If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a real-life fairytale, Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany is the place to make it happen—especially in winter, when the whole place feels like a scene out of a snow globe. Fun fact: this castle supposedly inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle! So, of course, we had to go see it for ourselves. And to make the most of the holiday season, we started with a visit to the Christmas market in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Christmas Cheer in Garmisch

Every year, we make it a point to hit up a Christmas market or two, and this time, Garmisch-Partenkirchen was the winner. The market was straight out of a Hallmark movie—twinkling lights, hand-carved ornaments, warm mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts, and yes, they’re as good as they sound! After getting our holiday spirit topped off, we set off for Neuschwanstein, only a short drive away (1 hour to be exact).

The Uphill Hike to the Castle (With a Sled!)

After parking in the village of Hohenschwangau, we bundled up and grabbed our sled for the snowy trek up to the castle. The hike takes about 40 minutes and is mostly uphill, but the scenery was beautiful, with snow-covered trees lining the path. It felt like we were heading up to meet Elsa in her ice castle! We figured the sled would make the trip back down way more fun—and we were right.

Getting Inside: Tours and Tickets

 If you’re planning to visit, here’s a tip: tickets to the castle sell out fast, especially in the winter, so book online at hohenschwangau.de if you can. If you don’t manage to snag tickets ahead of time, you can sometimes get same-day tickets at the Ticket Center, but you’re rolling the dice. Once inside, you’ll be on a guided tour that gives you a peek at the castle’s ridiculously detailed rooms and the dreamy views that make Neuschwanstein famous. It’s no wonder this place gets about 4,000 visitors a day on average—and in summer, it’s even more!

The Iconic View (And a Little Rule-Bending)

 One of the best spots to see the castle is Marienbrücke, a bridge that offers an epic view of Neuschwanstein. But, spoiler alert: in winter, it’s often closed due to icy conditions. And yep, it was closed when we went. But, a little snow wasn’t going to stop us. We noticed a well-worn path in the snow around the fence, so we (and a few others) followed it. I won’t officially recommend doing this, but we ended up with the most stunning view of the castle, all framed by snow-covered trees!

The Sled Ride Down

And here’s where things got extra fun—sledding back down! After the tour, we hopped on our sled and zipped back to the village. The snowy path that was a tough climb up turned into a perfect sledding route on the way down, and it made the whole experience feel like a mini winter adventure.

If you’re planning to visit Neuschwanstein Castle in winter, staying nearby can add to the magic and make it easier to explore the surrounding area. Here are a few recommendations for where to stay:

Hotel Müller Hohenschwangau

• Location: Right in the village of Hohenschwangau, walking distance to Neuschwanstein.
• Why Stay: This charming, Bavarian-style hotel is just a stone’s throw from both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles. Many rooms have castle views, and they offer cozy, rustic decor and a hearty breakfast.

AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa

• Location: Hohenschwangau, overlooking Alpsee Lake.
• Why Stay: This high-end option combines modern comfort with traditional Bavarian touches. After a day in the snow, you can relax in their spa or enjoy dinner with views of Alpsee Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Hotel Schlosskrone

• Location: Füssen, a charming town about 10 minutes by car from the castle.
• Why Stay: For those who prefer a town atmosphere, Füssen is filled with colorful buildings, cafes, and shops. Hotel Schlosskrone offers a cozy Bavarian vibe and a convenient location, along with an onsite restaurant and spa to unwind after a chilly day.

Alpenhotel Allgäu

• Location: Near Hohenschwangau, with stunning mountain views.
• Why Stay: This smaller, family-run hotel offers a more intimate experience with direct views of the Bavarian Alps. It’s a great choice for those looking for a peaceful, countryside feel within a short drive to the castle.

Gästehaus am Forggensee

• Location: Near Lake Forggensee, about 15 minutes from Neuschwanstein.
• Why Stay: This lakeside guesthouse provides a tranquil, scenic setting, especially beautiful in winter with views of the snow-covered lake and mountains. It’s an affordable option, and you’ll still be close enough for easy access to the castle.

Vegan Dining 

For vegan dining around Neuschwanstein Castle, the small town of Füssen—just a 10-minute drive from Hohenschwangau—offers a few great options to keep your trip delicious and plant-friendly:

Biohotel Eggensberger Restaurant

• Cuisine: Organic and local Bavarian
• Why Go: Known for eco-conscious dining, this spot serves creative Bavarian-inspired vegan dishes made with organic, local ingredients. Enjoy the warm ambiance with lovely views of Lake Hopfensee and the Alps.

Ristorante Il Pescatore

• Cuisine: Italian
• Why Go: This Italian restaurant offers vegan-friendly pasta, pizzas, and veggie dishes. The staff is happy to adjust menu items on request, like adding extra veggies or swapping cheese for a plant-based alternative.

Madame Plüsch

• Cuisine: Bavarian with modern flair
• Why Go: This cozy spot is known for its welcoming atmosphere and Bavarian-style interiors. Although not entirely vegan, they are happy to accommodate dietary preferences, offering delicious veggie-based options on request.

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