Are Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle the same building?

No, they are two separate castles facing each other across the valley: Hohenschwangau is the older one, the royal family's residence, while Neuschwanstein was built later by Ludwig II on the neighbouring hill.

Can you visit the inside of Hohenschwangau Castle?

Yes, the interior can be seen, but only as part of a guided tour, which shows the original rooms and wall paintings.

Did Ludwig II live at Hohenschwangau Castle?

Yes, he spent his childhood and youth there before having Neuschwanstein Castle built on the site of the old medieval fortress nearby.

How do you get to Hohenschwangau Castle?

The castle is reached on foot from the village of Schwangau, along an uphill path from the visitor centre.

Hohenschwangau Castle

Schwangau

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Where: Schwangau

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Schloss Hohenschwangau stands in Schwangau (Landkreis Ostallgäu), in Bavaria, Germany. The building is a listed Baudenkmal. Recorded dating: 19th century. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Standing on a rise above the Alpsee lake, directly opposite Schloss Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau Castle occupies the site of a medieval stronghold first recorded in the 14th century under the name Schwanstein. Bought as a ruin by Crown Prince Maximilian of Bavaria in 1832, it was rebuilt in neo-Gothic style and became the royal family's summer residence. It was here that the future King Ludwig II spent his childhood, surrounded by murals depicting medieval legends and the tale of the swan knight, imagery that later inspired Wagner's operas. The interior still holds its original furnishings and decoration.

Written from Hohenschwangau Castle

What to know

The castle stands in Schwangau, in the Ostallgäu district of Bavaria, facing Schloss Neuschwanstein across the valley.
Access is on foot from the village, along an uphill path that requires some physical effort.
The interior, with its murals and period furnishings, can only be seen on a guided tour.
The castle is listed as a Baudenkmal in Bavaria.

Where this château is

Schwangau · Landkreis Ostallgäu · Bayern

Map of the area around Schloss Hohenschwangau

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Schwangau, Landkreis Ostallgäu

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Baudenkmal in Bayern
Period of construction: 19th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Are Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle the same building?: No, they are two separate castles facing each other across the valley: Hohenschwangau is the older one, the royal family's residence, while Neuschwanstein was built later by Ludwig II on the neighbouring hill.
Can you visit the inside of Hohenschwangau Castle?: Yes, the interior can be seen, but only as part of a guided tour, which shows the original rooms and wall paintings.
Did Ludwig II live at Hohenschwangau Castle?: Yes, he spent his childhood and youth there before having Neuschwanstein Castle built on the site of the old medieval fortress nearby.
How do you get to Hohenschwangau Castle?: The castle is reached on foot from the village of Schwangau, along an uphill path from the visitor centre.