A Guide to Castles Near MunichHear ye! Hear ye! Let it be known that this is your ultimate guide to castles in and around Bavaria's capital, Munich! From fairytale castles like the famous Neuschwanstein to medieval fortresses and royal palaces, find out which castles you can see in Munich and which ones require a day trip. 🏰Authorskerrieturcic
DestinationsMunichItinerary

Nymphenburg Palace

This Baroque palace is one of Munich's most popular tourist attractions. While the palace is smaller than many others in Europe, the garden grounds are huge (the second largest green space in Munich), and even include a forest with four more smaller palaces hidden inside! You can see most of Nymphenburg in about half of a day.

Munich Residence

This gigantic palace right in the center of Munich was once the seat of the Bavarian Kings! With over 130 official staterooms and apartments to see, it can take at least 4 hours to see it all! (Don't take the express tour; make sure your ticket includes the Treasury Museum.)

Neuschwanstein Castle

The ultimate fairytale castle—it's rumored that Neuschwanstein was the inspiration for Disney's Cinderella castle! This castle is in the Bavarian Alps and makes a great day trip from Munich. Crowds tend to peak during July and August, and it's less busy between November and April. Definitely book tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines!

Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich

A bus tour is the best way to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich.

See More
Book

Hohenschwangau Castle

This stunning reconstruction of a medieval castle is near Neuschwanstein in Füssen. You often can find combination tours that will take you to both.

Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Exclusive Skip-the-Crowds Tour

See two castles in one day and on one tour by bus from Munich.

See More
Book

Linderhof Palace

You'll need to purchase tickets to a guided tour in order to see this "Royal Villa," built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. It's close to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau—perfect for a day trip from Munich. (It's just about an hour and 15 minutes driving, but most people take bus tours.)

Burghausen Castle

Another great castle day trip from Munich! Medieval Burg zu Burghausen is the longest castle in the world as it's made up of six consecutive castle courtyards. Some people still live here! It's about an hour and 15 minutes to drive to this castle from Munich. Trains are available, but add another hour-plus to your trip.

Neues Schloss Herrenchiemsee

King Ludwig II wanted his own Versailles, so he built one—or at least started it in 1878. It's worth taking a day trip from Munich to this grand palace on an island! It's just about an hour train ride from Munich to Prien am Chiemsee station. From there, you'll take a special train to the boat pier (which runs in summer) in order to get to the palace. If the boat isn't running, it's about a 30-minute walk. Get tickets ahead of time to avoid lines.