The best things to do in Füssen, Germany.
Welcome to Füssen, a place where the echoes of history dance with the breathtaking beauty of the Bavarian Alps. Picture this: charming medieval architecture, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and a sense of magic lingering in the air. Füssen isn’t just a town; it’s an invitation to step into a storybook setting! Keep reading to find the best things to do in Füssen!
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About Füssen
Füssen, a small town nestled in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps in Germany, is a destination that captivates visitors with its fairytale charm, rich history, and stunning natural surroundings.
Füssen is a stop on many tours and itineraries, because of its ideal location, near the world-famous Schloss Neuschwanstein and Schloss Hohenschwangau. These castles are some of the most popular stops on the romantic road and are no more than a 10-minute ride from Füssen.
The town of Füssen is not just the medieval gateway to these castles, it’s so much more! Füssen is renowned for its centuries-old tradition of violin-making, putting it on the map for musical instrument lovers!
All in all, Füssen is perfect to visit for everyone!
Romantic Road Germany
It’s no wonder that Füssen has earned its place on the romantic road of Germany.
The romantic road (romantische strasse) in Germany is a road that starts in Würzburg and ends in Füssen.
It’ll take you through the most romantic, picturesque towns along the way, and it’s the perfect way to see many highlights in Bavaria. But it also takes you to lesser-known destinations, so if you’re looking for some calm and peace on your trip, the romantic road is for you!
We drove the romantic road in September 2023, and it was so quiet in most places, I loved it! However in some of the bigger, more popular cities, there were still many tourists, but it wasn’t overcrowded.
The romantic road starts with a strong start in Würzburg and slowly builds up, keeping the best for last, in my opinion. I loved the last few days of the romantic road because it just kept getting better and better. I hope this tells you enough about Füssen… 😉
Best things to do in Füssen
In this guide, we’re not just talking about places; we’re unwrapping experiences. So, whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or someone who just appreciates a good view, Füssen will surely sweep you off your feet.
Get ready for a journey filled with fairytale castles, melodic traditions, and the most scenic views!
Explore the old town
Welcome to the beating heart of Füssen – the Old Town, where history and charm converge on quaint cobblestone streets. This living tapestry of medieval architecture unfolds as a storybook, with every corner revealing a chapter from Bavaria’s past.
As you wander through the labyrinth of alleys, you’ll encounter centuries-old buildings adorned with fancy details, creating a true time-travel experience.
There are many places to see in the old town of Füssen, read about them below.
Visit the High Castle
Perched atop a hill overlooking the charming town of Füssen, the High Castle, or “Hohes Schloss” in German, stands as a historical gem that transports visitors back in time. This well-preserved medieval fortress is a testament to the rich history of the region and offers a captivating journey into Bavaria’s past.
This castle is filled with several art galleries, displaying a variety of 15th, 16th, and 19th century art. Along that you can explore the castle grounds, and courtyards, and find some panoramic views, for only €6,- per adult!
When visiting Füssen, you simply cannot miss the High Castle!
Marvel at Benedictine Monastery of St. Mang
Right next to the High Castle, you will find the breathtaking Benedictine Monastery of St. Mang (Benediktinerkloster St. Mang). This monastery is one of the oldest in Bavaria, dating back to the 9th century!
Featuring the most interesting architecture, a spectacular library, stunning artworks, a museum, and much more, this monastery is a must-see!
For €8,- per adult, you get to explore this amazing site!
Learn about the city’s instrumental history at Museum der Stadt Füssen
This museum, located in the monastery mentioned above, will teach you all about historical lutes and violins! The museum showcases a diverse collection of exhibits and artifacts that highlight the area’s rich heritage.
An entrance ticket to the monastery will also grant you access to the Museum of Füssen, which is well worth checking out!
Walk to Austria
Did you know that Füssen is located only 2 kilometers from the Austrian border? It’s about half an hour’s walk to the border, and how great is it to tell people that you’ve also been to Austria?!
All you need to do is follow the Lech River south and before you know it, you’ll bump into a sign saying: Republik Österreich.
Along this road, you’ll come by the Lechfall, which I will tell you about shortly. Anyhow, on this small hike, you get to see many beautiful sights, it’s simply very worth engaging in this activity!
Take a photo of the Lechfall
So, about the rumored Lechfall…
The Lech River is a wonderful turquoise-colored river, flowing through a spectacular gorge. The Lechfall consists of five separate tiers, each flowing into the next.
How full the Lechfall is, depends on which time of year you’re visiting. Sometimes in Autumn and winter, the waterfall may be dried up, but in Spring, it will be as full and spectacular as it gets!
To get there, all you have to do is walk south for less than 15 minutes, and you’ll be there in no time! If you’re not good on foot, it’s only a 3-minute drive and there is a small parking next to the waterfall.
Grab some beer at a Biergarten
A thing you simply must do in every destination in Germany is enjoy a beer at a local Biergarten! Featuring the best local beers and traditional Bavarian foods, Hotel Hirsch Biergarten is one of the best beer gardens in Füssen!
Ps. Hotel Hirsh also happens to be the most romantic hotel in Füssen, and the best one I know!
There are some more beer gardens in Füssen, but the fun thing about them is that you can’t find them on Google Maps. You’ll have to keep your eyes open when exploring the old town until you find one!
Step into a fairytale at Schloss Neuschwanstein
Who doesn’t love a good fairytale-like castle?
The most spectacular activity that has people traveling miles upon miles, is located right outside of Füssen!
You can’t tell me that you’ve never seen this picture before:
And even if you’ve not seen it before, you must’ve seen this castle in Sleeping Beauty… Because Schloss Neuschwanstein actually inspires the Sleeping Beauty castle!
The castle was built in the 19th century by King Ludwig the 2nd, of Bavaria. He planned to build a castle with no less than 200 rooms! He died, however, which halted the building, leaving the castle as we know it today.
But even though it was never finished, it is actually as popular as to receive nearly 1,5 million visitors every single year!
Below you’ll find the best ways to adore this castle!
Hiking
There are many ways to see this castle. My favorite is hiking to Marienbrucke. This tall bridge hanging between 2 cliffs will grant you one of the best views of the castle! Plus, there are waterfalls below the bridge, which will also take your breath away!
The hike to this bridge is no more than 1,5 hours from the ground. The path is a bit steep, but it’s not too bad, in my opinion.
On the other side of the bridge, you will have the option to hike to a higher point, and I recommend you do that. In no more than 5 minutes you’ll get to another viewpoint and after that, it’s only 15 minutes to a view that’s way more spectacular and less crowded! The paths are pretty clear, you won’t have to worry about walking the right way.
If you’re going to hike to Marienbrucke, I recommend getting there before 9 a.m., as it will get VERY crowded.
Visiting the castle
Another way to see the castle is by actually going inside!
The ticket price is a bit unclear, but you should book them through the official website. Once inside, you get to be part of a guided tour through this magical castle! The tour will take you through several breathtaking rooms and the courtyard.
You should book your tickets in advance, and by that I mean, at least a month before visiting. Schloss Neuschwanstein is so popular, that tickets will be hard to book, so you need to plan your visit thoroughly.
IMPORTANT: You can’t be late for your tour, because you won’t be allowed in the castle anymore, not even on a later tour. So make sure to be there on time!
Pro tip: If you’re sure-footed, make sure to head here early and climb up to Marienbrucke. Book tickets for the castle for an early time, so after the hike you can instantly go inside. This way you’ll avoid most crowds and this way you’ll be sure to be on time!
And stop by Schloss Hohenschwangau
Right next to Schloss Neuschwanstein, you will find another incredible castle: Schloss Hohenschwangau.
Schloss Hohenschwangau is a 19th-century gothic-built castle, perched on a high rock, overlooking the Alpsee. This is a castle that will catch your eye, and if you get the chance to go inside, take it! It’s well worth it!
A ticket for Schloss Hohenschwangau costs €21,- and can be booked in advance on the official website.
Do check out this castle, you’ll be amazed!
Related: 18 Magical Things To Do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber (in 2023)
Take the cable car to Tegelberg
The best way to see the Alps in Bavaria is actually going to the top! Now, you can do this by foot, but there’s another fun way to go up, that doesn’t require working out.
This is the Tegelbergbahn!
On most days the Tegelbergbahn is opened, but it could be closed for maintenance. You should check out the official website to see opening hours and prices.
As far as I know, a 2-way ticket costs €28,50, which may be expensive, but I can guarantee you, the views are more than worth it!
Try some tasty Bavarian food
Did you know that Bavaria is actually an amazing place to visit for foodies? You can taste some of Germany’s finest cuisine in this province, and Füssen is one of the greatest places to taste it!
With a wide variety of restaurants and local bakeries, you’ll be able to fill your belly with delicious foods!
The best foods to try in Füssen are:
- Nussschnecken (a sweet bun filled with chopped nuts)
- Schneeball (a pastry that’s originally from Rothenburg ob der Tauber)
- Pretzels
- Bratwurst with sauerkraut
- Schnitzel
- Apfelstrudel
Make sure to sit down for the tastiest bratwurst at Gasthof Weizenbrauerei Woaze. After hurting my foot, this bratwurst was the best thing that happened to me on this day in Füssen.
Visit Linderhof Palace
Do you remember hearing about King Ludwig, earlier in this post? The king that built Schloss Neuschwanstein also had another place to showcase his unique architectural style…
It’s called Linderhof Palace, and it’s a magical place you have to see!
Unlike Schloss Neuschwanstein, Linderhof Palace was finished, and let me just warn you, this palace will blow your mind!
On the outside, you get to admire the overwhelmingly beautiful baroque architecture, but once you get inside, French influence takes over!
And you won’t just be visiting this picture-perfect palace… You will also get access to the amazing Linderhof gardens, a cave, and many other wonderful structures on the property!
Linderhof palace is less than an hour’s drive from Füssen, and an admission ticket only costs €10,-.
You don’t have a car? No problem! There are many amazing tours that will take you not only to Linderhof palace but also to places like Schloss Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, and/or Wieskirche!
Enjoy some of the many stunning lakes
When you look on Google Maps, you will find that Füssen is surrounded by 7 lakes! And in Germany, this means… Campings all around!
This is just a little tip from me: If you love camping, make sure to head to a camping at a lake. Nearly every lake has one, and it’s a great way to enjoy the stunning lakes!
But other than that, these lakes are awesome to visit for everyone. Even if the weather isn’t sunny, you will get to take mysterious photos of these lakes and enjoy the views. But some are more spectacular than others.
These are the best lakes to visit:
- Alpsee
- Schwansee
- Weissensee
And for camping:
- Hopfensee
- Forggensee
If the weather is good in summer, make sure to take a refreshing dip and enjoy the wonderful surroundings!
Hike to Germany’s highest lake (Schreksee)
I know we just covered lakes, but Schreksee is one like no other. It’s an hour’s drive from Füssen to the starting point. Because this is an alpine lake, it requires a hike.
And let me tell you, just seeing photos of this lake makes me want to jump into the car and drive 10 hours to get there.
On my trip to Füssen, we were only there for a day, so unfortunately, I couldn’t do this hike, but it’s high on my bucket list and it should be on yours too!
If you like challenging hikes, this one is perfect for you. If that one’s too heavy, check out this easier hike.
Take a day trip to Garmish-Partenkirche and Zugspitze
If Füssen has awakened the lost princess inside you, you need to visit another fairytale-like town. Garmish-Partenkirche is the place to be! This town is beautiful to visit in Summer, but in winter it really comes to life!
With stunning lights and super cozy vibes, you must visit this place in winter!
And don’t forget to go up the highest mountain in Germany, called Zugspitze!
The best way to go to the top of this mountain is by taking the cable car from Eibsee (where you will see another pristine lake), or hiking to the top, using Alltrails.
Make sure not to miss these 2 hotspots!
How long do you need in Füssen?
Füssen is only a small town, but seeing that there are many attractions in the area too, I’d say 2 days in Füssen will serve you well.
However, it is all doable in just one day. I did it in just one day, got up very early for hiking to Schloss Neuschwanstein, saw Schloss Hohenschwangau, visited the Alpsee, and explored all of Füssen in this one day.
But I recommend staying for 2 days anyway, so you get to experience Füssen at night, and just have more time to explore!
Where to stay in Füssen?
I get that when visiting such a charming town, you might want to stay in a charming hotel, to match the vibes.
If this is the case, Hotel Hirsh is perfect for you!
But if you’re looking for the best price, you should totally check out Hotel Zum Hechten. You can book a room here from €82,- per night!
Finally, to be close to the mentioned castles, the Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel would be perfect for you!
Best way to get to Füssen
Füssen is well-connected, and reaching this enchanting Bavarian town is a relatively straightforward process. Most visitors are either based in Munich (München) or driving the romantic road. I’ll give you all the information you need, based on that.
By car
The trip to Füssen from the city of Munich takes about 2 hours. First, you need to get to the A96 to Lindau and then it’s easy to just follow the road signs pointing you to Füssen.
If you’re following the romantic road, I’m sure you have a map or guide, telling you exactly how to drive.
By train
Füssen is also very easily reachable from Munich by train. It’ll take you a bit more than 2 hours. From München Hauptbahnhof (central station), you need to take the train to Buchloe. From Buchloe, there’s a train that’ll take you directly to Füssen.
Get your train tickets in advance on Trainline. It’ll save you money and you can see the exact timetables!
By bus
Füssen is well-connected to nearby towns and cities by regional bus services. If you’re in the area already, taking a regional bus is very cost-friendly.
To get from Munich to Füssen by bus, you’ll have to check a company like Flixbus. Again, booking your ticket here in advance will likely save you money!
Guided tours to Füssen
As Füssen is such a popular destination among tourists, there are many guided tours heading there from Munich.
If you don’t want to be stressing about catching a train or bus, a tour is perfect for you!
Make sure to book your trusted tour through GetYourGuide. I always book through this company and I trust and love them! They’ll give you the best possible deal too!
Every fairytale comes to an end; Final thoughts on things to do in Füssen
But where this post ends, your fairytale begins! Now is the time to book your trip to Füsen, and I highly encourage you to just go for it!
Happy travels!
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14 Enchanting Things To Do in the Magical Town of Füssen
