Füssen: The Complete Guide

Fussen
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wolkenkratzer

Füssen, nestled in the heart of Bavaria’s Allgäu region near the Austrian border, greets visitors with a picture-perfect Old Town framed by pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone lanes. Its compact pedestrian zone leads naturally from the baroque St. Mang’s Abbey to the Lech River, where shaded benches invite you to linger over a gelato or a stein of local beer. Quaint cafés and artisanal shops line the streets, making it easy to sample Bretzeln warm from the oven or browse for handcrafted cuckoo clocks without straying far from the main square.

Just a short ride from the town center, the fairytale castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau top many Füssen itineraries. Perched against a backdrop of forested hills, these 19th-century palaces offer guided tours that bring King Ludwig II’s romantic vision to life. Beyond the castles, the shimmering expanse of the Forggensee lake invites summer visitors to paddle, sail, or simply stroll its shores; in winter, the same slopes transform into cross-country ski trails with Alpine vistas.

Surrounded by the Tannheimer and Ammergau Alps, Füssen is also a gateway to outdoor adventures in southern Bavaria. Hiking trails fan out from the town—wander through meadows bursting with edelweiss or climb to panoramic viewpoints overlooking mountain lakes. Mountain-bike routes and e-bike rentals provide an active alternative, while families can explore the Bavarian Alps Adventure Park or take a leisurely boat cruise on the Forggensee. After a day in the crisp mountain air, local taverns serve hearty Swabian dishes—Maultaschen, Käsespätzle, and robust mountain cheeses—that perfectly round out the Füssen experience.

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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5 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

We recommend to rent a car in Germany through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

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

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Füssen . Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

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

Best Day Trips from Füssen

A day trip from Füssen offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Füssen provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

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

Augsburg

Augsburg
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Guido Radig
Augsburg, nestled in the Swabian region of Bavaria in southern Germany, offers a delightful blend of urban charm and green retreats. Begin your visit at the bustling Rathausplatz, where the Renaissance Town Hall and Perlachturm tower over lively cafés and street musicians. Just a short stroll away, the historic Fuggerei—world’s oldest social housing complex—invites you to wander its peaceful courtyards…
Visiting Augsburg

Nördlingen

Nordlingen
Nördlingen is a historic town in the region of Swabia, located in Bavaria, Germany. It is situated in a large meteorite crater, and the town's unique location has made it a popular tourist destination. One of the town's most notable attractions is its well-preserved medieval walls, which encircle the town and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can…
Visiting Nördlingen

Where to Stay in Füssen

Füssen’s Altstadt is the perfect base for first-time visitors. Cobbled streets wind between pastel-painted houses, artisan boutiques, and cozy cafés, all within easy walking distance of the Lech River and Saint Mang’s Basilica. Staying here keeps you close to the town’s vibrant market square and the Ferry Bridge viewpoint. A refined choice is Hotel Sonne Füssen, which combines historic charm with modern spa facilities, while Luitpoldpark-Hotel offers spacious rooms overlooking its namesake park and a short stroll to the pedestrian zone.

Just south of Füssen, the Schwangau area gives you early access to the fairytale castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. This village setting is ideal for castle enthusiasts and hikers alike, with shuttle services straight to the palace ticket center. For a touch of Bavarian elegance, consider Hotel Müller, set amid flower-filled gardens and offering traditional Alpine décor, or stay riverside at Schlosshotel Lisl, where castle views and a gourmet restaurant await.

If you prefer lakeside relaxation, the Forggensee and Hopfensee shores are just a short drive from town. In summer, the crystal waters invite sailing, paddling, and lakeside picnics; in winter, the frozen surface becomes a natural skating rink. Hotel am Hopfensee provides lakeside balconies and bike rentals, while the family-friendly Seehotel Hopfen am See offers direct beach access and panoramic views of the Ammergau Alps.

For those seeking quiet mountain retreats, the villages and hamlets scattered through the surrounding hills deliver serene scenery and easy trailheads. Guesthouses here emphasize home-cooked breakfasts and local hospitality—perfect after a day exploring alpine meadows. A charming choice is Landhotel Alpenglühn, which boasts rustic-chic rooms and guided nature walks, or opt for the cosy Berggasthof Brunnen, nestled on a hillside with sweeping views over the town and Forggensee below.

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.

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