an impressive Unesco world cultural heritage site, awaits you.

Tip: The Brettleweg: a hiking trail between Steingaden and the Wieskirche, which takes you through a high moor with mountain views.

Excursion 3

Panorama drive

A special tip for a rainy day is the panorama drive via Tyrol and Lake Plansee to Linderhof castle. From Hotel Helmer you will drive via Füssen to Reutte in Tyrol. A small, picturesque mountain road starts here. It takes you along Lake Plansee via the Ammerwald forest to Linderhof Castle. The castle with its large garden and the famous grotto can be visited with a guided tour. From Linderhof Castle you continue via Graswangtal to Ettal Monastery and Oberammergau with its famous Passion Theater. Drive back via the Ammer Gorge on the historic Echelsbacher bridge and via Steingaden back to Schwangau and the Hotel Helmer.