Bavaria, Germany: Füssen

Charming Füssen, the southern end of the Romantic Road, is framed by snow-covered peaks and an idyllic lake district. Only an hour south of Munich, many travelers stop here to visit the royal palaces of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau a little over two miles away. While the stunning Königsschlösser are arguably the region’s biggest draw, beautiful Füssen and its natural surroundings are worth experiencing. 

Royal Palaces

Appearing through the mountaintops like a mirage, the grey granite Schloss Neuschwanstein is one of Germany’s most famous sights. The ultimate story-book castle, it’s known around the world through posters, cards, and of course Walt Disney, who modeled Sleeping Beauty’s castle after it.

Construction of the castle, planned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria himself with the help of a theatre designer, began in 1869.  It was intended as a giant stage on which to recreate the world of Germanic mythology, inspired by the operas of his friend Richard Wagner, but the project was so extensive it was never completed. It actually took fifteen years until the first rooms could be occupied. The king eventually took refuge there until he was taken to Lake Starnberg, where he died under mysterious circumstances in 1886. Behind the castle, a path leads to the Marienbrücke from where you have an iconic view of the castle as well as the imposing Pöllat Gorge with its rushing waterfall.

Less famous, but definitely worth seeing, is the nearby golden yellow Hohenschwangau Castle. Built-in mock-Tudor-style the whole complex lives in the spirit of the romantic era. Several rooms are decorated with heroic frescoes such as the Sängersaal (Minstrels’ Hall), which depicts scenes from the opera Tannhäuser while the Hohenstaufensaal features a square piano on which Wagner probably entertained the king with works in progress.

Plan enough time at both castles (Neuschwanstein can only be visited on a guided tour) and buy a combo ticket for the best deal.

Nature’s Paradise

Sheltered by mighty alpine peaks, sweeping vistas of green paddocks and a picturesque lake, the landscape around Füssen is nature at its best. If you love the outdoors, the network of trails for cyclists, bikers and hikers will spoil you with options. Nearly 950 miles of perfectly signposted routes and 65 circuit paths create a paradise for cyclists. Two trails in particular worth mentioning are the one leading past the Rococo jewel and UNESCO World Heritage Site Wieskirche and the other one between Lake Constance and Königssee which gently slopes across the foothills of the Alps.

Sea dogs can jump into Lake Forggensee for any type of water sports activities and for the best views of the town’s skyline, the royal palaces, and the beautiful Alpine peaks take a lake cruise.

Cycling and bathing might not be a popular combo in other places, but in the Allgäu it’s great fun. For example, the Vier-Seen-Runde path runs from Bad Faulenbach to the Alatsee, past the outdoor pools of Mittersee and Obersee – remember to pack your swimsuit!

Hiking tours in and around Füssen are available at three altitudes: pleasure hikes in the Alpine foothills, hut tours, and summit tours. Follow in the footsteps of King Ludwig II who was an avid mountain hiker and walk from Füssen past Hohenschwangau to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Journey into the Past

Strolling through the romantic center of the 700-year-old town of Füssen, which towers over the banks of the river Lech, is a delight. Different historical epochs meet here, inviting you on a journey of discovery into the past.

Dominating the valley from a position high above the Old Town is the Hohes Schloss, one of the best preserved late-gothic castle complexes in Swabia. Pay attention in the inner courtyard! The 500-year-old illusionistic paintings will fool you into believing that the oriels, window frames and embossing on the corners are genuine.

Below the Schloss sits the former St Mang’s Benedictine Monastery whose history goes back to the 8th century. Bavaria’s oldest preserved fresco, from around 980, can be found in its eastern crypt. The monastic buildings stun with splendid interiors including the sumptuous Festsaal (still used for concerts), the domed colloquium and the oval refectory.

A much newer attraction is Ludwig‘s Festspielhaus, a theatre inspired by the sight of Neuschwanstein. Set right on Lake Forggen on an artificial peninsula, the building boasts a romantic baroque garden and views of the lake and the famous castle. The Festspielhaus opened in March 2000 with the worldwide premiere of the musical Ludwig II: Longing for Paradise.

The Sound of Music

The first European lute-makers’ guild was founded in 1562, and well into the 19th century, Füssen produced renowned string instruments. The good wood from the local mountain forests, the Via Claudia Augusta as a trade connection and the river Lech as a transport route for raw materials were ideal foundations for the town’s rise as the cradle of professional lute making in Europe. At its peak, twenty workshops operated in town pushing the population to 2,000 inhabitants. With demand increasing, violin production commenced in Füssen in the 17th and 18th centuries until both trades collapsed in the 19th century. Today, five violin makers and one plucked instrument maker continue the ancient tradition. Don’t miss the Museum of Füssen which houses one of the finest collections of historical lutes in Europe as well as the workshop of Munich master violin-maker Karl Leonhardt which documents the various stages in the production process.

Treats for Body and Soul

Food in Germany is highly regional and Füssen has its own delicious schmankerl (special treat). Named after King Ludwig II of Bavaria’s favorite cousin, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the Sissi-Torte is as dark as the beauty’s hair with walnut pieces (resembling the empress‘ famous artfully draped braids) running through it. Despite Sissi’s weight obsession, this chocolate-truffle-cream-cake, created especially for her, is a calorie bomb. Order the original in Füssen’s Kurcafe where it was invented and where the Empress used to frequent.

For those simply wanting to relax, Füssen’s tradition of spa and wellness holidays is perfect, with one of the most highly praised naturopathic treatments, Kneipp Therapy, at its core. The suburb of Hopfen am See has been an official Kneipp spa and health resort since 1968, while the district Bad Faulenbach looks back on the tradition for over eighty years. Swimming, cycling, herbal treatments – the health of the Allgäu “water doctor” will soothe and rejuvenate you.