Füssen: the most beautiful town in Bavaria, Germany
If you ask us, Füssen is the most beautiful town in southern Germany. With around 15,000 inhabitants, this charming town is located in the state of Bavaria, close to the Austrian border. It's about a 7.5-hour drive from Utrecht, but you'll find yourself in one of Germany's most scenic regions.
The main reason for our visit to Füssen was to see the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, located just 4 kilometers from town. We arrived without many expectations, but we were pleasantly surprised by both the town and its stunning surroundings. It's definitely a place we'd love to return to.
How long should you stay in Füssen?
There are plenty of charming hotels in Füssen and the surrounding area. Nearby villages, such as Schwangau, also make excellent places to stay. How long you should stay depends on what you want to get out of your trip to Bavaria. We visited Füssen on our way to the Dolomites in Italy and stayed for two nights. That gave us enough time to see everything we wanted, but you could easily spend two or even three weeks here, especially if you enjoy hiking, cycling or simply taking things at a slower pace. If you're mainly interested in the region's highlights, 2 to 4 nights is the perfect amount of time.
Things to do in Füssen
Neuschwanstein Castle
It may surprise you, but there's plenty to see around Füssen. The region's most famous attraction is, of course, Neuschwanstein Castle. You can easily spend several hours here. Before your guided tour of the castle, take some time to walk up the hill and explore the grounds. If you continue a little farther, you'll reach Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge), where you'll enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the castle.
Hohenschwangau Castle
Most visitors head straight to Neuschwanstein Castle and skip Hohenschwangau Castle, which we think is a real shame. The castle is only a two-minute drive from Neuschwanstein, making it incredibly easy to visit both in one day. Its striking yellow exterior contrasts beautifully with the surrounding forests, making it one of the prettiest castles in Bavaria.
St. Coloman Church
Near both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castle, you'll find the picturesque St. Coloman Church, standing alone in the middle of a large meadow. It's a favorite spot among photographers, thanks to the combination of green fields, the charming church and the rugged Alpine mountains in the background.
Zugspitze and Eibsee
Less than an hour's drive from Füssen lies the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain.
Take the cable car to the summit and, on a clear day, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views across Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. Standing at the top and looking out over four countries is an unforgettable experience.
Not interested in taking the cable car? Then make sure to visit Lake Eibsee instead.
With its crystal-clear turquoise water and the Zugspitze towering in the background, Eibsee almost feels too beautiful to be in Germany. Go for a swim, rent a paddleboard or simply walk the scenic trail around the lake. It's the perfect place to spend an entire day.
