In the Footsteps of the Fairy-Tale King: The Most Beautiful Castles in the Allgäu
Where fairy tales come true
In the Allgäu region, nestled between Lake Alpsee, Lake Forggensee, and the peaks of the Ammergau Alps, King Ludwig II brought his dreams to life in stone. The royal castles of Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, and Linderhof tell a story of longing, splendor, and a world where art and nature merge into a single work of art.
Just a few kilometers from the Biohotel Eggensberger in Hopfen am See, you can experience this fairy-tale world up close—amidst cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery.
Neuschwanstein Castle – The Fairytale Castle Near Füssen
High above Schwangau stands the most famous castle in the world: Neuschwanstein Castle.
King Ludwig II had it built in the 19th century as a romantic idealization of a medieval knight’s castle—inspired by the operas of Richard Wagner. Today, Neuschwanstein is a symbol of the fairy-tale charm of the Allgäu region and one of the most photographed buildings in Europe.
Tip: The best vantage points are the Marienbrücke, the Tegelberg viewpoint, and the shores of Lake Forggensee.
Practical Visitor Information
- Opening Hours:
April–October 9:00 AM–6:00 PM | October–March 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
(Closed on January 1, December 24, 25, and 31)
Tickets for group tours: €21 regular | €20 reduced - Tickets for group tours: €21 regular | €20 reduced
“Royal Castles” combo ticket (Neuschwanstein + Linderhof + Herrenchiemsee): €40 / valid for 6 months
Reservation required
- Guided tours: Only as part of guided tours (no self-guided visits)
- Getting there: Parking in Hohenschwangau (P1–P4); approx. 30–40-minute walk uphill, or by shuttle bus or horse-drawn carriage
To Neuschwanstein Castle
Hohenschwangau Castle – Ludwig’s Childhood Castle
Just a short walk from Neuschwanstein lies the whitewashed Hohenschwangau Castle—the place where King Ludwig II spent his childhood. Nestled between the castle gardens, Lake Alpsee, and a majestic mountain panorama, you can still sense the atmosphere of royal family life today.
The interiors, featuring murals, antique furniture, and historical artifacts, vividly illustrate how Ludwig’s love for legends and art developed at an early age.
Tip: Combine your visit with a walk around Lake Alpsee—especially beautiful in the evening hours.
Practical Visitor Information
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Hours:
April–October 9:00 AM–4:30 PM | October–March 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
(Closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 & Jan. 1)
- Tickets: €23 (regular) | €22 (reduced)
(bookable separately; not included in the Bavarian Palace Administration’s combined ticket)
- Guided tours: approx. 35 minutes; guided tours only (time slot required).
- Directions: Parking in Hohenschwangau (P1–P4); 10–15-minute walk.
To Hohenschwangau Castle
Linderhof Palace – The Jewel of the Ammer Valley
About 50 kilometers northeast of Füssen lies the most magnificent, yet smallest, of the royal palaces: Linderhof Palace.King Ludwig II had a special fondness for this place—it was here that he truly spent time away from the public eye.
The palace is inspired by French Baroque architecture, lavishly furnished, and surrounded by extensive gardens. Particularly impressive are the water features, the Venus Grotto, and the ornate park structures—testaments to the fantasy world of “Kini.”
Tip: Visit the water features in summer and enjoy the tranquil palace gardens in winter.
Practical Visitor Information
- Opening hours:
April–October 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. | October–March Sundays & Holidays 12:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Tickets
Palace €10 | Grotto €8 | Combo ticket €13
- “Royal Palaces” combo ticket (Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Herrenchiemsee): €40 / valid for 6 months
- Guided tours: Guided tours only (time slot required)
- Special notes: No photography inside, approx. 30-minute walk Note: Photography is not permitted inside the castle.
Castle Highlights & Tips for Your Visit
If you’d like to visit all three royal castles in the Allgäu, it’s best to plan ahead:
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The “Royal Castles” combo ticket is a great value when visiting Neuschwanstein and Linderhof.
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Booking online in advance saves you waiting time, especially during the summer season.
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Your visit to the castles can be perfectly combined with hikes to Alpsee, walks along Forggensee, or a trip to Marienbrücke for the best photo vantage point.
Experience Culture in the Allgäu
Art, history, and music have shaped the Ostallgäu region for centuries. From the imposing Neuschwanstein Festival Hall to Baroque churches and ancient castle ruins, you’ll encounter culture at every turn.
Whether it’s classical concerts, historical tours, or folk festivals—every season offers new highlights for culture enthusiasts.
Sights in and around Füssen
There is much more to discover around Füssen than just the royal castles. Whether it’s the historic old town, crystal-clear mountain lakes, or scenic hiking trails—the region offers countless opportunities to combine culture and nature.
Take a day trip from Füssen, visit the Lech Falls, or explore the Reichenstraße with its charming cafés and small boutiques.
Discover Füssen & the surrounding area
Tips & Discounts at Biohotel Eggensberger
If you’re looking to unwind after an eventful day exploring castles, mountains, and lakes, Biohotel Eggensberger is the perfect retreat.
Here, sustainability, comfort, and warm hospitality come together—all with a view of the Allgäu Alps.
As a guest, you’ll enjoy many benefits:
- With the FüssenCard, you can use buses and trains for free or at a discount.
- Discounts on mountain railways, museums, and recreational activities are included.
- The Gastfreund app delivers up-to-date tips, opening hours, and tour suggestions straight to your smartphone.