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 the 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, and all of them are free of charge. Alternatively, you can hike to the Lechfall. If you have time, we recommend this option. You can hike from Füssen’s old town to the Lechfall on a circular trail. The entire Lechfall Füssen circular trail is about 3 kilometres long and has almost no elevation gain. You can walk the Lechfall circular trail in an hour at most.
The perfect vantage point: König-Max-Steg
A spectacular sight awaits you at the Lechfall. The best place to view the waterfall is from the Maxsteg Füssen (König-Max-Steg). The love locks attached to the beginning of the footbridge show that many couples have stood here together. Standing in the middle of the footbridge, you can see the Lechfall Füssen waterfall cascading down five stone steps to a depth of about 10 metres. In the background, the water of the Lech glows green.
Lech Gorge and Marienfelsen
When you turn around, you will be treated to an equally impressive view of the Lechfall Gorge. It was formed over many thousands of years as the Lech River carved its way through the limestone cliffs. The Lech Gorge offers a magnificent view of the shimmering green water against the bright rocks. King Max of Bavaria, the father of King Ludwig II, also appreciated this view. A bust in his honour stands on the Marienfelsen rock at the Lechfall.
Ziegelwies Forest Experience Centre: Experience nature up close
Just a few steps away from the Lechfall is the Füssen Forest Experience Centre. Here, you and your family can immerse yourselves in nature. The treetop path offers you completely new perspectives on the forest, and the floodplain forest path leads directly along the Lech. Children will find plenty to discover and try out at interactive stations. A perfect place to experience nature in a playful way – ideal as a complement to your visit to the Lechfall.
History: Five stone steps created the Füssen Lech Falls
The origin of the Lech Falls in Füssen lies in nature. Over thousands of years, the water of the Lech carved its way through the rock and formed what is now the Lech Gorge.
Technology meets nature – a place steeped in history
In 1787, five stone steps were built into the river – not only to power mills, but also to facilitate the transport of timber on the Lech. What is now a popular tourist destination was once an important centre of technology. At the beginning of the 20th century, a hydroelectric power station was added, which still generates electricity today. The Lechfall also plays an important role in the event of a disaster: after heavy rainfall in 2005, it actively helped with flood protection. The waterfall is therefore not only beautiful, but also functional – a living testimony to how humans and nature can work in harmony.
A royal viewpoint and popular photo opportunity
The five steps still form the characteristic cascade over which the waters of the Lech plunge into the depths. The Lechfall Füssen is one of the most visited attractions in the region. King Maximilian of Bavaria, after whom the König-Max-Steg bridge built in 1895 was named, was well aware of this. 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.
Circular walk to the royal castles
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.
Swimming lakes with mountain views
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.
Photo spot: St. Coloman Church
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 Füssen attraction:
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!
