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Skip the traffic, not the magic: visit the real-life Disney castle with Rail Europe
Neuschwanstein castle, the fairy-tale that inspired Disney's sleeping beauty,
is best reached by train-not by car
Paris, 22 May 2025 – Europe’s most iconic travel destinations are more popular than ever—and more crowded! As summer approaches, Rail Europe is encouraging travellers to ditch the car and hop on a train instead, especially when visiting places where traffic and parking can ruin even the most magical day. Think: fewer headaches, lower emissions, and a much smoother ride.
Neuschwanstein castle: where dreams come true… just not in a rental car
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein castle looks like it was plucked straight from a storybook—and in fact, it was. The castle famously inspired Walt Disney’s sleeping beauty castle, and today welcomes over 1.4 million visitors a year, with up to 6,000 people arriving each day in peak season.
But while the views are straight out of a fairy tale, the traffic is anything but. The roads around Füssen, the gateway town to the castle, often get gridlocked: parking is scarce and cars are even banned from approaching the castle itself.
But hey, thankfully, there’s a better way. Taking the train to Füssen offers a scenic, hassle-free route. From the station, travellers can hop on a shuttle or stroll along peaceful walking paths right up to the castle. No traffic jams, no car drama—just fresh mountain air and jaw-dropping views.
To make planning even easier, we’ve pulled together direct train routes to Füssen from some of the region’s most popular cities:
Other gorgeous places, same problem—here’s what to do instead
Ávila, Spain – This stunning walled city is a dream for history lovers, but driving there? Not so dreamy. The medieval layout and narrow streets make parking a nightmare. The train drops you just outside the city walls, a short walk to all the action—and none of the stress.
Hallstatt, Austria – One of the prettiest villages in Europe has become almost too popular for its own good. With just 700 residents and as many as 10,000 tourists in a single day, the village has had to limit car access. Luckily, the train ride from Salzburg is gorgeous—and spares you the parking scramble.
Cinque Terre, Italy – These cliffside villages are iconic, and also famously difficult to drive to. During high season, around 80% of visitors arrive by train—proof that the best way to protect fragile destinations is also the easiest.
Train Travel = lower emissions and better memories
Transport emissions from tourism are rising fast—projected to reach 5.3% of all human-made CO₂ emissions by 2030. Swapping cars for trains can cut your travel footprint by up to 90%, all while giving you a front-row seat to Europe’s most beautiful landscapes.
RailEurope.com connects travellers to thousands of destinations across the continent with reliable, easy-to-book train routes. Skip the driving stress, protect the places you love, and let your trip begin the moment you board. All in all: let the journey be part of the joy.
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