Füssen

Written by Celine Fournier, Elsa Holm, Felix Schmidt, Finn Weber, Sandrine Simon
16/09/2025
Stunning view of Neuschwanstein Castle surrounded by lush green forests and clouds.
Pixabay, Pexels

Füssen is a picturesque Bavarian town nestled at the foot of the Alps, offering a charming medieval old town with historic buildings. It serves as an ideal base for exploring the iconic Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, alongside opportunities for outdoor activities in its surrounding mountainous and lake landscapes.

In Füssen, the Old Town provides a pleasant environment for socialising, with its cobblestone streets, cafes, and shops. Visitors often find themselves strolling through the historic center, which allows for casual interactions amidst its charming ambiance.

Top 6 Things to do in Füssen

Activities in Füssen typically involve exploring fairytale castles, wandering through a charming medieval town, ascending mountains for panoramic views, and enjoying serene lake experiences.

1. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle

Step into a fairytale at Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig II's magnificent 19th-century palace, which is said to have inspired Disney's Cinderella Castle. A guided interior tour offers insight into the king's grand vision, though the real magic often lies in viewing it from a distance. For the most iconic photographs, walk to Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge), which provides a stunning vantage point over the castle nestled among the mountains. Be prepared for a short downhill walk from the shuttle bus stop to the castle entrance after visiting the bridge.

Cost: Tickets for a guided tour are €21 per adult (2025). It is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance through the official online ticket shop, which incurs a €2.50 booking fee per ticket. Children under 18 receive free entry but still require a free ticket with the booking fee. A combination ticket, 'Königsschlösser,' is available for €40, allowing one visit to Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, and Herrenchiemsee palaces within six months.

Transport: From Füssen train station, local buses (lines 73 or 78) travel to Hohenschwangau/Alpseestraße in approximately 10 minutes, costing €3-5. From Hohenschwangau village, you have three options to reach the castle: a 40-minute uphill walk (1.6 km); a shuttle bus costing €3.50 uphill or €5.00 for a round trip (2023 prices), which drops passengers near Marienbrücke, requiring a further 10-15 minute downhill walk to the castle entrance; or a horse-drawn carriage for €8 uphill and €4 downhill (2022 prices), which also requires a short walk to the castle.

2. Explore Hohenschwangau Castle

Discover Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood home of King Ludwig II and his family. This vibrant yellow castle offers a glimpse into the royal family's life and the artistic influences that later shaped Neuschwanstein. Guided tours reveal its richly decorated interiors and historical significance. After your tour, take time to appreciate the castle's beautiful gardens and the views of the surrounding area.

Cost: An adult skip-the-line ticket typically costs €28.50, with children (7-17 years) at €25.50. Note that Hohenschwangau Castle is privately administered and not included in the 'Königsschlösser' combination ticket.

Transport: Similar to Neuschwanstein, take local buses (lines 73 or 78) from Füssen train station to Hohenschwangau village, a journey of approximately 10-18 minutes for €3-5. From the village, you can reach the castle by a 20-30 minute uphill walk or by taking a horse-drawn carriage for €5.50 uphill and €3.00 downhill.

3. Wander Füssen Old Town and Hohes Schloss

Immerse yourself in Füssen's medieval charm by strolling through its 'Altstadt' or Old Town. The cobblestone streets are lined with pastel-colored buildings, inviting cafes, and unique shops, creating a delightful atmosphere. Ascend to the Hohes Schloss (High Castle), a prominent medieval fortress that once served as a summer residence for prince-bishops. The castle courtyard features impressive trompe-l'oeil paintings, and the internal galleries house Bavarian State Paintings. Climbing the gate tower provides excellent panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains. Within the same complex, explore St. Mang's Abbey, which hosts the Museum of Füssen, detailing the region's history and its renowned violin-making tradition.

Cost: Exploring the Old Town is free. Access to the courtyard of Hohes Schloss is also free, but entering the castle, museum, or climbing the tower typically costs around €6 per adult. Guided walking tours of the Old Town, usually lasting 1.5 hours, are available for about €9 and offer in-depth historical and cultural insights (often in German).

Transport: Füssen's Old Town and Hohes Schloss are centrally located and easily walkable from most accommodations within Füssen.

4. Ascend Tegelberg Mountain via Cable Car

Embark on a scenic journey up Tegelberg Mountain via the Tegelbergbahn cable car. This ride offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps, the surrounding valleys, and a unique perspective of Neuschwanstein Castle. At the summit, you can enjoy various hiking trails suitable for different fitness levels. For those seeking a thrill, Tegelberg is also a renowned launch site for paragliding and hang gliding. At the base of the mountain, a summer toboggan run provides a fun, winding descent for all ages.

Cost: A round trip on the Tegelbergbahn cable car costs €31 for adults, while a single trip is €20.50 (prices from 2025). The summer toboggan run costs €5 for a single adult ride or €21 for six rides. Children aged 3-7 ride free when accompanied by an adult, and children 7-12 years pay €3.50 for a single ride or €15 for six rides.

Transport: Tegelberg Mountain is a short drive from Füssen. A bus service is available from Füssen to the Tegelbergbahn station. Taxis can also provide direct transport.

5. Enjoy a Forggensee Lake Boat Trip

Experience the tranquil beauty of Lake Forggensee, Germany's largest reservoir, with a relaxing boat trip. Operating seasonally from June to mid-October, these cruises offer stunning views of the Alpine landscape and unique perspectives of Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, and the Hohes Schloss from the water. It's a peaceful way to absorb the majestic surroundings.

Cost: A small round trip costs €13.00 for adults and €6.50 for children. A larger round trip is €18.00 for adults and €9.00 for children. Evening trips are also available for €22.00 for adults and €11.00 for children. Discounts may be available for guest card holders and groups. Bicycles can be brought on board for an additional fee of €2.

Transport: You can reach the Forggensee boat harbor by taking a 5-minute bus ride from Füssen to 'Füssen, Festspielh. Forggensee.' Alternatively, it is a pleasant 1.4 km walk from Füssen, taking approximately 17 minutes.

6. Visit Lechfall

Discover the picturesque Lechfall, a man-made waterfall that provides a striking natural spectacle. The cascading turquoise waters of the Lech River through a narrow gorge create a captivating scene, perfect for photography. A bridge spans the river, offering the best vantage points, and surrounding walking paths invite a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks.

Cost: Free to visit.

Transport: Lechfall is within easy walking distance from Füssen's Old Town.

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