Füssen

Welcome to Füssen (pronounced “FYOO-sen”), Bavaria’s best-kept secret that’s about to become your new obsession!

This charming medieval town isn’t just another tourist trap – it’s where dreams come to life, literally. Home to the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle (yes, the one that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle!), Füssen offers so much more than just royal architecture. Ready to discover why this Bavarian gem should be at the top of your travel bucket list?

Why Füssen Will Steal Your Heart (And Your Instagram Feed)

Nestled at the foot of the Bavarian Alps and sitting pretty at 2,600 feet above sea level, Füssen is the highest town in Bavaria, home to just 14,000 inhabitants, yet blessed with a rich Bavarian culture and heritage. But don’t let its small size fool you – this place packs more magic per square mile than anywhere else in Germany!

What makes Füssen absolutely unmissable:

• It’s the southern terminus of the famous Romantic Road
• Two fairy-tale castles within walking distance
• Medieval old town that looks like a movie set
• Pristine Alpine lakes perfect for swimming
• Traditional Bavarian cuisine that’ll make you forget about dieting
• Mountain hiking trails with views that’ll give you chills

The Crown Jewel: Neuschwanstein Castle

Let’s be real – you’ve probably seen this castle a million times without even knowing it. Neuschwanstein Castle is considered one of the most-visited tourist attractions in all of Germany, and for good reason. King Ludwig II’s 19th-century masterpiece isn’t just beautiful; it’s the stuff legends are made of.

Pro insider tips for visiting:

• Book your tickets online months in advance (seriously, don’t wait!)
• Take the early morning tour to avoid crowds and get better lighting for photos
• The hike up takes about 30-40 minutes, but the horse carriage is an option if you prefer
• The earliest train from Munich arrives around 9:55 AM, allowing for a 15-minute bus connection to the castle area

Don’t miss: The view from Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) – it’s the money shot that’ll make your friends back home seriously jealous.

Hohenschwangau Castle: The Royal Childhood Home

While everyone’s going crazy over Neuschwanstein, the adjacent Hohenschwangau castle was King Ludwig II’s childhood home and offers equally fascinating insights. This sunny yellow castle has its own charm and is often less crowded, making it perfect for a more intimate royal experience.

Füssen Old Town: Step Back in Time

The Old Town is where history and charm converge on quaint cobblestone streets, with every corner revealing a chapter from Bavaria’s past. Walking through these medieval streets feels like time travel, and the best part? It’s completely pedestrian-friendly!

Must-see spots in the Old Town:

Hohes Schloss (High Castle)

Completed at the beginning of the 16th century, this former residence of Augsburg’s Prince-Bishops is one of the most important secular buildings of the German late Gothic period. The views from here are absolutely breathtaking, and the optical illusion paintings on the walls will mess with your mind in the best way.

St. Mang’s Basilica

Home to the oldest fresco in Bavaria at the crypt of St. Mang Basilica, dating back to around the year 980. History buffs, this one’s for you!

Museum of the City of Füssen

Housed in the south and west wings of the former Benedictine monastery of St. Mang, highlights include the “Kaisersaal” or “Emperor’s Hall” and the oval library with its ceiling painting.

Nature Adventures That’ll Get Your Adrenaline Pumping

Crystal-Clear Lakes

Füssen isn’t just about castles – the lake game here is seriously strong:

Forggensee: One of Bavaria’s most scenic lakes and the fifth largest in Germany, renowned for kite surfing. In summer, you can rent boats and float alongside wild swans!

Alpsee: Located around 4 km from Füssen, very close to both famous castles with wonderful views visible from the castle windows.

Weißensee: Perfect for a refreshing swim with stunning Alpine backdrop.

Hiking Paradise

The mountains around Füssen offer some of Germany’s most spectacular hiking. The ruins of Hopfen Castle above the Füssen district offer a wonderful panorama of the Alps, while the castle ruins of Hohenfreyberg and Eisenberg can be hiked on the “Drachenblick” loop trail.

Cycling Adventures

Rent a bicycle for the best way to explore Füssen, surrounding towns, lakes, and countryside – covering around 26 km through small farms where you can enjoy views of sheep, cows, and horses grazing.

Foodie Paradise: What to Eat in Füssen

Get ready to loosen your belt because Bavarian cuisine is not messing around! Here’s what you absolutely cannot miss:

Traditional Bavarian Dishes

Käsespätzle: Germany’s answer to mac and cheese, best consumed after a long day of breathing in the mountain air. It’s comfort food taken to heavenly levels.

Schnitzel: Crispy, golden, and served with spätzle that’ll make you question every pasta dish you’ve ever had.

Schweinshaxe: Roasted pork knuckle that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and Instagram-worthy in its presentation.

Sweet Treats

Head to the Kurcafe to try the local specialty, the “Sissi-Torte,” created back in the 19th century and a chocoholic’s dream.

Best Restaurants in Füssen

Madame Plüsch: A beautifully designed restaurant with calm and warm atmosphere, serving authentic Bavarian dishes prepared using organic and local ingredients.

Restaurant Hirsch: Haute Bavarian cuisine with a fairy-tale atmosphere, featuring a white room with wooden carved furniture giving the impression of a ballroom.

Gasthof Krone: A bustling German restaurant offering authentic Bavarian cuisine in a medieval-themed tavern with courtyard.

Where to Stay: Accommodations That Complete the Experience

Romantic Options

Hotel Hirsch: Built in Art Nouveau style, feeling kitschy yet elegant, with each room uniquely decorated reflecting Bavarian history or culture, plus a rooftop terrace overlooking mountains and old town.

Budget-Friendly

Hotel Zum Hechten: Available from €82 per night, offering great value in the town center.

Castle Proximity

Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel: Perfect if you want to be close to the famous castles.

Getting There: Your Journey to Magic

From Munich (Most Popular Route)

Direct trains depart from München Hbf to Füssen every four hours, taking approximately 2 hours and 1 minute.

Money-saving tip: Buy a Bayern Ticket for €29, which covers unlimited rides on regional trains for one day, but note it’s only valid starting from 9 AM on weekdays.

Train Schedule Highlights:

• Earliest departure with Bayern Ticket: 9:41 AM, arriving around 11:42 AM
• Ticket prices range from €21-€37 depending on booking timing
• FlixBus also operates once daily for budget travelers at €12-€18

By Car

Driving from Munich takes approximately 1 hour 41 minutes (65.1 miles), and you’ll drive through some of the most scenic countryside in Bavaria.

When to Visit: Timing Your Bavarian Adventure

Peak Season (June-August): Perfect weather, all attractions open, but expect crowds and higher prices.

Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): September to November offers the lowest hotel prices for budget-conscious travelers, plus beautiful fall colors and fewer tourists.

Winter Magic (December-March): Snow-covered castles look like something out of Frozen, though some outdoor activities may be limited.

Insider Tips That’ll Make You Look Like a Local

1. Free Transportation: Overnight guests travel free of charge in Füssen and surrounding area with the guest card.
2. Best Photography Times: Early morning light (before 10 AM) gives the most magical castle photos.
3. Festival Season: Every year at the end of August/beginning of September, St. Mang monastery hosts the multi-genre music festival “vielsaitig,” showcasing Füssen as the cradle of violin and lute making.
4. Hidden Gems: Try water treading in the Füssen districts of Bad Faulenbach, Weißensee and Hopfen, where you can take advantage of healing Kneipp therapy in modern discovery areas.
5. Cheese Factory Visit: Stock up at Hopferau cheese dairy where Bergkäse, Emmentaler, Romadur and many other varieties are made from fresh hay milk, with guided tours held regularly.

Day Trip Options: Extend Your Adventure

Zugspitze

Germany’s highest point accessible via cable cars, offering breathtaking views (€43.50-€53 per person round trip). Only go on completely clear days for the best experience!

Wieskirche

A 30-minute bus ride to Steingaden leads to this pilgrimage church, one of the world’s foremost Rococo masterpieces and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Austria Border Adventures

Only three miles north of the Austrian border, making day trips to Innsbruck or Salzburg totally doable.

Budget Breakdown: What to Expect

Budget Range (per day):

• Backpacker: €50-70 (hostel, local food, train tickets)
• Mid-Range: €100-150 (nice hotel, restaurant meals, activities)
• Luxury: €200+ (premium hotels, fine dining, private tours)

Money-Saving Hacks:

• Use the Bayern Ticket for unlimited regional train travel
• Stay overnight for the free guest card benefits
• Pack lunches for hiking days
• Visit free attractions like the old town and lakeshores

Final Thoughts: Why Füssen Should Be Your Next Destination

Füssen isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience that’ll change how you see fairy tales forever. Whether you’re a castle enthusiast, nature lover, foodie, or just someone who appreciates authentic beauty, this Bavarian gem delivers on every level.

From sipping beer in a traditional biergarten to hiking through Alpine meadows, from exploring medieval streets to swimming in crystal-clear lakes, Füssen offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and pure magic that Germany is famous for.

Ready to start planning? Book those castle tickets now, pack your hiking boots, and prepare for a Bavarian adventure that’ll have you planning your return trip before you even leave. Trust me, Füssen isn’t just a place you visit – it’s a place that becomes part of your story.

Pro tip: Start following #Füssen and #Neuschwanstein on Instagram now to get yourself properly excited. You’ll thank me later when you’re standing in front of those castle views yourself!