Just before the Austrian border, near Füssen, is one of the most beautiful geotopes in Bavaria: the Lech Falls. Over five steps, the water masses of the Lech plunge a spectacular twelve metres into the depths. Below this unique natural monument begins the Lech Gorge, which the river Lech carved into the rocks thousands of years ago. It is the only gorge in the Bavarian Alps where a river fed by the Alps can still flow unhindered. The waterfall attracts many visitors to the border region every year. Nearby, you can also marvel at other Allgäu geotopes such as the Pöllat Gorge and the Reichenbach Gorge.
Sightseeing: Hike to the Lech Falls and view from the König Max footbridge
If you are planning a trip to Füssen, there are many sights to discover, including the royal castles and of course the Lechfall Füssen. You can drive from Füssen to Lechfall Füssen by car. There are four car parks to choose from; three of them are small, the fourth is very large. You will always find a parking space here, all are free of charge. Alternatively, you can hike to the Lech Falls. If you have time, we recommend this. You can hike from Füssen’s old town to the Lech Falls on a circular route. The entire Lechfall Füssen circular trail is around 3 kilometres long and has almost no difference in altitude. You can walk the Lechfall circular trail in no more than an hour. A spectacular sight awaits you at the Lech Falls. The best view of the waterfall is from the Maxsteg Füssen (König-Max-Steg). The love locks at the start of the footbridge show that many couples have stood here together. If you stand in the middle of the footbridge, you can see the Lechfall Füssen in one direction, which cascades over five stone steps about 10 metres into the depths. The water of the Lech river glows green in the background. If you turn round, you will see an equally impressive view of the Lechfall gorge on the other side. It was formed over many millennia as the Lech carved its way through the limestone cliffs. The Lech Gorge offers you a fantastic view of the shimmering green water in front of light-coloured rocks. King Max of Bavaria, the father of King Ludwig II, also appreciated the view. A bust in his honour stands on the Marienfelsen rock at the Lech Falls.
History: Five stone steps created the Füssen Lech Falls
The origin of the Lech Falls in Füssen lies in nature. The water of the Lech carved out its own path. In 1787, five stone steps were laid, initially to power mills. Since the beginning of the 20th century, electricity has been generated by the Lech Falls. Would you know that if you saw one of the many pictures of the Lech Falls? The steps created the cascade over which the water of the Lech plunges. The Lechfall Füssen is one of the most visited sights in Füssen. Even King Maximilian of Bavaria appreciated this and the King Max footbridge, built in 1895, was named after him. More than 100,000 visitors come here every year.
Special tip: Lech Falls Füssen in winter – particularly impressive
In principle, you can visit the waterfall at any time of year. However, the Lechfall Füssen in winter is something special. Then it partially freezes over. However, due to the power of the water, it does not freeze completely. When the snow melts and after heavy rainfall, the Lechfall Füssen is particularly impressive due to the volume of water. The Lech is particularly turquoise-green in colour when the sun is shining and the water is calm. You’ll find this best in summer. Every season has its own specialities. Take your pick!
Surroundings: Füssen Old Town, Füssen High Castle, royal castles, Alpsee and other lakes as first-class sights
When you are at Lechfall Füssen, you have numerous sights to choose from in the immediate vicinity. Firstly, Füssen offers two first-class sights in the form of Füssen Old Town and Füssen High Castle. You can combine both with a Lechfall hike. Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle are among the most famous sights in Germany. The crystal-clear Alpsee lake lies directly behind them.
Special tip: You can combine Lechfall Füssen with Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle and the Alpsee on a royal castles circuit. The hike is around 14 kilometres long. It will take you 4 hours, although you should of course take extra time to marvel at the sights. On the way, you will also see Füssen High Castle and the Benedictine monastery of St Mang in Füssen.
There are some beautiful lakes in the surrounding area that are ideal for swimming in summer. All of them have an impressive mountain backdrop. Lake Forgensee is the largest of them. If you prefer something smaller, you can choose the lake Hopfensee or the lake Weißensee.
Special tip: Not far from Füssen is the church of St Coloman. The beautiful baroque chapel is one of the most photographed motifs in the Allgäu.
Conclusion on the sight of Füssen: You have all kinds of sights in the immediate vicinity: natural spectacles and waterfalls can be found along the Lech river, as well as lakes that invite you to swim and relax. Füssen impresses with its beautiful old town, world-famous fairytale castles and historic churches and monasteries. The choice is yours!
