Small Bavarian town near the Austrian border, home to Neuschwanstein Castle. Old town has traditional and baroque buildings. Surrounded by Alps, forests, and lakes for year-round activities.
Füssen is a small Bavarian town located near the Alps. Its medieval old town features cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. You can visit the High Castle, which overlooks the town, or take a short trip to see Neuschwanstein Castle. Füssen's history and Alpine location make it a popular destination for tourists interested in German culture and architecture.
Füssen's Old Town
As you walk through Füssen's historic center, you'll see narrow lanes and buildings that date back centuries. Many of the pastel-colored structures have detailed frescoes on their facades. The medieval streets contain small shops, cafes, and restaurants. In the main square, you can see the decorated exterior of the Town Hall. On certain days, you might find a local market in the square.
The High Castle and St. Mang's Abbey
The High Castle (Hohes Schloss) is a prominent landmark in Füssen. It was once a summer residence for the Bishops of Augsburg and now houses part of the Bavarian State Paintings Collection. Inside, you can view late Gothic and Renaissance art. The Rittersaal (Knight's Hall) is known for its wooden ceiling with intricate carvings. Near the castle, you'll find St. Mang's Abbey complex. This former Benedictine monastery, which dates back to the 9th century, is now the town museum. In the crypt, you can see Germany's oldest fresco, created around 980 AD.
Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles
Many people visit Füssen to see the nearby castles. Neuschwanstein Castle, built for King Ludwig II, is about 4 kilometers from Füssen. Its white limestone walls and tall towers inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Hohenschwangau Castle, where Ludwig II spent much of his youth, is also nearby. You can take guided tours of both castles, but it's advisable to book in advance, especially during busy periods.
Activities in the Bavarian Alps
Füssen's location near the Alps provides many options for activities. In summer, you can hike through mountain meadows, cycle on scenic routes, or take a cable car up Tegelberg mountain to see panoramic views. Forggensee lake, which is close to the town, is suitable for swimming, sailing, and paddleboarding. During winter, you can ski, snowboard, or go winter hiking in the area.
Bavarian Cuisine and Local Specialties
After exploring Füssen, you can try traditional Bavarian food at local restaurants. Some regional dishes include Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), Schnitzel, and Schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle). For dessert, try a Schneeball, a pastry made from shortcrust dough shaped into a ball and covered with various toppings. You can also taste locally brewed beer with your meal.
Getting to and Around Füssen
You can reach Füssen by train, with regular services from Munich taking about two hours. The town is small enough to explore on foot, but if you want to visit the castles or lakes nearby, you can use local buses. Renting a car is an option if you'd like to explore the surrounding Bavarian countryside independently.
