Neuschwanstein Castle Bridge – Marienbrücke
The Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) is known as the Neuschanstein Castle Bridge. The bridge is located above the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle. It is situated in the area of the municipality of Schwangau, a few kilometers away from Füssen. The steel bridge spans the Pöllat Gorge and has a royal history. It was originally built in 1845 by King Maximilian II, the father of Bavaria’s beloved King Ludwig II, and was dedicated to his wife, Marie. Marie of Prussia was married to King Maximilian II at the age of 17, which brought her to Hohenschwangau. The royal family resided in Hohenschwangau Castle, located below the bridge. Queen Marie was fond of hiking and frequently explored the renowned mountains surrounding Füssen. She is regarded as the first female mountaineer due to her hiking activities. With the construction of the bridge by King Maximilian II over the Pöllat Gorge, he named it after his wife as a testament of his love for her. Thanks to the Marienbrücke, Queen Marie was able to hike from Hohenschwangau Castle to the Tegelberg Mountain, as the bridge provided access to the summit. The original Marienbrücke was constructed as a wooden path for riders. It is unimaginable today how the king rode across the bridge on horseback during that time.
The fairy tale king, Ludwig II, spent his youth in Hohenschwangau Castle, establishing a close connection to the Marienbrücke. Simultaneously, he had a penchant for technological innovations and aesthetics. Consequently, in 1866, Ludwig II replaced the wooden Marienbrücke with an iron bridge. At that time, it was a groundbreaking construction. The new Marienbrücke had no supports and was suspended across the gorge using rock anchors. It was manufactured in Nuremberg and transported to the Allgäu region. The assembly process was a significant undertaking as the bridge had to be transported uphill and anchored at dizzying heights. Unlike today, there were no helicopters to accomplish this task swiftly. The original construction from that time forms the basis of the current Marienbrücke at Neuschwanstein. The bridge underwent renovation works in 2015 and 2021 but still retains its original railing.
Best Neuschwanstein Castle viewpoint
The Marienbrücke gained worldwide fame beyond the mountaineering and hiking communities due to the construction of Neuschwanstein Castle. King Ludwig II planned his Neuschwanstein Castle between his „parental home“ at Hohenschwangau Castle and the Marienbrücke. As the steel bridge is located above Neuschwanstein Castle and offers a direct view of the castle, it has become a popular destination for visitors. It is rare to find an American, Japanese, or Chinese tourist visiting Neuschwanstein Castle without also visiting the Marienbrücke. And indeed, it makes sense, as nowhere else can you enjoy such a perfect view of Neuschwanstein Castle. It is the best Neuschwanstein Castle viewpoint!
How to reach the Neuschwanstein Castle Bridge?
The bridge is situated on the mountain, far from public roads, which means you cannot drive directly to the Marienbrücke by car. If you prefer a comfortable option, you can take the shuttle buses from Schwangau to the bridge. A more stylish alternative is to travel by horse-drawn carriage. However, we recommend the sportier approach of hiking to the bridge on foot. Currently, two paths are available, and here is the description of the easy Marienbrücke hiking route. On our circular hike, you will also pass by Neuschwanstein Castle. Here is the popular hike that includes both the Marienbrücke and Neuschwanstein Castle:
–> Schloss Neuschwanstein Wanderung
Marienbrücke Opening Times
To reach the Marienbrücke, you can start your hike from Schwangau. The Marienbrücke is accessible during the summer months and does not require a ticket like Neuschwanstein Castle or Hohenschwangau Castle. However, please note that the bridge may be closed during icy or slippery conditions, particularly in spring, autumn, and winter. It’s advisable to check the current opening status before your visit to avoid disappointment.
–> Marienbrücke Öffnungszeiten
Where to park the car?
When it comes to parking, it is strictly regulated in Schwangau. You are only allowed to park your car, motorcycle, camper van, or bus in the official parking lots. There are four parking lots that are ideal for visiting the bridge or the royal castles. Detailed information on parking can be found to ensure a smooth visit.
–> Schloss Neuschwanstein parking
Wenn du Neuschwanstein besuchen möchtest, solltest du dein Ticket vorab reservieren. Hier unverbindlich Termine prüfen und ins Bild klicken:
More Neuschwanstein Castle viewpoints
While the Marienbrücke is the most famous and popular viewpoint for Neuschwanstein Castle, there are other breathtaking vantage points worth exploring. The Bleckenaustraße offers a similar perspective with the bridge in the foreground and the castle in the background. The Brunnstubenweg is a hiking trail that leads uphill and provides a stunning view of the castle from above, although it requires a challenging uphill hike. The Pöllat Gorge, located beneath the castle, offers a fascinating view of the castle and the surrounding nature along the Pöllatbach hiking trail. There is also an official viewing point below the castle, accessible via the paved road from Schwangau. Another option is the Tegelberg, which offers a good vantage point to see the castle from either the hiking trail behind the Marienbrücke or the vicinity of the cable car valley station. Additionally, while walking along the shores of Lake Forggensee, you can enjoy a glimpse of Neuschwanstein Castle, especially from the northern area of Füssen. From there, you can also see Hohenschwangau Castle and Lake Forggensee.
–> so findest du den besten Neuschwanstein Aussichtspunkt
The Marienbrücke is undoubtedly a highlight for international visitors to Neuschwanstein Castle. Its history, connection to the royal family, and the breathtaking view it offers make it a must-visit attraction. Whether you choose to hike, take a shuttle bus, or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, the experience of standing on the Marienbrücke and gazing at the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle is truly unforgettable.
Frequently asked Questions
Yes, the Marienbrücke is open to the public during the summer months. However, it may be closed during icy or slippery conditions for safety reasons.
The Marienbrücke may be closed during winter due to icy and slippery conditions. It is recommended to check the current opening status before planning a visit during the colder months.
No, you do not need a ticket to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle Bridge. It is freely accessible without any admission fees.
Since the Marienbrücke is primarily a viewpoint and not a guided attraction, there are no official guided tours or audio guides specifically for the bridge. However, there are guided tours available for Neuschwanstein Castle, which often include a visit to the Marienbrücke as part of the itinerary.
The Marienbrücke is located on the mountainside and is not accessible by car. You can reach it by taking transfer buses from Schwangau or by opting for a horse-drawn carriage ride. Another popular option is to hike to the bridge from Schwangau.
Yes, you can take pictures on the Marienbrücke. It offers a stunning view of Neuschwanstein Castle, and photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The Marienbrücke is approximately 35 meters long.
While visiting the Marienbrücke, it is important to follow the safety guidelines and respect any barriers or signs in place. As it is a popular tourist spot, it is advisable to be mindful of others and not overcrowd the bridge.
The Neuschwanstein Castle Bridge can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. It is a popular attraction, and many visitors come to enjoy the panoramic view of Neuschwanstein Castle. To avoid large crowds, it is recommended to visit early in the morning or during weekdays.
Unfortunately, the Marienbrücke is not easily accessible for people with mobility challenges or disabilities. The path to reach the bridge involves hiking uphill and the bridge itself is very small. However, there are other viewpoints and areas nearby where one can still enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
The Marienbrücke is a suspension bridge that hangs over the Pöllat Gorge, and it offers a view from a considerable height. If you have a fear of heights, crossing the bridge may be challenging. However, you can still enjoy the view from a distance without having to cross the bridge itself.
Pets are generally allowed on the trails leading to the Neuschwanstein Castle Bridge. However, it is advisable to keep them on a leash and be considerate of other visitors. It’s always a good idea to check local regulations and guidelines regarding pets in the area.
Yes, there are other viewpoints to admire Neuschwanstein Castle, such as the Bleckenaustraße, Brunnstubenweg, Pöllat Gorge, an official viewpoint below the castle, the Tegelberg, and the shores of Lake Forggensee. Each viewpoint offers a unique perspective and is worth exploring.
Yes, it is possible to visit both the Marienbrücke and Neuschwanstein Castle on the same day. The Marienbrücke is located above Neuschwanstein Castle, and many visitors choose to include a visit to the bridge as part of their trip to the castle.
The immediate vicinity of the Marienbrücke does not have any facilities or amenities. However, in the nearby town of Schwangau, you can find restaurants, cafes, restrooms, and other services for visitors.
You should also travel to Vienna with its famous church at the Stephansplatz. Have a look at the architecture of the Hundertwasserhaus. The Naschmarkt is the biggest market of Vienna with food and more. Enjoy the nature at the Donauinsel, an 21 Kilometer long island in the Danube river. Special tipp: Take a ride to the Zentralfriedhof.
Marienbrücke Neuschwanstein hints to remember
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Wenn du Neuschwanstein besuchen möchtest, solltest du dein Ticket vorab reservieren. Hier unverbindlich Termine prüfen und ins Bild klicken:
