Füssen Travel Guide (Bavarian Swabia/Bavaria/Germany/Central Europe/Europe)

Füssen, located in Bavarian Swabia, in Bavaria, Germany, is a picturesque town that is often overlooked by many tourists. However, once you discover the beauty of this hidden gem, you’ll understand why Füssen should be added to your travel bucket list. From historical attractions to outdoor adventures and scenic views, to its vibrant food and drink scene, there’s so much to explore in Füssen. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your perfect Füssen getaway.

List of Places to Visit in Füssen

Located in the Allgäu region at the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, Füssen boasts a variety of cultural and natural attractions. Here are some of the must-visit places in Füssen:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Neuschwanstein Castle: This castle, famously known as the inspiration for the Disney Castle, is truly a sight to behold. Explore the majestic architecture of the castle and its stunning surroundings.
Hohenschwangau Castle: This castle offers stunning views of the Alpsee lake and the surrounding mountains. You’ll also find beautiful gardens and frescoed interiors that will transport you back in time.
Wieskirche: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning example of Baroque architecture with ornate interiors, intricate carvings, and breathtaking frescos.
Museum der Stadt Füssen: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Füssen and the surrounding region, with exhibits featuring art, crafts, and archaeological finds.

Natural Attractions of Füssen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Alpsee: Located at the foot of Hohenschwangau Castle, this crystal-clear lake offers a variety of water activities, including swimming, boating, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Tegelberg: This mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps and the surrounding countryside. There’s a cable car to take you to the top, where you can enjoy hiking trails, paragliding, and other outdoor adventures.
Forggensee: This large lake is surrounded by sweeping meadows, rolling hills, and stunning views of the mountains. You can take a boat tour to explore its beauty or enjoy a picnic by the lake.
Lechfall: This waterfall, located at the confluence of the Lech and Ammer rivers, is a scenic treasure that offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Füssen

Füssen offers a variety of hiking and biking routes that cater to all levels of expertise. Here are some of the most popular routes:

King’s Trail: This hiking trail starts at the Tegelberg cable car station and takes you through stunning alpine landscapes and mountain views, including the summit of Branderschrofen.
Alpine Coaster: This is a thrilling alpine coaster that offers breathtaking views of the mountains and a unique way to experience the beauty of the Bavarian Alps.
Via Claudia Augusta: This historic route is a cyclist’s dream, spanning across the Alps from Germany to Italy, with stunning views of the mountains, lakes, and valleys.

Best Things to Do in Füssen: Activities and Tours

Füssen offers a variety of activities and tours to suit everyone’s interests. Here are some of the best things to do in Füssen:

Horse-drawn carriage ride: Take a romantic ride through the town and countryside of Füssen in a traditional horse-drawn carriage.
Brewery tour: Learn about the local beer culture and history of Füssen on a brewery tour that includes tastings and traditional Bavarian food.
Cooking classes: Learn how to prepare delicious Bavarian dishes on a cooking class that uses fresh local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
Guided city tours: Explore the history and culture of Füssen with a guided city tour that takes you through the old town, the castles, and other landmarks of the city.

Week-Long Itinerary for Füssen

For those who want to spend a week in Füssen, here’s a sample itinerary to help you plan your trip:

Day 1	Arrive in Füssen, check-in to hotel, and explore the old town.
Day 2	Take an early morning hike along the King’s Trail, visit Hohenschwangau Castle, and enjoy a picnic at Alpsee.
Day 3	Visit Neuschwanstein Castle and learn about its fascinating history. In the afternoon, go on a guided city tour and explore the local food scene.
Day 4	Take a scenic drive along the Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a charming medieval town known for its well-preserved wall and towers, historical architecture, and local culture.
Day 5	Take a trip to the nearby Bavarian Alps and experience the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Day 6	Enjoy a relaxing day at Forggensee, go for a swim in the crystal-clear waters or take a boat tour around the lake.
Day 7	Take a guided cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional Bavarian dishes. In the evening, dine at one of the many local restaurants and enjoy a night out in Füssen.

Food and Drink Scene of Füssen

Füssen’s food scene is one of the highlights of any trip to the city. From traditional Bavarian dishes to modern cuisine, Füssen has something to offer for every palate. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Käsespätzle: This is a hearty dish of homemade pasta and melted cheese that is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Schweinshaxe: This is a classic Bavarian dish of roasted pork shank with crispy skin and tender meat.
Weißwurst: These are traditional Bavarian sausages made from veal, pork, and spices. They are typically served with sweet mustard and a soft pretzel.
Apfelstrudel: This is a sweet dessert made from thin pastry sheets filled with warm apples, raisins, and cinnamon.

Local Beverages

Beer: Füssen is home to several local breweries that produce some of the best beer in Bavaria. Be sure to sample the local brews, including Weissbier, Dunkel, and Helles.
Schnapps: Füssen is known for its fruit brandies, or Schnapps, made from locally sourced fruit like plums, apples, and pears.

Where to Stay in Füssen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Füssen offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the top hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Füssen:

Hotel Hirsch: This is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Füssen, offering stunning views of the old town and the surrounding mountains.
Youth Hostel Füssen: This is a budget-friendly accommodation option that offers comfortable rooms and a variety of amenities, including a shared kitchen and lounge area.
Hotel Schlosskrone: This is a charming hotel located near the city center, offering spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities and beautiful views.

What to Buy in Füssen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Füssen offers a variety of local products and souvenirs that make great gifts for friends and family. Here are some of the top items to bring home from Füssen:

Bavarian beer steins: These traditional beer mugs are made from ceramic or glass and are often adorned with Bavarian motifs like Alpine landscapes, coats of arms, or local landmarks.
Dirndl and lederhosen: These are traditional Bavarian clothing items that are often worn at festivals and celebrations. They make great souvenirs or gifts for those who want to embrace the local culture.
Hand-carved wooden items: Füssen is famous for its woodcarving industry, and you can find a variety of hand-carved items, including figurines, clocks, and toys.
Local honey and jams: Füssen is home to several local farms and orchards that produce delicious honey and jams made from locally sourced fruits and berries.

Local Culture and Customs of Füssen

Füssen has a rich cultural heritage, and it is home to several festivals and traditions that locals and visitors alike can enjoy. Here are some of the top cultural events and customs in Füssen:

Füssen Festival Weeks: This is a series of cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the summer, including classical music concerts, theater performances, and dance shows.
Krampuslauf: This is a traditional parade that takes place on December 5th, where people dress up as Krampus, a demonic figure from German folklore, and chase children through the streets.
Bavarian dress: Wearing traditional Bavarian clothing like dirndl and lederhosen is a common sight in Füssen, especially during festivals and celebrations.

Best Time to Visit Füssen

The best time to visit Füssen is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild and sunny, and the city is alive with festivals and cultural events. However, shoulder season months like May and September can also be a great time to visit, with fewer crowds, more affordable prices, and beautiful autumnal landscapes.

Do’s and Don’ts of Füssen

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Füssen:

Do:

Respect the local customs and traditions, and dress appropriately if attending a traditional event or festival.
Try the local food and drinks, including traditional Bavarian cuisine and locally brewed beer and schnapps.
Plan ahead and book your tickets for popular attractions like Neuschwanstein Castle in advance to avoid long lines and wait times.

Don’t:

Litter or damage the natural or cultural heritage sites.
Worry about getting around without a car; Füssen is easily accessible by public transportation or on foot.
Forget to bring comfortable shoes and clothing for outdoor activities and hiking.

Safety and Health

Füssen is a safe destination for visitors, with low crime rates and excellent healthcare facilities. However, here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Füssen

Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas and tourist spots; keep your valuables close to you and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
Follow the rules and safety guidelines when participating in outdoor activities like hiking and biking to avoid accidents or injuries.
Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes when exploring the city and mountains to avoid slips and falls.

Health in Füssen

If you have allergies or respiratory problems, be aware that Füssen is located near the Bavarian Alps, which can exacerbate these conditions.
Drinking tap water is safe in Füssen, but if you prefer bottled water, it’s readily available at local shops and markets.
In case of a medical emergency, dial 112 for emergency services or go to the nearest hospital or clinic.

Getting to Füssen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Füssen is easy and convenient, thanks to its location in the heart of Europe. Here are the different transportation options to reach Füssen:

Airports Near Füssen

Memmingen Airport: This is the closest airport to Füssen, located about an hour’s drive away. It offers flights to several European destinations.
Munich Airport: This is a major international airport located about two hours’ drive away. It offers numerous flights to destinations around the world.

Bus Stations Near Füssen

Füssen Busbahnhof: This is the main bus station in Füssen, served by several local and regional buses.

Other Options

Trains: Füssen is easily accessible by train, with regular services from Munich, Augsburg, and other major cities in Germany and Europe.
Car: If you’re driving to Füssen, the A7 motorway connects the town with major cities in Germany and Europe.

How to Get Around in Füssen

Füssen is a small town that is best explored on foot or by bike. However, if you want to explore the surrounding areas, public transportation is an excellent option. You can use buses and trains to reach nearby towns and attractions, or rent a car to explore at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Füssen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Füssen is located in a prime location, surrounded by several other beautiful towns and attractions. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

Garmisch-Partenkirchen: This picturesque town, located about an hour’s drive from Füssen, is known for its skiing and snowboarding events, as well as its stunning mountain landscapes.
Innsbruck: This historic city, located in Austria, is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and stunning Alpine landscapes.
Strasbourg: This French city, located about three hours’ drive from Füssen, is known for its charming canals, historical architecture, and delicious local cuisine.

Conclusion

Füssen may be a hidden gem, but it’s a gem that is well worth discovering. With its combination of natural beauty, historical and cultural attractions, and vibrant food and drink scene, Füssen is the perfect destination for a memorable getaway. Plan your next trip to Füssen, and prepare to be enchanted by the wonders of Bavaria.

Füssen Image Gallery

Schloss Neuschwanstein near Füssen in 2013

Houses and Hohes Schloss (Higher Castle-Formally home to the Prince Bishops of Augsburg) in Füssen

Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau from the Bavarian countryside

Hohenschwangau Castle.

Wieskirche