Best known as the picturesque gateway to Neuschwanstein Castle, Füssen is a charming Bavarian town nestled at the foot of the Alps, with pretty pastel architecture, stunning natural backdrops and most importantly, souvenir shops selling every possible item you can imagine with King Ludwig II’s face on it.

… But what is there to actually do in Füssen?

Many day trippers come into town to catch the bus to Neuschwanstein and crawl back later purely for sustenance. I’m here today to tell you that is not the way!

Füssen is an adorable little town with quite a few cool sights that visitors often miss, so read on for a list of the best things to do in Füssen (and the surrounding area), from iconic castles to pretty hidden gems guaranteed to make you swoon.

1. Explore Füssen Old Town (Altstadt)

To gallivant through Füssen’s Altstadt is to stroll through over seven centuries of history.

I’ve never understood why everyone flocks to Neuschwanstein and skips Füssen proper – it’s an adorable little town brimming with medieval charm, with pastel-coloured buildings that contrast gorgeously with its mountainous backdrop.

I’ll be sharing some of my favourite Füssen must-dos later on in this post, but some pretty spots not to miss in the Old Town include…

• Lautenmacherbrunnen: A cute square that used to be the bread market with a fountain featuring a statue of the lute-maker Caspar Tieffenbrucker (who I’m sure you know), believed to come from around Füssen
• Stadtbrunnen: One of the main squares in the Alstadt that’s surrounded by cafés and shops with a fountain featuring a statue of Saint Magnus of Füssen (who founded St. Mang’s Abbey)
• Franziskanerplatz: The square where the Franciscan Monastery of St Stephen is located. Also the official end of The Romantic Road. The monastery is worth a visit and the views of the River Lech are also very romantic
• Gesellenbrunnen: Another cute square with a statue representing how it used to be the grain market and usually plenty of café tables to sit at for a coffee

2. Lechfall

One of my favourite little spots to visit in Füssen is Lechfall, a picturesque man-made waterfall that makes for a perfect photo opportunity.

Lechfall was originally built in the 18th century to control flooding of the Lech River, but it’s now a tourist attraction in its own right since it looks… well, cool, and people are always hankering for new photo opps.

Luckily for the snap-happy amongst us, there’s a handy bridge to walk across the river for the best views, as well as multiple walking paths around the edge of the river. Keep an eye out for the bust of King Maximilian II of Bavaria in the rock wall on the opposite side of the bridge from the waterfall – he’s perhaps best known for his offspring, the two kings Ludwig II and then Otto, who were both declared insane and then deposed. At least Ludwig II left behind a bunch of nice castles though.

Royal dramas aside, the area around the waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers visitors the chance to take in the beauty of the Bavarian countryside… so it’s well worth following the paths for a bit around the waterfall.

Continue the walk a little further and you get some pretty stunning views.

3. The Museum of Füssen

Now, if you’re looking to learn a bit more about the history of Füssen, then you can head to the Füssen Heritage Museum which showcases the rich history, art, and culture of the region.

The Museum of Füssen is housed in the former Benedictine monastery of St. Mang, which dates back to the 9th century. The monastery complex includes several historic buildings, such as the Baroque-style St. Mang Basilica and the Gothic-style former cloister.

The museum features a diverse range of collections that highlight various aspects of Füssen’s history and culture. One of the highlights is the “Füssen Dance of Death,” a series of 15th-century frescoes depicting scenes of death and the afterlife.

Füssen is also known for its rich musical heritage, so the museum pays tribute to this legacy as well with exhibits dedicated to local composers, musicians, and instrument makers where visitors can learn about the town’s connections to famous composers such as Leopold Mozart (father of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart) and Ludwig van Beethoven.

4. Enjoy a treat

In any Bavarian town, one thing that’s guaranteed no matter the size is that there will be a bakery, and there will be an ice cream shop.

Luckily, Füssen has plenty of options for both!

With so many sightseeing options in and around Füssen, don’t forget to take some time to savour a sweet treat or coffee while admiring the beauty of the town. After all, “Kaffee und Kuchen” (coffee and cake) is a popular mid-afternoon ritual in Germany, so you can consider it a cultural enrichment exercise.

I personally tried some of Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s signature “Schneeballen” while in Füssen… and while I’ve definitely had better treats (these are basically pie pastry cut into strips and rolled into a ball), there’s tons of other great options. I’d personally just walk into a bakery and order whatever looks good.

5. Visit the Hohes Schloss

While definitely overshadowed by other (considerably more famous) castles nearby, it’s worth noting that Füssen has its own special castle that looms over town: the Hohes Schloss.

The Hohes Schloss dates back to the late Middle Ages, with the earliest records mentioning it in the 13th century. It served as the summer residence of the prince-bishops of Augsburg, who were influential rulers in the region. The castle’s architecture showcases a mix of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, making it quite visually striking, while the interior features richly decorated rooms, including the Knights’ Hall, the Chapel, and the Prince-Bishop’s Residence.

Today, the Hohes Schloss serves as the home of the Füssen branch of the Bavarian State Collections of Paintings. Visitors to the Hohes Schloss can explore the castle’s interior with guided tours, which provide insights into its history, architecture, and art collections. The castle’s picturesque setting overlooking the town of Füssen and the surrounding Alps also adds a bit more magic to the experience.

6. Catch a show at the Festspielhaus

Better known as the Festspielhaus Neuschwanstein, this glamorous lakeside theatre is an attraction most visitors miss when they come to Füssen – I assume because the showtimes don’t mesh well with day trip schedules and the shows look absolutely unhinged.

I’m not going to lie to you, I don’t have many regrets in my life, but one of them is that I never got to watch a show here.

Not just because the venue looks rather beautiful, but because its show posters have taunted me on every one of my visits to Füssen/Nesuchwanstein, and I can’t imagine a more thrilling evening than watching a musical about King Ludwig II, entirely in German.

If your idea of fun is as strange as mine, you can check out some of their shows (and their incredible posters) here.

7. Forest Experience Center Ziegelwies

Another must-see spot in Füssen that way too many visitors miss is the Forest Experience Center Ziegelwies. Sure, it’s more marketed towards children but don’t let that fool you – it’s actually a VERY cool spot that I think they do a poor job advertising (to be honest).

Perched on the border of Bavaria and Tyrol, this adventure park has a few different highlights – the main one being a cool 480m Treetop Walkway that allows you to walk 20m above the River Lech, surrounded by the gorgeous Allgäu mountains. At one point, the path takes you across the border from Germany to Austria, making for a fun photo opp if you wanna have a foot in each country.

There’s also a nice set of trails in the forest, with little activities and info plaques along the way. I’d say this activity is most ideal if you want a taste of the region’s spectacular nature, without the stress of trying to navigate unfamiliar turf on your own.

NOTE: If you’re an experienced hiker, I would recommend just picking a regular (free) hike to do in the area, as this experience can feel quite manufactured if you’re used to more wild, untamed nature. I still thought it was fun though!

For the best of both worlds, you can start here at this park, then continue your hike to reach…

Alright, time to move onto other things to do in the Füssen area. We’ll start with the obvious – most people who visit Füssen are there to see Neuschwanstein Castle, best known for inspiring Walt Disney’s famous Sleeping Beauty Castle at the original Disneyland.

Built in the 19th century for the eccentric ‘Mad King’, Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein was designed by the architect Eduard Riedel, who incorporated elements of Romanesque and Gothic Revival architecture. Its design was heavily inspired by the medieval castles of old Germanic legends and Wagnerian operas. The castle’s picturesque setting atop a rugged hill adds to its fairy-tale appearance.

Sadly, Ludwig II died before the castle was completed, in 1886 under ultra mysterious circumstances, but that’s a story for another time. A few weeks later, the castle was opened to the public as a museum, and continues to welcome thousands of visitors daily.

These days, you can book a tour to visit the inside of the castle, or simply admire the facade from a myriad of different viewpoints. To be honest, the tour inside is just okay. Since the King never actually lived there, it doesn’t feel particularly grand or impressive… so if you’re low on time or the tickets are sold out, I do think the exterior and overall surroundings are the best bit!

If you do want to see the inside though, make sure to book your tickets well in advance. I explain more in my full Neuschwanstein Castle guide.

9. Hohenschwangau Castle

The other main castle near Neuschwanstein is Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood home of King Ludwig II.

Hohenschwangau Castle was originally built in the 12th century on the remains of a fortress by the Knights of Schwangau. Over the centuries, it underwent several renovations and expansions, most notably in the 19th century, when King Maximilian II of Bavaria (father of King Ludwig II) acquired the castle and initiated extensive renovations, giving it its current neo-Gothic appearance.

Today, Hohenschwangau Castle is open to the public for guided tours. Visitors can explore the castle’s interior rooms, including the King’s and Queen’s apartments, the Throne Room, and the Tasso Room, which features frescoes depicting scenes from the epic poem “Jerusalem Delivered” by Torquato Tasso.

While it might not be as stunning as Neuschwanstein, it’s still very beautiful and quite interesting to see the influences on Ludwig II that partly led to his later desire to create Neuschwanstein.

NOTE: While here, spend some time admiring Alpsee too. It’s stunning. And if time and transport permit, consider visiting Linderhof Palace as well. It’s not far geographically but unfortunately it’s a 45 minute drive (and hours by public transport).

10. Tegelberg Mountain

For another fun experience near Füssen and the castles, Tegelberg Mountain is a great bet. Here, you can take a cable car ride to the summit where stunning views, hikes, or even paragliding await.

Tegelberg is part of the Ammergau Alps and offers numerous hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. One of the easiest ways to reach the summit of Tegelberg is by taking the Tegelbergbahn cable car which offers panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below as it ascends to the summit station.

Along with hiking and paragliding, Tegelberg transforms into a winter sports paradise once the weather gets colder. If you visit during winter you can enjoy ski slopes and snowboarding terrain suitable for all levels in the scenic alpine surroundings. In summer you can also take advantage of mountain biking trails that wind through forests and meadows.

And if all that sounds exhausting, you could always just enjoy a meal in one of the summit restaurants and cafés while enjoying the views!

11. Wieskirche (Pilgrimage Church of Wies)

While in this area, if you have the luxury of a car, another cool spot to visit is the Wieskirche, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage church.

The Wieskirche was built in the mid-18th century (1745-1754) in response to a miraculous event. According to legend, tears were seen streaming from a wooden figure of the Scourged Saviour (Christ) in a local farmhouse. This led to an influx of pilgrims, and to accommodate the growing number of visitors, plans were made to construct a church dedicated to the miraculous image.

This Rococo masterpiece is celebrated for its ornate beauty and tranquil setting, with intricate stuccowork, colorful frescoes, and gilded sculptures. The centerpiece of the Wieskirche is, of course, the miraculous wooden statue of the Scourged Saviour, which is housed in a small chapel behind the main altar. The statue is venerated by pilgrims who come to seek healing, solace, and spiritual renewal – or just have a little ogle of the whole thing!

12. Explore some of Füssen’s surrounding lakes

Another highlight of the Füssen area is its abundance of gorgeous lakes, all with unique things to offer.

No experience in Füssen is complete without appreciating one of its many lakes, so here are some of the main ones:

• Alpsee: The lake near the Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, which you can reach by driving from Füssen. It’s famous for its swans and ideal for hiking with stunning views. You can also rent boats here.
• Alatsee: A serene mountain lake located a short drive from Füssen. Its crystal-clear waters and forested surroundings make it an ideal spot for a tranquil day outdoors.
• Weißensee: Located close to Alatsee, this lake is often used by locals for swimming in summer and ice skating in winter. It can also be reached by driving from Füssen.
• Forggensee: A huge reservoir surrounded by rolling hills and the Alps, accessible via a short drive from Füssen. It’s an ideal spot for leisurely walks as well as boat rides, surfing and fishing.

13. Linderhof Palace

Now – time to be honest, while Nesuchwanstein is gorgeous and iconic, my personal favourite of Ludwig II’s residences to visit is actually Linderhof. If you’re interested in the life of Ludwig II, this is the palace to visit, as the tour gives you plenty of insight into his strange habits and unique life, especially since this is where he spent many of his last years.

Plus, the palace has opulent rooms and magnificent gardens to ogle as well, so it’s well worth a visit!

The catch? It’s not particularly easy to reach from the other castles by public transport, so if you want to visit all of them in a day, you’ll definitely need a car, or you should book a tour that includes transport like this one.

14. Highline179 Suspension Bridge

Alright, now this last suggestion seems extreme given that it’s in Austria, but hear me out: it’s only a 20ish minute drive.

So, if you’re looking for a thrilling addition to your time in Füssen, consider heading to Highline179, a spectacular suspension bridge that stretches across the Ehrenberg Castle Ruins.

The bridge stretches over 406 meters (1,332 feet) and is suspended at a height of approximately 114 meters (374 feet) above the ground. This makes it one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world plus it provides visitors with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the historic Ehrenberg Castle complex.

While this is sadly still an item on my bucket list, I can imagine that walking across the Highline179 Suspension Bridge is an exhilarating experience with plenty of excellent views. And, while the bridge sways slightly in the wind, it is engineered to be safe and sturdy, so if you’re not daunted by heights then it’s definitely worth making the small detour to Austria to see/walk across it!

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Füssen?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Füssen activities to the list. Happy and safe travels!