Füssen walking tour & city guide
The gateway to Neuschwanstein Castle.
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Füssen is a small, pretty town in the Bavarian Alps, at the southern end of the Romantic Road and close to the Austrian border. Its colorful old town is charming in its own right, but most visitors come for the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, built by King Ludwig II on a crag just a few kilometers away.
Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau
Neuschwanstein Castle, built in the late 19th century for the dreamy King Ludwig II, is one of the most famous castles in the world and an inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle. Opposite it, the yellow Hohenschwangau Castle was Ludwig's childhood home. Marienbrücke, a footbridge over a gorge, offers the classic view of Neuschwanstein.
The old town
Füssen's old town has pastel houses, painted facades and narrow lanes leading up to the High Castle, a former summer residence of the prince-bishops of Augsburg with illusionistic painted towers. The baroque St Mang's Abbey sits beside the River Lech, and just outside town, the Lech Falls tumble over a weir in turquoise water.
A classic walk in Füssen
Start on Reichenstraße, the main street, and climb to the High Castle for views over the rooftops. Walk down past St Mang's Abbey to the river and follow the path to the Lech Falls.
For Neuschwanstein, take the bus to Hohenschwangau, then walk up to the castle and on to the Marienbrücke. Allow about an hour for the climb.
Visiting tips
Füssen is about two hours from Munich by train. Neuschwanstein tickets sell out, especially in summer, so book online in advance. Autumn colors and winter snow make the castles even more magical.
Top sights in Füssen
- 1
Neuschwanstein Castle
The famous fairytale castle.
- 2
Hohenschwangau Castle
Ludwig II's childhood home.
- 3
Marienbrücke
The classic view of Neuschwanstein.
- 4
High Castle
A palace with painted towers.
- 5
Lech Falls
A turquoise waterfall.
- 6
Lake Forggensee
A large lake with castle views.
Food markets & where to eat in Füssen
Reichenstraße
The old town's main street.
Füssen old town
Bavarian inns and cafés.
Hohenschwangau village
Restaurants below the castles.
Food to try in Füssen
Käsespätzle
Allgäu cheese noodles.
Allgäu cheese
From local Alpine dairies.
Schweinsbraten
Roast pork with dumplings.
Bavarian beer
From local breweries.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Füssen
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in FüssenCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Füssen.
- eSIM for GermanyStay online from the moment you land.
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