Füssen: The Complete Guide

Fussen
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wolkenkratzer

Füssen is a small town located in the district of Ostallgäu in the Bavarian region of Germany. It is situated in the foothills of the Alps, near the Austrian border, and is known for its natural beauty, historic architecture, and cultural attractions.

One of the town’s main attractions is the High Castle, or “Hohes Schloss” in German. This impressive fortress dates back to the 15th century and was the seat of the local rulers for several centuries. Today, it houses a museum showcasing the history and art of the region.

Füssen is also famous for its historic Old Town, which features picturesque narrow streets, colourful houses, and charming shops and cafes. One of the town’s most iconic landmarks is the St. Mang’s Basilica, a stunning Baroque church with beautiful frescoes and intricate stucco work.

Another popular attraction in Füssen is the Neuschwanstein Castle, a fairy-tale-like castle perched on a hilltop just outside of town. It was built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and is said to have inspired the design of the Disney castle. Visitors can take a tour of the castle and learn about its fascinating history and architecture.

Füssen is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and skiing in the nearby mountains and forests. The town is situated on the famous “Romantic Road” that runs through southern Germany, making it a popular stop for tourists exploring the region.

History of Füssen

Füssen: Ancient Beginnings

Füssen’s history dates back to Roman times when it was known as Foetibus. The town’s strategic location made it an important military and trade route.

Füssen: Medieval Growth

In the Middle Ages, Füssen flourished as a center for trade and craftsmanship. The construction of the Hohes Schloss and St. Mang’s Abbey marked this era of prosperity.

Füssen: Modern Era

The town continued to grow and modernize over the centuries. Today, Füssen is a popular tourist destination, known for its historical landmarks and picturesque scenery.

Visiting Füssen for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Füssen on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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6 Best places to See in Füssen

This complete guide to Füssen not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Füssen and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Benediktinerkloster St. Mang

Benediktinerkloster St. Mang
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Franzfoto
Benediktinerkloster St. Mang is a Benedictine monastery located in the town of Füssen in the Bavarian region of Germany. The monastery was founded in the 9th century by the Bavarian nobleman Magnus of Füssen, who later became Saint Magnus. The monastery's name comes from another saint, Saint Mang, who was a monk and a missionary in the region during the…
Location: Benediktinerkloster St. Mang, Lechhalde, Füssen, Germany | Hours: April to October: Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. November to March: Friday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m | Price: Adults €6 | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Benediktinerkloster St. Mang

Hohes Schloß

Fussen Hohes Schloss Ansicht Von St Mang Aus
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Hedwig Storch
Hohes Schloß is a historic castle located in the town of Füssen, in the Ostallgäu district of Bavaria, Germany. The castle dates back to the 15th century and was the seat of the local rulers for several centuries. The castle features an impressive Renaissance-style façade and a beautiful inner courtyard. The castle's tower offers a great view of the surrounding…
Location: Hohes Schloss, Magnusplatz, Füssen, Germany | Hours: April to October: Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m November to March: Friday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m | Price: Adults 6€ | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Hohes Schloß

Hohenschwangau Castle

Hohenschwangau Castle
Hohenschwangau Castle is a 19th-century castle located near the town of Füssen in Bavaria, Germany. It was built in the neo-Gothic style and was the childhood home of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who later commissioned the nearby Neuschwanstein Castle. The castle was originally built in the 12th century and served as the seat of the knights of Schwangau. It…
Location: Hohenschwangau Castle, Alpseestraße, Schwangau, Germany | Hours: Winter opening time: October 16th 2022 to March 31st 2023 Guided tours: daily from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.Summer opening time: April 1st 2023 to October 15th 2023 Guided tours: daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. | Price: Adults 21 € | Website | Distance: 3.1km
Visiting Hohenschwangau Castle

The Museum of the Bavarian Kings in Schwangau

Museum Of The Bavarian Kings
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ştefan Jurcă
The Museum of the Bavarian Kings is located in the town of Schwangau, near the famous castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, in Bavaria, Germany. The museum explores the history of the Bavarian Kings, including King Ludwig II, who commissioned the nearby Neuschwanstein Castle. The museum is housed in a modern building and features a range of exhibits, including artifacts, paintings,…
Location: Museum of the Bavarian Kings, Alpseestraße, Schwangau, Germany | Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m | Price: Adults: € 14,00 / Adults: € 19,00 guided tour. | Website | Distance: 3.2km
Visiting The Museum of the Bavarian Kings in Schwangau

Neuschwanstein

Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein is a stunning 19th-century castle located near the town of Füssen in Bavaria, Germany. It was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and was built in the style of a medieval castle, with impressive turrets, towers, and grand halls. Construction of Neuschwanstein began in 1869 and lasted until 1886 when King Ludwig II died. The castle was designed…
Location: Neuschwanstein Castle, Neuschwansteinstraße, Schwangau, Germany | Hours: Winter opening time: October 16th 2022 to March 31st 2023 Ticket Sales: 8.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Guided tours: daily from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.Summer opening time: April 1st 2023 to October 15th 2023 Ticket Sales: 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Guided tours: daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. | Price: Adults 15 € | Website | Distance: 3.9km
Visiting Neuschwanstein

Linderhof Palace

Linderhof Palace
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Tony Castle
Linderhof Palace is a small but luxurious palace located in southwest Bavaria, Germany. It was commissioned by King Ludwig II in the late 19th century and was designed in the style of French Rococo palaces, such as Versailles. The palace features beautiful gardens, a grand entrance hall, and several elaborately decorated rooms, including the King's bedroom, the Hall of Mirrors,…
Location: Linderhof Palace, Linderhof, Ettal, Germany | Hours: Tickets on sale: April-15 October: daily 8.30 am-5.30 pm 16 October-March: daily 9.30 am-4 pmLinderhof Palace April-15 October: daily 9 am-6 pm 16 October-March: daily 10 am-4.30 pm | Price: Adult €10 | Website | Distance: 19.5km
Visiting Linderhof Palace

Where to Stay in Füssen

The best place to stay is in the Old Town, where hotels offer picturesque views and proximity to Neuschwanstein Castle. Those seeking a peaceful retreat can stay near Lake Forggensee, where lakeside hotels provide stunning alpine scenery.

A 2 to 3-day stay allows time to visit Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles, explore Füssen’s historic streets, and enjoy scenic hikes. A 4-day stay is great for those wanting to take trips into the Bavarian Alps or visit nearby towns like Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Füssen. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Füssen Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Füssen

Visiting Füssen in Spring

Spring in Füssen is characterized by blooming flowers and mild temperatures. It’s an ideal time for hiking, exploring the town, and visiting nearby castles.

Visiting Füssen in Summer

Summer brings warm weather and longer days, perfect for outdoor activities. Enjoy swimming in nearby lakes, hiking the Alps, and attending local festivals.

Visiting Füssen in Autumn

Autumn in Füssen offers cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage. This season is great for scenic walks, cultural tours, and experiencing the town’s harvest festivals.

Visiting Füssen in Winter

Winter transforms Füssen into a snowy wonderland. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and visiting the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, which looks especially magical in the snow.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 1°C
  • February 5°C
  • March 6°C
  • April 13°C
  • May 15°C
  • June 20°C
  • July 21°C
  • August 20°C
  • September 19°C
  • October 14°C
  • November 8°C
  • December 3°C

How to get to Füssen

Traveling to Füssen by Train

Füssen is easily accessible by train, with direct connections from major cities like Munich and Augsburg. The local train station is just a short walk from the town center.

Traveling to Füssen by Car

Driving to Füssen offers flexibility and the chance to explore the scenic Bavarian countryside. The town is well-connected via the A7 motorway and local roads.

Traveling to Füssen by Bus

Several bus services operate to and from Füssen, providing an affordable and convenient travel option. Regional buses connect Füssen with nearby towns and attractions.

Traveling to Füssen by Plane

The nearest major airport to Füssen is Munich Airport (MUC). From there, visitors can take a train, bus, or rent a car to reach the town.