Planning on visiting Bavaria and its treasure Neuschwanstein Castle Germany? Below are 7 of the best spots I found to photograph the castle: the classic ones and some more originals. Discover them with Neuschwanstein Castle pictures.
Navigate back to the online Germany Travel Guide
This article contains affiliate Links (more info on the Disclosure page).
Best Options to take pictures of Neuschwanstein
This post is a collection of locations to photograph the fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein in Germany. The location is absolutely stunning and it is hard to understand why this one castle is not on the list of Unesco sites in Bavaria.
It makes for a great day trip from the city of Munich.
If you are like me, you want options and not want just the typical shot from the bridge (Marienbrücke). So this list is for you.
Notes:
Photos were taken in May (snow was still on the top of the mountains)
Photos were taken mostly between 10AM and 3PM - better lighting early or late would improve detail rendering. Even in the rain, Neuschwanstein looks nice.
I have listed for you the best photographic locations I have found so far. I hope this will help you plan your time around Neuschwanstein and come back with gorgeous pictures.
PLANNING TIPS - Neuschwanstein Castle Germany
But first lets find out how to travel to Neuswchanstein Castle Germany.
Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle
By Train
- From Munich, you can take the train to Füssen 2h
- From Füssen: bus 78 (right outside of the train station) and stop either at the bottom of the hill where the castle stands or at the Tegelbergbahn.
- Or Taxi Neuschwanstein to Füssen train station :10€ flat
By car
- More info on the castle website for the travellers coming by car
- 2h drive from Munich
- Parking: 47°33'17.6"N 10°44'14.7"E
- Compare car rental prices and rent car on Autoeurope.com
By organized tours
- Tours runs from Munich and cover both Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. Check Program and Price
Visiting the castle
You can also visit the interior of the Neuschwanstein Castle. Save your time by purchasing a Skip the line Ticket in advance
Accommodation near Neuschwanstein Castle
The region is a great place to stay overnight with the lake, mountains and castles.
- You can stay in the idyllic small town of Hohenschwangau by the lake - check hotels and availabilities
- Or you can stay a bit further away in the bigger town of Fuessen. Check Hotels and Availabilities
- From Villa Ludwig for example, you can enjoy a peaceful terrasse with the castle in the background! - Check photos and prices
SKY APPROACH - Best views of Neuschwanstein Castle
During my research I found out that many of the dreamy pictures of this fairytale castle are taken from the sky (hot air balloon or helicopter).
Stock Photo
You can for example take a 90 minute helicopter ride from Munich that will go over the castles and offer you amazing views of the moutainuous area.
If one day I go back, I sure will book that tour. I love flying in an Helicopter and, considering what I saw from Photo Stop 1 below, I am sure the views will be perfect with better angles.
PHOTO STOP 1 – From the cable car Tegelbergbahn
The picture of Neuschwanstein:
The photography location
If you look on google map you will see that, just 2 km away, there is a cable car called Tegelbergbahn (hours and details on the cable car website).
Map @Geobasis-DE/BKG Google
The view
You cannot see the castle from the top but during the ride you get incredible views of both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles with the mountains behind.
During the ride back down we were only 2 in the cabin and the driver accepted to open the window for me to take better photographs 🙂
Note: I have been told by locals that from the top of Tegelbergbahn, there is a hike going downwith some good views of the castle. It was all in the snow when I was there so I could not try but I thought I should share.
For photos of the rest of the view from the Tegelbergbahn summit, check out my article on things to do in Neuschwanstein.
PHOTO STOP 2 – Path Tegelbergbahn to the castle hill
The picture of Neuschwanstein:
The photography location
From the lower station of Tegelbergbahn there is an easy 2km path that goes to the bottom of the hill where the castle was built.
It is an easy stroll that is clearly indicated. At the end you can either climb to the castle via the pollat gorge or walk to the village and climb with another mean of transportation (bus or horse carriage)
The view
You are below the castle so no nice detailed views. However it gives a sense of scale and allow us to capture its surprising location
PHOTO STOP 3 – Off the path
The picture of Neuschwanstein:
The photography location
On that same path mentionned in the photo stop 2, right in the middle, I decided to climb up the hill on the side. No track is indicated but I thought I might be able to photograph it from a different angle.
The view
I found a great spot were I was able to zoom on the castle's facade, one that is not often photographed by tourists
PHOTO STOP 4 – Path to Marienbrucke
The photography location
Walking behind the castle there is an easy path going slightly up to the famous bridge called Marienbrucke. Take the time to turn around, admire the castle.
The view
From this path you get some very detailed views of the back facade and some of the towers
PHOTO STOP 5 - From Marienbrucke
The photography location
From the Marienbrucke bridge Suspended above the Pollat gorge. It is a 10 to 15 min walk uphill from the castle entrance.
The view
This is the most famous shot of the castle. A classic but a very nice one!
You will have to fight to get a spot to take your picture, but it is worth putting up with the crowds as you get unobstructed views of Neuschanstein from the side.
PHOTO STOP 6 - After the Marienbrucke
The picture of Neuschwanstein:
The photography location
Most people stop at the bridge and walk back to the castle. However there is a path that continues climbing where you can get away from the crowds.
The view
Similar views as the ones from the bridge with a slightly different angles and the opportunity to frame your picture with trees
PHOTO STOP 7 - From Hohenschwangau
The photography location
Hohenschwangau is the village at the bottom of the castle. Once there do not forget to look up
The view
The back facade from below with some of the cliff
MORE...
In Summer, there is a cruise running on the main lake Forggensee where I think you could also get some nice shots of the castle and the mountains.
For more things to do around Neuschwantein, do not miss my dedicated post.
Want to see more of GERMANY?
Please, leave a comment if you want to share another spot!
