So, you want ideas on where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle, huh? Well, you’re in luck! There are a number of great hotels and Airbnbs near Neuschwanstein Castle that have all the best attributes: great locations, ample amenities, stunning castle views, and, my personal favorite, rave reviews.
Staying near Neuschwanstein Castle
A visit to Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular side trips from Munich (especially before, during, or after Oktoberfest). You can easily visit on a day trip, returning to Munich that night, or on your way to or from Munich like I did on my way to Gimmelwald, Switzerland.
Or, you can do what I wish I had done and find a great hotel or rental home near Neuschwanstein Castle and make a whole day and night of it. At the time, I wasn’t even sure of my options as far as where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle so I’m here to make the decision a bit easier for you.
Spending more than just a quick stop at Neuschwanstein Castle will allow you time to also visit Hohenschwangau Castle (Neuschwanstein’s next door neighbor), check out the surrounding towns, relax with some great Bavarian food and beer on a lovely patio, and spend some time in nature around the beautiful mountains and alpine lakes.
There are actually three towns near Neuschwanstein Castle where you can post up for the night (or longer if you want to explore more of the area): Hohenschwangau, Füssen, and Schwangau.
And since you’re definitely going to be doing so, be sure to check out this post on my biggest tips for visiting Neuschwanstein Castle! There are some things in here you can’t afford to miss.
Staying in Hohenshwangau
The village of Hohenschwangau is the one at the very base of Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s where you’ll get your tickets for your Neuschwanstein Castle tour, where you’ll catch the shuttle bus up to the castle, and where you’ll park for a castle visit if you drove in yourself.
Yes, this makes Hohenschwangau a bit more chaotic, but really only during the day. After the masses of day-trippers leave, the town quiets down. The downside to this is that many shops and restaurants also close. If you’re the kind who likes to turn in early, you’ll be okay with Hohenschwangau.
Because of the popularity of staying overnight in Hohenschwangau, hotels here should be booked sooner rather than later as they tend to fill up faster than the ones in Füssen or Schwangau. (It’s those views, baby!)
Pros and cons of staying in Hohenschwangau
Hohenschwangau is where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle if you want:
- To be able to walk everywhere and not walk far
- Hotels with stunning castle views (especially lit up at night)
- Nothing more because you’re only concerned with visiting the castles
The downsides to staying overnight in Hohenschwangau:
- Pretty busy/crowded during the day
- Shops and restaurants close up early
- Not much else to do besides castle hopping
Staying in Füssen
Of the three towns near Neuschwanstein Castle, the farthest away from the castle is Füssen, but as far as where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle, it’s still a great option.
Füssen offers more in terms of places to eat and shops to buy supplies, and is great if you’re arriving for and/or departing from your Neuschwanstein Castle visit via train. Füssen is also a good-sized town on Germany’s Romantic Road with a cute little “old town” and historic center you might want to explore.
You can take a public bus (bus 73 or 78) back and forth between Füssen and Hohenschwangau several times each hour. So, if you’re worried about staying so far away from Neuschwanstein Castle on your visit, fret not!
Pros and cons of staying in Füssen
Füssen is where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle if you want:
- More options for food, shopping, entertainment, and just about everything else
- Easy access to train travel
- More hotel options
- To explore one of the charming towns on Germany’s famous Romantic Road
The downside to staying overnight in Füssen:
- Farther away from Neuschwanstein Castle so you’ll have to commute
- No castle views from your hotel room (or at least not any worth writing home about)
Staying in Schwangau
Halfway between Füssen and Hohenschwangau is Schwangau, quite literally a middle-of-the-road comparison of the two. The hotel views in Schwangau are not as nice as in Hohenschwangau but bus transport between the two is easy and fast. (And it’s still within walking distance.)
Schwangau is slightly larger than Hohenschwangau so you’ll have a few more dining options, but it’s not as big and convenient as Füssen. You’ll still have to take the bus to and from the castles, and you’ll have to do the same to Füssen if you’re taking the train in or out of town.
However, some of the hotels in Schwangau are the most recommended.
As you can see, you have a few options to weigh when it comes to where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle. Each town has its pros and cons, none seriously outweighing another. You’re sure to love wherever it is you choose!
Can you stay at Neuschwanstein Castle?
Unfortunately, no, you can’t stay at Neuschwanstein Castle itself. That would be incredible though. Most of the massive castle is empty and abandoned—why not turn it into the world’s most profitable and kickass Airbnnb for crying out loud? *jots down new career goals*
However, you can stay near the castle where you can stare longingly out your hotel window at it well into the night. And that’s about as close as you’re getting to fairytale life I guess.
Hotels near Neuschwanstein Castle
In anticipation of a return trip to the area—and because I get asked this a lot as an Oktoberfest trip planner—I’ve researched the best hotels and vacation rentals near Neuschwanstein Castle.
I’ve hand-picked each of these according to my own strict vetting process along with first-hand accounts from travelers I personally know and trust. You’ll find my choices always favor ideal locations with close proximity to restaurants and transportation, a guest rating of at least 8/10, cleanliness, and a friendly and helpful staff.
For when you want to take it easy and not rush your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, consider staying at one of these hotels nearby:
1. Hotel Müller – Hohenschwangau
Hotel Müller was recommended to me by a long-time reader and I’ve since seen it mentioned in numerous other recommendations.
As far as proximity goes, you can’t get any closer to where you want to be for a Neuschwanstein Castle visit—Hotel Müller is right next to the Neuschwanstein Ticket Center. You can pick up your tour ticket early and do very little walking for the rest of the day if you so choose. If your only priority on this trip is to visit the castles, look no further than Hotel Müller.
Some of Hotel Müller’s high points include:
- It’s next door to the ticket center.
- Some of the rooms have castle-facing balconies.
- They have an on-site restaurant that serves Bavarian meals and fine wines.
- The breakfast gets great reviews.
- All rooms and common areas offer free WiFi.
- Reviewers absolutely love the staff here!
Plus, the fact that there are very few low points is a high point in itself. People have nothing but great things to say about this hotel—that is so rare!
Book your stay here: Hotel Müller
2. Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein – Hohenschwangau
Oh my gosh – Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein is cu-ute! Designed to look like an actual fairytale cottage and set right there in the trees, this place also has great reviews. (They even fold your bath towels into little swans. It’s too much!)
And if it’s proximity to the actual castle you’re looking for – here it is. Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein is actually next door to Neuschwanstein Castle itself and only a 5-minute walk away.
If you’re driving your own car for this trip, this is perfect. They offer free parking on-site and you get access to the private roads to Neuschwanstein Castle that only visitors to the hotel can get. It’s pretty much like you live there… and you’re just pulling into the driveway.
You’ll get to visit the Marienbrücke for beautiful morning views of the castle before anyone else can get up there. And you can explore some more after everyone has left. If that sounds right up your alley, stay at Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein.
Some of Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein’s high points include:
- Location location location
- Adorable factor—seriously, check out these photos
The free WiFi is said to be spotty and the on-site restaurant is good but it closes early. Plus, you’ll still have to pick up your tour tickets at the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau. However, if it’s a truly unique and VIP-ish experience you want at Neuschwanstein Castle, this is the place to choose!
Book your stay here: Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein
3. Hotel Alpenstuben – Hohenschwangau
Hotel Alpenstuben is another that is within just a 1-minute walk from the ticket center in Hohenschwangau (on the other side of it from Hotel Müller).
Like Hotel Müller, you’re in the prime spot for picking up your castle tour tickets and grabbing the shuttle up the mountain. Because of its location, you also get beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle views from your balcony. And since that’s what you came here for, you might as well soak it in where you can get it.
Some of Hotel Alpenstuben’s high points are:
- Many reviewers commend the friendly staff.
- The cleanliness and comfort of the rooms also gets mentioned in many reviews.
- It’s in a prime location that can’t be beat.
- There’s a great restaurant on site.
The only downside at the Hotel Alpenstuben is that it doesn’t have an elevator. Shuttle bus up the mountain to the castle? Yes. Elevator to the upper floors? No. You win some, you lose some.
Book your stay here: Hotel Alpenstuben
If you’re considering other day trips to take from Munich, also check out my post on visiting Salzburg from Munich. It’s a quick and easy day trip to Austria!
4. Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel – Schwangau
Six minutes away from the ticket center in Hohenschwangau is the Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel, an adorable and more modern hotel outside the busy tourist center.
Villa Ludwig is one of the area’s newer hotels (opened in 2012) and even offers an on-site spa with Finnish sauna and sun loungers with castle views. Even the sunbathers get castle views here.
When deciding where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle, and just about everywhere else, the main thing I look at is overall guest rating. And the Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel has a 9.4/10—the highest of all the hotels in the area!
Some of Villa Ludwig’s high points include:
- It’s in a beautiful location below Neuschwanstein Castle—you’re basically in Neuschwanstein’s backyard.
- It offers unparalleled castle views from rooms with balconies.
- An absolutely exceptional staff that consistently goes above and beyond
- Extremely clean rooms and property as a whole
- Nice, relaxing, private spa and gardens
Though there isn’t a restaurant on site, they do still serve a great breakfast and make it possible to order snacks until 10pm. They also have a sister restaurant next door where they can reserve you a table for lunch and/or dinner.
Book your stay here: Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel
5. Hotel Garni Schlossblick – Schwangau
Located near the Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel is the Hotel Garni Schlossblick, a five-minute walk to the ticket center in Hohenschwangau. Hotel Garni also comes with balcony rooms and views of the castle as well as a breakfast buffet.
This hotel is on the older end—which the squeaks and poor WiFi will remind you of—but if that’s all there is to complain about, I’d say this place is a go. The vibe is charming, the staff is friendly, and the value for price is excellent.
Some of Hotel Garni Schlossblick’s high points are:
- Great location
- Extremely friendly and helpful staff
- Decent castle views
- Free parking on site
- It’s a low-budget hotel in a high-budget area.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle while not spending a whole lot, Hotel Garni Schlossblick is a great option.
Book your stay here: Hotel Garni Schlossblick
Some German terms you’ll see when choosing where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle include:
- Schloss = castle
- Blick = view
- Berg = mountain.
- So, schlossblick = castle view, bergblick = mountain view.
6. Hotel Waldmann – Schwangau
With Hotel Waldmann we’re starting to move a little farther away from Neuschwanstein Castle. Hotel Waldmann in Schwangau is a 22-minute walk along a tree-lined path to the ticket center in Hohenschwangau, and about the same the other direction into Füssen.
However, if you’ve already had enough walking on this trip, you can still catch the bus going either direction near the hotel.
Hotel Waldmann is in a great spot in that it’s close to both Neuschwanstein Castle and the city of Füssen, but far enough away from the hubbub of both. You can rent bikes to head to either destination or ride the various bike trails around the more secluded, natural areas.
Some of Hotel Waldmann’s high points are:
- Unique location relatively close to everything
- Easily accessible by car, bus, feet (and the train, but you still have to take a short bus ride from there)
- A wonderfully accommodating staff
- You can still get castle views here!
- Excellent restaurant serving Bavarian cuisine
- And a beer garden where they serve beer from the regional Zötler family brewery
If you are looking to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle but not so close that you’re in a crowded tourist area, Hotel Waldmann may be juuuust right.
Book your stay here: Hotel Waldmann
7. Hotel Zum Hechten – Füssen
Probably the most mentioned hotel when researching where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle is the Hotel Zum Hechten in Füssen.
The Hotel Zum Hechten offers simple, clean, modern rooms inside a traditional family-owned hotel that has been in operation for more than 350 years. They serve regional cuisine in their on-site restaurant and pride themselves on traditional charm throughout. They, too, have an in-house sauna.
Because this hotel is in Füssen, we’re finally past the “walking distance” portion of the program. However, Hotel Zum Hechten is just a 7-minute drive to the ticket center in Hohenschwangau or a 10-minute bus journey.
In exchange for its proximity to Neuschwanstein Castle you get a 1-minute walk to the historic center of fabulous Füssen. Also, if you’re planning to arrive or depart by train, the Füssen train station is just a 7-minute walk away.
Some of Hotel Zum Hechten’s high points are:
- It’s in a great location within the town of Füssen, a picturesque stop on the Romantic Road.
- It’s just a short bus ride (or drive) to Hohenschwangau for access to the castles.
- Included with your stay is a free bus pass to visit the castles.
- It’s near the train station so you could do this visit to Nesuchwanstein Castle completely using public transportation.
- The breakfast here gets so many thumbs up (as does the restaurant for dinner)
- Great staff, clean rooms, no complaints!
If you’re looking to stay in Füssen while checking out Neuschwanstein Castle, this is the most recommended hotel I’ve found. There are virtually zero complaints (I mean, of course there’s that one guy who complains that the parking spaces could be bigger) but countless rave reviews.
Book your stay here: Hotel Zum Hechten
8. Hotel Sonne – Füssen
Hotel Sonne is the hippest, trendiest place on this list and is the opposite of an old, alpine chalet-type stay. It may not be the fairytale, Bavarian vibe many look for, but if you’ve had enough of that and crave modern comforts, she’s your girl.
This 4-star hotel is just a few minutes from Hotel Zum Hechten so you also have the advantage of being near the train and bus station (as well as just a short drive to Neuschwanstein Castle).
Some of Hotel Sonne’s high points include:
- A great staff that’s a pleasure to work with
- A modern aesthetic with modern amenities
- Comfortable, almost luxurious, rooms
- You also get the free bus pass when staying here
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle that has more of a modern vibe, check out Hotel Sonne.
Book your stay here: Hotel Sonne
Airbnbs near Neuschwanstein Castle
There are many hotels in the area but, if you’re a fan of Airbnb, choosing where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle is just as easy. Here are five great vacation rental stays to check out when planning a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle:
9. King Ludwig’s Old Neighbor
If you’re trying to decide where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle and you’re traveling as a group, King Ludwig’s Old Neighbor is the perfect spot! Personally, when I visited Neuschwanstein Castle there was five of us in our group and this would have been such a fun option!
This rental is ideal for up to 8 guests and includes 5 bedrooms with 5 beds and 3.5 bathrooms. You’ll have the entire house to yourself which—the best part—is located right below the castles. (Check out the photos – you can see the house in photos of Neuschwanstein Castle and look directly up at the castle from the front yard!)
It has a large lot (which makes it great for families), an outdoor terrace with grill, indoor dining table space for up to 12 people, a full kitchen, castle views from the bedrooms, tons of space, and is just a 20-minute walk up to Neuschwanstein Castle, door-to-big fancy door.
Obviously, reviewers absolutely rave about this place.
10. New apartment near Neuschwanstein
In this new apartment near Neuschwanstein you’ll have the entire place to yourself—enough for four guests in two bedrooms. The clean and bright apartment also includes a patio with grill, a private garden, and an underground parking garage.
It comes with a fully equipped kitchen (including dishwasher and oven), WiFi, and includes washer and dryer access—a pivotal amenity if you’ve been traveling for a bit already!
This apartment is located in Füssen and is just a 5-minute walk to the train station and an 8-minute walk to the historic old town. Reviewers have nothing but great things to say about this rental!
11. Haus am Lech
German for “House on the Lech,” Haus am Lech is a modern apartment located right on the Lech River and close to the center of Füssen. From here it’s a 12-minute walk to the old town and even closer to beautiful hiking and biking trails. The parking area for Neuschwanstein Castle is just a 10-minute drive away.
As this booking is ideal for couples, you and a guest will have the entire 1-bedroom, 1-bath, private terrace apartment to yourself. It comes with free parking, WiFi, a standard kitchen, and your own private entrance.
The space is ideal for shorter stays and many reviewers rave about the incredible views and setting.
12. Schlossblick – Cozy Apartment
Next on the list of rentals near Neuschwanstein Castle is the Schlossblick – Cozy Attic Apartment. It’s full name is “Cozy apartment on the top floor with a view of the castle.”
This rental includes the entire apartment and is suitable for 4 guests with 2 bedrooms and 4 beds. As you can see in the pictures, from this apartment in Hohenschwangau you’ll be able to look up at Neuschwanstein Castle.
It has a fireplace and balcony, open common space, and is located in a quiet neighborhood (directly beneath the castle). There are coin-operated laundry facilities and a private parking area directly in front of the rental. Past renters absolutely love this location.
I hope I’ve been able to make your choice of where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle a little easier. The great thing is that you have plenty of options and none of them are bad ones. Have fun stormin’ the castle!
More info
- Get a guidebook: Lonely Planet Germany has Neuschwanstein on the cover!
- And this Germany customs and culture guide.
- Need to rent a car? Check out the deals at RentalCars.com.
- Considering travel insurance? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
- Want more Germany? Check out these posts.
- Headed to Oktoberfest? Start here.
- Like this post? Have questions? Hit me up on Instagram
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10 Crucial Tips to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle Skillfully and Worry-Free
