How to Avoid the Crowd at Neuschwanstein Castle

Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle is like stepping into a real-life fairy tale, but its popularity means it can get very crowded, especially during peak seasons.

To make the most of your magical visit and avoid long waits or busy scenes, smart planning is key.

This guide shares practical tips on how to visit Neuschwanstein Castle without the crowds, helping you enjoy this iconic Bavarian landmark in peace and capture those unforgettable moments.

The Neuschwanstein entry ticket is the cheapest way to see the castle, which attracts a million visitors annually. The full-day trip from Munich includes castle entry and transport, while the Neuschwanstein & Linderhof tour offers a guided experience of both fairytale castles.

Choose the Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle is as soon as it opens at 9 am, on a weekday. The crowd is at its peak between 12 to 3 pm, and on weekends.

The busiest months of the Castle are in summer, so if you can visit between November and March, you’ll find far fewer people.

Sometimes the castle feels almost like your private kingdom, especially with snow covering the landscape.

Shoulder seasons like October, April, May, and September are also great choices.

These months offer pleasant weather with fewer tourists than in peak summer.

Arrive Early or Visit Later

The best way to beat the crowds is to be an early bird.

Arrive about one hour before the castle opens to secure your spot for the first guided tour of the day.

Getting there early also helps you find parking nearby and avoid long waits at the ticket center.

Avoid visiting around midday, as this is when the castle is most crowded.

If Neuschwanstein isn’t your first stop, try to schedule it as your last one of the day.

Evening visits can be peaceful, too.

The last interior tour starts an hour before the closing time, depending on the season, and you might catch beautiful sunset views.

Book Your Tickets in Advance

Tickets sell out fast! So we highly recommend booking your Neuschwanstein Castle tickets online before your visit.

If you don’t have tickets booked in advance, you’ll have to buy them at the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau village — but be prepared for long lines and limited availability.

Mary’s Bridge is crowded, but don’t miss it

Even if you skip the interior tour, don’t miss Mary’s Bridge (Marienbrücke).

This famous spot offers those perfect, postcard views of the castle that you’ve seen in photos.

Be ready for crowds here since it’s the most famous photography spot, and be patient while waiting for your turn.

If you have extra time and energy, take the short 15-20 minute hike up the nearby mountain for even more breathtaking views.

Alternatively, head to a terrace near the castle entrance to capture photos looking down on the castle.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid the biggest crowds at Neuschwanstein Castle and fully enjoy the magic of this enchanting place.