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HOHENSCHWANGAU
Crown Prince Maximilian of Bavaria (1811 - 1864) was enjoying a hike through the foothills of the Alps, when he discovered Hohenschwangau Fortress, which was in a ramshackle but scenic location. At the age of 18, he was immediately enthusiastic and spontaneously decided to buy this old property. In the years 1833 to 1837 he had the building, originally from the Middle Ages, then called "Schwanstein", converted into a romantic summer castle.
© Wittelsbacher Ausgleichsfonds
Visits to Hohenschwangau Castle are only possible within a guided tour with limited capacity. The tour of Hohenschwangau Castle lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Unfortunately there is no elevator in Hohenschwangau Castle. Please note, that a total of 90 steps must be overcome during the tour.
If you have a hearing impairment, please inform your castle guide before your tour, and you will then receive the tour text in written form. The guide text is available in diferrent languages.
Hohenschwangau castle is open as follows:
► Summer opening time: April 1st to October 15th
daily between 9 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
► Winter opening time: October 16th to March 31st
daily between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closing dates:
Closed on December 24th, 25th, 31st and January 1st.
The following languages are offered:
• German and English speaking guide
• Portable audio guide device: French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Hungarian, Czech, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin and Korean.
All tours take place with a guide. The audio guide devices are available directly in the castle.
Duration of the guided tour: approx. 45 min.
Price per adult: € 19,50 *
Price per child (7 and older): € 12,00 *
Price per child (under 7): € 0,00 *
* plus € 1,50 service fee per person (from 15 paying persons).
► The group tours take place with a castle guide and are offered in German, English or with audio guide devices.
Guided tours of the castle for groups of 15 persons or more and only on written request: info@ticket-center-hohenschwangau.de
Ludwig II spent Christmas in Hohenschwangau for the first time in 1873, while the "New Castle" was still under construction. From this year onwards, with few exceptions, the king spent almost every Christmas in Hohenschwangau until his death in 1886. Here he attended church services, enjoyed a few contemplative hours with his loved ones and then, as every year, traveled to Linderhof where he spent the New Year's Eve celebrations.
How and with whom exactly King Ludwig II spent the festive season in Hohenschwangau, what delicacies were served and what gifts were presented, will be revealed to interested visitors over the next few weeks during the Christmas special tour of Hohenschwangau Castle. Some of King Ludwig II's special gifts can be found in the exhibition at the Museum of the Bavarian Kings.
The Christmas special tours are offered in English and only on the following dates:
Saturday, December 20th, 2025
Saturday, December 27th, 2025
Admission time at the castle: from 5:00 p.m.
Tickets can be collected at the Ticket Centre only on the day of your visit by 3:45 pm at the latest. The Ticket Centre is open longer on the above dates.
Prices:
Adults € 26,50 per person.
Children from 7 to 17 years € 22,- per child.
Children under 7 are free of charge.
⇒ Bookings only possible after written request by email to events@hohenschwangau.de
We look forward to your visit!
Let yourself be swept away by the charm of a bygone era with an exclusive, private tour of the enchanting Hohenschwangau Castle.
Whether bathed in the golden light of summer or surrounded by the serene beauty of winter, our private tours and torch-lit walks with castle visits will make your experience truly unforgettable.
Let yourself be enchanted by history and discover Hohenschwangau Castle in a unique and atmospheric setting.
Simply send us your inquiry at info@hohenschwangau.de – we will create a bespoke offer tailored entirely to your wishes.
