Füssen and the surrounding area: sights & excursion destinations

Hopfensee: swimming with a view of the Alps

Pure relaxation and one of the most beautiful views in the Ostallgäu can be found at the idyllically situated Hopfensee lake. As one of the warmest lakes in the Alpine foothills, Hopfensee is perfect for swimming and is particularly popular with families with children. On the extensive lakeside promenade, you will find everything your heart desires with cafés, restaurants and numerous leisure facilities. Spa guests particularly appreciate the floating Kneipp island directly on the promenade. If you prefer something more sporty, you can go surfing, kitesurfing or sailing on Lake Hopfensee. The best way to hike around the lake is on the popular circular trail around Lake Hopfensee, which offers fantastic views of the Allgäu Alps and the royal castles. Extra tip for cyclists: The “Castle and Palace Circuit” leads from Pfronten via the Austrian Vils Valley, the world-famous Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles and the lake Forggensee to Lake Hopfensee. The Hopfensee campsite also offers a wide range of wellness, sports and leisure activities. There is also plenty on offer for children at the 5-star campsite.

Hopfen on the lake – the Riviera of the Allgäu

The idyllic village of Hopfen am See is an absolute must, and not just for spa guests. The small Kneipp and climatic health resort with its spectacular views of the Allgäu Alps is perfect for simply unwinding. Those on holiday in Hopfen am See are spoilt for choice between the numerous spa hotels and sanatoriums and can enjoy the natural surroundings of Lake Hopfensee. Places of Germany insider tip: If you walk through the forest on the circular path by the lake, you can discover some artistically carved wooden figures and take a short break on one of the many benches. Hopfen am See is particularly famous for its beautiful lakeside promenade, which has earned the town the nickname “Riviera of the Allgäu”. The frozen lake is also a highlight in winter. Sporty visitors can enjoy ice skating or curling here. But how far is it from Füssen to Hopfen am See? The famous spa town of Füssen am Forggensee is just a stone’s throw away at 5 kilometres.

Picturesque chapel of St Coloman

It may not be as well-known as the world-famous royal castles, but it is still one of the most popular Ostallgäu sights: the church of St Coloman. The beautiful pilgrimage church was named after St Coloman, an Irish pilgrim who, according to legend, stopped here on his way to Jerusalem at the turn of the millennium. In honour of the patron saint of illnesses, the chapel of St. Coloman was built in an open field in Schwangau at the end of the 15th century. Thanks to its unique location with views of the Tegelberg mountain range and the castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, the beautiful chapel is one of the most popular photo motifs in the area. The artistically designed interior is also worth a visit. But beware: the church is only open from 16:00. A special highlight takes place in autumn: Every Sunday before 13 October, the famous Colomansfest is celebrated here with the Colomansritt. The magnificently decorated horses are first blessed in front of the church before they set off on the traditional procession.

History & nature: Excursion destinations Füssen Old Town

As you stroll through Füssen’s medieval alleyways, you can literally feel the more than 2000-year history of the town in the Ostallgäu at every corner. In Bavaria’s highest town, you will find historic buildings as well as numerous cafés and restaurants to linger in and inviting shops for a stroll through the town. One of the most famous sights in Füssen is definitely the Benedictine monastery of St Mang, which sits enthroned on the high banks of the Lech. The history of the monastery dates back to the 8th century. Today, the “nationally valuable cultural monument” is home to the town council, the town museum and the parish church. Far above the town rises Füssen’s High Castle – the former summer residence of the prince-bishops of Augsburg, which now serves as the municipal gallery. Extra tip: The illusion paintings in the inner courtyard of the castle are particularly worth seeing. After so much sightseeing, you can take a break in the Füssen tree garden directly behind the High Castle. The extensive park with its many trees is perfect for a relaxing walk or a picnic on the lawn. If you want to experience some culture during your trip to Füssen and the surrounding area, the Festspielhaus (festival hall) Füssen is just the place for you. In addition to concerts, variety shows and the famous Ludwig² musical, there are also regular great events for children – including a fairytale view over Lake Forggensee to Neuschwanstein Castle.

World-famous tourist magnet Neuschwanstein Castle

Just 10 kilometres from Hopfen on the lake is one of Germany’s most famous sights: Neuschwanstein Castle. Picturesquely situated in front of the peaks of the Allgäu Alps, King Ludwig II’s castle attracts countless tourists from all over the world every year. You should therefore make sure you book your tickets early before visiting the popular fairytale castle. The guided tours through the magnificent rooms, which are offered in German and English, are always fully booked very quickly. Extra tip: The Königscard gives you a discount on admission to the royal castles. The “Neuschwanstein Castle Route“, which starts at the car park of the Tegelberg cable car, is particularly popular with hikers. After the former Roman baths and the old gypsum mill, you can reach the breathtaking Pöllat Gorge with its thundering masses of water in around 20 minutes. From here, you can also see the lake at Neuschwanstein Castle and the imposing castle itself. An iron footbridge and a few stone steps take you through the gorge to the Marienbrücke bridge over the Pöllat Falls. But beware: this is a very popular place for tourists to take photos. Therefore, you only have enough space and peace and quiet here early in the morning to enjoy the unique view of Neuschwanstein Castle and Schwangau.

Hohenschwangau Castle: the “childhood home” of the fairytale king

Hohenschwangau Castle may not be as well-known as Neuschwanstein Castle, but it is still one of the most popular sights in and around Füssen. The history of the castle dates back to the 12th century, when the former Schwanstein Castle was used by the Knights of Schwangau. King Max II then had it converted into Hohenschwangau Castle, where the later fairytale king Ludwig II spent a large part of his childhood. Today you can visit the royal flats, the castle kitchen and the castle garden. The view of the real highlight of the Hohenschwangau castles is particularly popular with tourists: Neuschwanstein Castle. The Schwansee Park, which was created around 160 years ago below the castle and is now used as a local recreation area, is also very special. Here you will find hiking trails totalling over 60 km in length, some of which also lead into the neighbouring Alpsee basin and are up to 7 storeys high.

Romantic Alpsee with a view of the royal castles

Although the crystal-clear Alpsee is not one of Schwangau’s absolute insider tips, it is definitely worth a visit. Idyllically situated between rocks and wooded hills, the emerald-green lake offers a fantastic view of the two royal castles. So it’s no wonder that Alpsee Hohenschwangau was King Ludwig II’s favourite bathing lake. In summer, you can go for a wonderful swim in the outdoor swimming area and on the beach. The picturesque circular path, which runs along the shore as well as above Alpsee Hohenschwangau, is perfect for a leisurely stroll. It will take you around 90 minutes. You can take a break either in one of the cafés on the lakeshore or at the “Museum of the Bavarian Kings“, which is located at the end of the circular trail. Extra tip: The banks of the Schwansee are quite busy at the weekend. You have a unique view of the most romantic lake in the Ostallgäu and the castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau from the surrounding mountains. If you don’t want to climb them on foot, you can take the chairlift from the Alpsee Bergwelt.

Sightseeing in Schwangau: Lech Falls natural monument

If you are looking for waterfalls in Füssen, the Lech Falls are just the place for you. In this impressive geotope, the thundering masses of water plunge almost 8 metres into the depths, where they disappear into the gorge. You can marvel at the Lech Falls near Füssen from the Maxsteg bridge. You can reach the bridge via several steps. Another barrier-free option is the viewing platform, which has been available since 2015. You can also see the Lech Gorge from here. Unfortunately, it is not possible to hike into the gorge near Füssen, as unlike in other places in the Alps, no hiking trail has been created here. However, the Lechfall Füssen circular trail is a nice alternative. There are two tours here: an easier one of around 3 kilometres in length with no differences in altitude, which will take you around an hour. This route is also easy to manage with a pushchair. On the second hike, which takes about one and a half hours, you will have to climb about 150 metres in altitude. Both tours also take you through Füssen’s old town centre.

Pure nature at Weißensee Füssen

As a popular holiday and climatic health resort, Weißensee attracts many visitors every year as a district of Füssen. The idyllic village enchants visitors with its two churches worth seeing and the picturesque lake. In summer, you will find a great swimming area with a spacious sunbathing lawn and playground here. But the lake also has plenty to offer nature lovers. There is an approx. 6 km circular trail around the lake, which is perfect for hiking, cycling and Nordic walking. Many anglers can also be found along the lake, enjoying the various fish in the lake. Complemented by a varied guest programme with concerts, a children’s programme and sightseeing tours, Weißensee in Bavaria is the perfect holiday destination for young and old.