Marienbrücke

After visiting Schloss Neuschwanstein, we continued our walk to the famous Marienbrücke, a viewpoint that absolutely lives up to its reputation. The bridge is about a 15-minute walk from the castle, and although the path can be a bit steep and uneven in places, the payoff at the end is nothing short of breathtaking. As soon as you step onto the bridge, the view opens up dramatically: Neuschwanstein perched on its rugged cliff, framed by forested hills and soaring Alpine peaks. From this angle, the castle looks even more magical than up close—almost like it’s floating above the landscape. The drop beneath the bridge is impressive and might feel a bit dizzying if you’re afraid of heights, but it’s completely safe and well maintained. Depending on the time of day, it can get quite busy, so we’d recommend patience if you want the perfect photo. People naturally linger because the scenery is so captivating. The sound of the waterfall below, the fresh mountain air, and the sweeping panorama make it a place where you can easily spend more time than planned. It’s one of those rare spots where you truly understand why King Ludwig chose this location for his dream castle. If you’re visiting Neuschwanstein, make sure not to skip Marienbrücke. It’s the viewpoint that gives you the iconic picture—one that captures the full grandeur of the castle and the surrounding landscape. The short walk is entirely worth the effort for one of the most spectacular views in the region.

Just a 15 - 20 minute walk from Neuschwanstein Castle, this bridge is known for spectacular views of the castle and surrounding Bavarian countryside. Marienbrücke spans the Pöllat Gorge, and a small stream directly below only enhances the fairytale-like atmosphere. If you are at the hotel and shopping area at the base of the hill, you can take the shuttle bus (for a small fee) or walk up the hill. If you are already at the castle, there is a paved walking path that leads to the bridge. Be prepared for potential crowds. This is a well-known photo spot and while the bridge is a decent length, it is quite narrow, so it can get crowded easily. The bridge itself can also be a bit unnerving for some. The main structure appears to be sturdy metal, but the floor is made of simple wooden planks which squeak and creak often. There are also little gaps in the planks, so try not to drop anything small and thin, such as car keys or credit cards. However, the views are totally worth it! This is arguably one of the best places to see the castle from a distance, with the town of Schwangau and the valley as a backdrop. While the weather was overcast when I visited, it still provided a magical photo opportunity. This was a bucket list item for me, and I feel a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle is not fully complete without a stop here.

Visiting Marienbrücke was a highlight of our trip! We took the shuttle bus from near the tourist center for €3.50. It runs every 20 minutes. We arrived before 10:00 AM and enjoyed a peaceful experience with few crowds. By 10:30 AM, it started getting much busier. Afterward, we took a casual 30-minute walk back down to the center, enjoying the beautiful forest views along the way.

The hike up to the Marienbrücke (Queen Mary's Bridge) is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Neuschwanstein Castle. This cantilevered bridge, suspended dramatically over the Pöllat Gorge, offers the one truly iconic, postcard-perfect view of the castle. The sight is genuinely breathtaking: Neuschwanstein is framed perfectly by the towering forested mountains, looking like an improbable fairytale creation carved into the cliffside. The sheer height of the gorge below adds a visceral thrill to the visual splendor. ​However, be prepared for company. The day I visited, the bridge was incredibly crowded. It requires patience and cooperation to navigate the narrow structure and secure a spot for a decent photograph, especially when trying to move past groups. ​Adding to the intensity is the bridge itself. While the main metal structure appears strong and stable, giving confidence in its engineering, the experience is slightly unnerving due to the flooring. The wooden planks connecting the spans make a persistent squeaking noise with every footstep and shift in the crowd's weight. This constant creaking sound, combined with the height, made the experience feel a little uncomfortable and a bit scary. ​In summary, the view of Neuschwanstein from the Marienbrücke is worth every crowded, squeaky step. It’s a sensory experience where awe battles nervousness, leaving you with a lasting, slightly thrilling memory.

View from Marienbrücke is spectacular. Castle looks beautiful from this angle. I would recommend visiting in sunny day and if possible during fall season. Kindly check opening hours before visiting

A breathtaking view, you will walk over an old wooden bridge, very high and the floor looks unstable, you have to take care anyway, a little crowded and you have choose the right moment to take a photo with the castle. The view is so amazing that it looks unreal.

Beautiful spot to take pictures of the castle. We went on a weekday and it was crowded! There was a line up to get on the bridge, and a staff member to limit the traffic. The base is made of wood planks and can bend when walking so it might be a bit of concern for those who may have a fear of heights. The view is stunning from this angle, you can see the waterfall below, and the castle fully. The bridge is a short 20min walk from the castle

Mary's bridge.....what can you say but iconic, bavarian, crowded, tight, beautiful, one way on and one way off? Worth the effort it takes to get there. Sort of a let down when you see the Queue after you walk there. Part of the entire experience. Do it!

My 1,000th review is dedicated to Marienbrucke (Mary's bridge). This is a bridge built about 300 feet above the Pollet Gorge and provides that jaw dropping view of Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration behind Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty castle. Getting to the bridge is about a 1 hour hike up an inclined road from the visitor center, or you could do what I did and take a shuttle bus from the visitor center (10 minute ride for €3,50 = $3.85 USD). The bus leaves every 20 to 25 minutes, starting at 8am and they take cash only. From the bridge it's only about a 10 minute walk down to the castle. Only 200 people are allowed on the bridge at any given time, and there is a counter at the start of the bridge keeping track. I've heard lines can get pretty lengthy during the day. If you walk further along the 115 foot long bridge it's less crowded and you have unobstructed views of the castle. Overall, I can say that the view from here was the highlight of my summer trip to Germany and Italy. If you are visiting Munich or anywhere in the southern Bavarian Alps, you have to see Neuschwanstein Castle. The views are breathtaking.

Do you want that iconic beautiful view of Neuschwanstein Castle? If so, then Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) is your answer. The bridge is narrow and gets jammed packed with tourists hoping to get the same photo you're trying to snap. Walk further down the bridge, where it's less congested. If you visit during fall/winter, note that the bridge might be closed due to ice/snow. As for how to get there, it's worth spending €3 for a roundtrip ride on the bus that takes you up from the foot of the mountain.

The Marienbrucke is built across the Pollet Gorge. King Maximilian ll had the bridge built in 1845. It is located behind the Castle Neuschwanstein and named after Queen Marie. We waited in a long line for over an hour before we stood in front of the bridge. Without crowd control Marienbrucke is a hot mess. Hordes of people were stacked on the bridge from side to side and end to end. There was a tiny section in the middle of the crowd that allowed for those exiting. The same space was used for those entering. Being on the bridge is like being in a very crowded elevator. It was so crowded that I couldn't make out the bridge when I started the process of going through the crowd. I made my way half way across and stopped to take in the breathtaking view of Castle Neuschwanstein. Photos can not do the scenery justice. It was worth the wait.

Good view of the castle. We came straight here on the bus, didn't bother going tot he castle. Go further down the bridge as the first half is super crowded. No one wants to walk 15 meters more down the bridge apparently.

It's an easy uphill hike to a spectacular view of Schloss Neuschwanstein. It's a good way to get your cardio workout done - the most rewarding at that. If you're afraid of heights then, I wouldn't recommend this place. The bridge is totally crowded like skin-to-skin and you could get pregnant just by being here. But if you aren't afraid of heights, look down below to see a waterfall and a stream. I must admit, I lost my temper here when this Asian lady kept pushing me so she can get a photo taken. We all came here for that purpose and to get a good view of the castle - no need to be uncivilized and push people! I turned around and the Hulk came out. People were staying away from me after that. Walk back down to go back up to the castle. Hiking to the bridge was just a warm-up!

The best place to see Neuschwanstein. There's going to be a mad swarm of Asians plugging up one end of the bridge as you approach, but don't stop as soon as you catch sight of the castle. You'll get stuck here if you're too polite to squeeze your way through, but there are vast lengths of unoccupied railing space if you make it just halfway out. No reason to let the shovers get to you - there are plenty of beer opportunities on the hike up if you need to ease your temper.

For the most stunning views of the castle, fight the tourist crowd and squeeze your way to snap as many photos as you can before you're pushed over the edge. The surrounding forests are gorgeous as well. An absolute must if visiting Neuschwanstein. A great day trip from Munich.

It's a short 15 minute walk towards the bridge, quite a few of it is uphill, but the view is worth it. The wooden bridge way is 2 people wide, so when it gets super crowded, look out for each other. I love that you can take the best photos of the castle and the alps while on a suspension bridge with rickety wooden planks which were the only thing keeping us from plunging miles down to the ground. I saw people left locks on the chain link bridge but don't...nothing's worse for a bridge than added dead weight. There's a bus that comes up and down the mountain, for only 1€ each way..cash only!

If you are in schwangau/ Füssen it is a must do! Do. all of the touristy things like everyone else and have fun with it.. you paid a shitload of money to see it you might as well enjoy it

Well Worth the hike! The views are spectacular!