Magical Escapes: A Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen, Germany

The charming town of Reutte, Austria, became my temporary home because it was the most budget-friendly option close to the famed Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. Though I’ve been enjoying Austria, today’s adventure promised to be unforgettable!

From Reutte to Füssen

I hopped on a bus to Füssen, this time remembering to pack my passport (a lesson learned the hard way—read about that adventure here). Füssen’s train depot houses a helpful visitor center, where I was informed that tickets for the castle tour were sold out. Though slightly disappointed, I was relieved to learn that I could still explore the castle grounds and visit the extension bridge, renowned for its breathtaking views of Neuschwanstein Castle.

A beautiful river with green trees on either side. On the right are several homes raised above the shoreline. They are surrounded by trees. In the distance is the outline of a mountain.

The bus situation to reach the castle, however, was chaotic. Groups of tourists gathered around, anxiously waiting for the next bus, and the crowd only grew larger. Feeling unsure, I struck up a conversation with a woman standing next to me. Though she spoke German and I, unfortunately, did not, we managed to communicate through gestures and our phone screens.

In a stroke of luck, my new friend pulled me to the front of the crowd, and we managed to board the next bus together. As we rode, we exchanged stories the best we could, pointing to maps to share where we were from and our plans for the day.

The Climb to Neuschwanstein

At the base of the castle, I faced a choice: take the long walk uphill or splurge on a horse-drawn carriage. My friend and I opted to walk, but partway up, she revealed that she was heading to Schloss Hohenschwangau, another nearby castle. Since my main goal was Neuschwanstein, we parted ways with a smile and a wave.

The bottom of the pictures shows the tops of green trees. On the right side is a tree that stretches to the top of the image. In the middle, above the treeline is a castle, with tall towers pointing up on the left, and some smaller ones on the right. The castle is surrounded by a clear blue sky.

The hike was tougher than expected, and halfway up, I found myself wishing I’d chosen the carriage. The altitude didn’t help either, and I paused often to catch my breath. But reaching the top made every step worth it. The panoramic views of Bavaria were nothing short of magical—rolling green hills, sparkling blue lakes, and a clear, sunny sky painted a picture-perfect scene.

View from a mountain looking down on a town. In the bottom right you can see the tops of buildings. In the center is a body of water surrounded by hills and trees. In the background are mountains.

A Fairytale Come to Life

Neuschwanstein Castle exceeded all expectations. It’s easy to see why Walt Disney drew inspiration from its stunning architecture for both Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella’s castles. I wandered the grounds, soaking in its fairytale beauty.

The extension bridge, though busy, was a must-visit. As someone who isn’t a fan of heights or large crowds, stepping onto the bridge was daunting, but the reward was incredible. From the center of the bridge, I snapped photos that will rival the professional print my sister-in-law took that is hanging over her dining table. Finally seeing this iconic castle in person was a dream come true.

Neuschwanstein Castle perched majestically atop a forested hill, its grand spires and intricate architecture standing out against the vibrant green landscape and expansive blue sky in the background.

Back to Füssen

After descending to Schwangau, I decided to skip Schloss Hohenschwangau. Exhausted, hungry, and a bit sunburned, I set my sights on Füssen. A minor hiccup came when I couldn’t find my return bus ticket and had to purchase a new one. Thankfully, the cost was minimal, but it was still a small disappointment.

Füssen itself is a charming town with a laid-back vibe. I indulged in a Pink Veggie Burger at Riwa Bar, Restaurant, and Confiserie. While I’m still unsure what made the burger “pink,” it was delicious! Afterward, I strolled through the town, admiring a quaint church and cooling off with a scoop of gelato.

Wrapping Up in Reutte

Back in Reutte, I skipped the sauna and opted for a refreshing dip in the pool to ease my sunburn. As the day wound down, I couldn’t help but reflect on the magic of the castle and the unexpected kindness of a new friend. Tomorrow, the adventure continues—Switzerland awaits!

Today’s Helpful Tips

Neuschwanstein Castle – If you want to ensure you can tour the inside of the castle, I recommend purchasing your tickets ahead of time. If you forego a ticket, the grounds are free, and the extension bridge is worth the wait in line.

Riwa Bar, Restaurant, and Confiserie – A charming restaurant with wonderful atmosphere, both inside and on the patio! They offered several vegetarian options for me and many choices for carnivores.

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