Who built Neuschwanstein Castle?

King Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned it from 1869, following designs by architect Eduard Riedel.

Is Neuschwanstein Castle finished?

No, the building remained incomplete when the king died in 1886, with only part of the planned rooms realised.

Why is Neuschwanstein Castle famous?

It reflects Ludwig II's fascination with the Middle Ages and Richard Wagner's operas, and is one of Germany's most visited monuments.

Is Neuschwanstein Castle a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Since 2025 it has been part of the UNESCO listing covering the palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Schwangau

Visit

Hours to be confirmed

Book a visit

You are leaving for the château’s own website

See guided tours and skip-the-line tickets tooTickets via our partner GetYourGuide, affiliate link

Where: Schwangau

Hours and prices not verified at the source yet.Check on the official website

Schloss Neuschwanstein 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.

What to know

The castle stands in Schwangau, in the Landkreis Ostallgäu, Bavaria, above the village of Hohenschwangau.
Reaching the castle involves an uphill walk from the village, so some physical effort should be expected.
Construction began in 1869 and the building was never fully completed during Ludwig II's lifetime.
It is listed as a Baudenkmal in Bavaria and has been part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2025.

Where this château is

Schwangau · Landkreis Ostallgäu · Bayern

Map of the area around Schloss Neuschwanstein

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Schwangau, Landkreis Ostallgäu

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

Get directions View on a map

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

In pictures

Frequently asked

Who built Neuschwanstein Castle?: King Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned it from 1869, following designs by architect Eduard Riedel.
Is Neuschwanstein Castle finished?: No, the building remained incomplete when the king died in 1886, with only part of the planned rooms realised.
Why is Neuschwanstein Castle famous?: It reflects Ludwig II's fascination with the Middle Ages and Richard Wagner's operas, and is one of Germany's most visited monuments.
Is Neuschwanstein Castle a UNESCO World Heritage Site?: Since 2025 it has been part of the UNESCO listing covering the palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria.