Neuschwanstein Castle is situated near Schwangau and Füssen in the Allgäu. The path to the castle starts in the village of Hohenschwangau, and this is also your last opportunity to park.

The nearest city to Neuschwanstein Castle in 2026 is Füssen, located just about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) away. Füssen is a charming, historic town that serves as the primary gateway for the millions of visitors who come to see the "fairytale" castle each year. It is a 10-minute bus or taxi ride from the village of Hohenschwangau, where the ticket center and the castle trail begin. For those looking for a larger metropolitan area, Munich is the nearest major city, located about 120 kilometers (75 miles) to the northeast. Many 2026 travelers stay in Munich and take the "Bavaria Ticket" regional train for a 2-hour day trip to Füssen. Another notable nearby town is Schwangau, which is even closer than Füssen and famous for its thermal baths. For a truly unique 2026 experience, some visitors choose to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, about an hour away, to combine the castle visit with a trip to Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze.