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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. During the guided tour of Hohenschwangau Castle, visitors must climb a total of approx. 180 steps (90 steps up and 90 steps down).
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: March 28th to October 15th 2026
daily between 9 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
► Winter opening time: from October 16th 2026
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
Enjoy a scenic walk up to Hohenschwangau Castle. The paths are well-marked and easy to follow. From the Ticket Center, expect a 20–30 minute uphill stroll to the castle entrance.
Horse-drawn carriage service
• Departure (Valley): In front of the Ticket Center
• Arrival (Castle): Below Hohenschwangau Castle
Rates per person:
• Uphill: € 5.50
• Downhill: € 3.00
Tickets are purchased directly from the carriage driver on-site.
Duration: approx. 10 minutes.
Carriages operate on demand and do not follow a fixed timetable. Please note that the carriage service to Hohenschwangau Castle is suspended during the winter season. Reservations are not possible.
