From visiting the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle to sampling local delicacies, here are the best things to do in Füssen, Germany (aka the most magical town in Bavaria!)
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Füssen is an enchanting little town is nestled amongst a cluster of majestic Bavarian mountains. There’s a sparkling turquoise river that runs through its center with cobble-stoned alleyways and a rainbow mirage of pastel-toned shop fronts lining its banks. While the town is most famously known for the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle, there are plenty of magical things to do in Füssen even without this grand fortification.
From the moment I stepped onto its cobblestoned streets, the town won my heart. In fact, after just two days of exploring, it became one of my most-loved towns in all of Europe. Located a quick one-hour train ride from Munich, Füssen makes the perfect getaway from the city. Step back in time and experience the fairytale magic this town emanates.
Here are all the best things to do in Füssen during your stay in this magical Bavarian town…
7 BEST Things to do in Füssen, Germany
1. Visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle
Nestled away in the rugged Bavarian mountains lies the magical Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s considered one of the most-visited tourist attractions in all of Germany. Inspiring the castle from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, this 19th century fortification really is a fairytale dream come true, and is an absolute must-do if you’re planning to visit Fussen. You can find my full guide to visiting Neuschwanstein Castle here.
Book a tour to Neuschwanstein from Füssen here
2. Explore the quaint town centre
The quaint centre of this 700-year-old town is truly a delight to stroll through. Walking around, you’ll stumble upon baroque churches, gothic houses, a medieval town wall, and even a town castle. The facades of the buildings along the streets are coloured in all sorts of wonderful pastel shades, making it a dream to photograph.
3. Take the cable car up to Tegelberg
If you are wondering if there are things to do near Neuschwanstein castle, there certainly are. Just down the road from the castle you can take the cable car up to Tegelberg where the stunning view of Neuschwanstein f is seriously worth the trip alone. Once you reach the top, you are greeted with panoramic views over a stunning Bavarian landscape. In summer, this is a very popular spot for paragliding, hiking, and mountain climbing.
4. Go on a boat ride at Lake Forggense
Take a boat ride on one of Bavaria’s largest lakes, Forggensee. You can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castle, the quaint town of Füssen, and the surrounding Alpine peaks.
SEE ALSO: The time I fell in love with Salzburg (just not at first sight)
5. Sample some local Bavarian delicacies in
Cheese is the star of the show in many of the local dishes in Fussen. Käsespätzle is one of the specialities that you have to try. Essentially, this dish is Germany’s answer to mac and cheese. It is best consumed after a long day of breathing in the mountain air.
For a sweet treat, head to the Kurcafe to try the local speciality, the “Sissi-Torte.” It was created back in the 19th century and is a chocoholic’s dream.
6. Take a trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
If you are spending some time in Fussen, consider taking a day trip to a nearby town. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a very popular ski resort which lies at the bottom of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. It takes about an hour by car or 2 hours by bus from Fussen. Definitely visit if you want to spend some more time exploring the Bavarian mountains. It actually consists of 2 towns, which united in 1935.
If I were to give you any advice, avoid the Garmisch side of town. This is considered the “modern” section, but to me, it felt like a derelict American town from the 50’s. Partenkirchen, on the other hand, oozes with charm and beauty. Lined with wooden chalets and cobblestoned streets, it retains a traditional Bavarian feel.
7. Stay at the historical Hotel Hirsch
If you are wondering where to stay Füssen, I would highly recommend the adorable Hotel Hirsch. From the outside, it reminded me of a doll’s house! The hotel was built in an Art Nouveau style and felt kitschy yet elegant. Each room was uniquely decorated in a theme reflecting the history or culture of Bavaria. My favorite part was the rooftop terrace which overlooked the mountains and the old town of Füssen. Relax here with a glass of wine to for the perfect end to your day.
Book here for a stay at Hotel Hirsch now or check here to compare sites
If Hotel Hirsch is out of your budget or booked when you visit Füssen, check here to compare different accommodation options.
Booking.comMy General Travel & Photo Tips
Travel Insurance
I highly recommend getting travel insurance before ANY international trip. World Nomad’s offer the most flexible worldwide cover that I have come across, and you can purchase a policy online, even if your trip has already commenced. If their prices are too high for you, you can also check out SafetyWings, though SW doesn’t cover tech.
Booking Flights
To book flights, I always use flight search engine, Skyscanner. I find it the easiest way to compare flight prices across airlines and get the best deals. Skyscanner also have a free App (available on iOS or Android) which is great for booking flights on the go.
Booking Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, I either find deals on hotels or hostels through Booking.com, or stay at self-contained Airbnb’s. If you haven’t signed up with Airbnb already, you can use this link to get $38 off your first visit!
Photography Gear
Here is a list of the photography gear that I always travel with:
- Canon 6D Mark II
- Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 ii
- GoPro Hero Black 7
- DJI Mavic Pro
- ONA Camps Bay Backpack
- ONA Bowery Bag
Photo Editing
I use Lightroom and Photoshop for all my photo editing. Both these programs are included in the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription (which you can get a free 30-day of here).
For more European travel, read these next:
- How to Visit Cáceres, Spain in 48 Hours
- Top 10 Things to Do in London
- Why You Should Visit Helsinki in Winter
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