In the beautiful Bavarian region, Füssen and Schwangau are among the most popular destinations you will love.
Many day-trippers traveling to Schwangau and Füssen come mainly to see the Disney-like Schloss Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castle.
Traveling from the Alps, the Romantic Road is a popular tourist spot, passing along famous medieval towns and savoring the beautiful landscapes.
Schwangau meaning high district, is on the southern side of the Romantic Road, home to many royal castles, which makes it the best place for a weekend escape.
While Fussen, the final stop of the road, is a good transit town when visiting Schwangau, nearby Linderhof Palace, Ettal, and Oberammergau.
Schwangau Germany on Map
Things to do in Schwangau
Schwangau region is where King Ludwig II spent much of his childhood and was inspired to build Neuschwanstein Castle.
With great short hikes and the best viewpoints of the castle, Schwangau is the most popular region that can be seen without any prior reservations.
Here are some things that will make this village worth visiting.
Tegelberg-cable car
This activity is an ideal starting point, awaiting the most adventurous hike with many possible trails to Neuschwanstein Castle and the mountain region.
You can learn to ski and do other activities, as there are several- flight and mountain climbing schools, which will help you gain a wonderful learning experience.
Recreational sports like Paragliding and Hang gliding are other great add-ons.
Forggensee boat trip
From the start of June until the end of October, two boats tour around the Forggensee Lake and take you on a panoramic ride of the Alps.
We recommend you add this activity to your trip to experience the serenity and freshness and earn the memory of a lifetime.
The Museum of Bavarian Kings
For many years, this museum has presented historical artifacts and treasures from one of Europe’s oldest dynasties, the Wittelsbach family.
The former grand hotel “Alpenrose” lay below Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castle, now converted into a Museum and restaurant.
The exhibition gives you an insight into the royal family house to the present time and you can relive the life of King Ludwig II.
To promote art, the museum’s architecture offers fascinating views and shows Bavaria’s industrialization until the Monarchy’s end.
The “Alpenrose am See” Restaurant with a lake is an ideal place to dine while enjoying the mountain scenery of the Alpsee.
If you want to dive into the royal family’s history, the Museum of Bavarian Kings is a must-stop.
Winter hike in Tegelberg
During the past years, the Bavarian village of Schwangau has become a sure-snow area for beginners and advanced skiers.
From the winter hiking trails to the breathtaking views of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, the Tegelberg winter sports arena covers it.
Things to do in Füssen
Home to several old nineteenth-century buildings, Füssen is the official last stop on the famous Romantic Road that connects many romantic sights in Bavaria.
It is a top spot for most tours that tourists visiting Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castle.
So, whether you are making a road trip pitstop or have time to kill on a bus tour, here are some things you can do in Füssen.
Walk to the castles
You can reach Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles by covering a four kilometers trek high up in the mountain.
The walk will take about an hour and you will have a fantastic view of the whole town of Füssen.
The High Castle
The Hohe Schloss (High Castle) is the home to the local tax office, the state art gallery, and a tower complete with a dungeon.
Counter to Hohenschwangau Castle, the Hohe Schloss in Fussen offers a brief history of building styles from the 15th Century.
You can also look for the Gothic wooden ceilings in the Knight’s Room and paintings from the Bavarian State and Municipal Gallery.
St Mang’s Abbey
The home of the oldest paintings in Germany, St Mang’s Abbey has been around since the 9th Century.
It has two different parts, one is being used as a town hall and the other is as the Fussen Town Museum.
The town museum regularly holds religious ceremonies, prayer services, and concerts, whereas the museum has some religious paintings and artworks.
Franziskanerkloster in Füssen
Franziskanerkloster is a monastery dedicated to St. Stephen, built in the 17th Century with beautiful Rocco architecture.
The main reason to visit this fine monastery is the views of the old town that are enough for a photogenic proof of your visit.
Book a Schwangau and Fussen guided tour, plan your perfect fairytale vacation, and explore all the attractions on a budget.
How to reach Neuschwanstein Castle from Füssen?
Reaching Neuschwanstein Castle from Füssen by using public transportation is relatively easy and cheap by car.
However, first, you must travel to Munich for a direct ride to the castle in the small town of Schwangau.
There are various affordable tours available from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle of King Ludwig II.
By train
You can train from Munich to Fussen from a short bus ride to Schwangau and the castles and explore other sites like Ettal, Oberammergau, and Linderhof Palace.
It will take 2 hours from Munich Main Station to reach Schwangau, so checking the bus schedules online is better to save time.
Or you can buy Schwangau and Fussen tour tickets well in advance and have your itinerary planned for the whole day.
By Bus
Timed buses are available at the stop to take you from Fussen train station to Schwangau which is only 5 km away.
Walking can also cover the distance from the railway station to the castle while taxis take less than 10 minutes to the ticket office.
So, whether you can ride a shuttle bus or enjoy the pleasant surroundings by walking to the palace, the choice is all yours.
By Car
These fantasy castles in Schwangau are easily accessible by car; this is the fastest way to cover over 60 miles.
However, the parking facility is not available at the castle and you must park in Hohenschwangau village (Parking P1 to P4).
A taxi ride from the Füssen railway station can also drop you off at the ticket office in 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. How far is Füssen from Schwangau?
The distance between Schwangau and Fussen is approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). This short distance makes it convenient for visitors to explore both towns and their attractions in one trip.
2. Is Füssen Germany worth visiting?
Füssen, Germany is worth visiting for its enchanting castles, historical charm, musical heritage, natural beauty, and proximity to other notable attractions. From here, you can visit the picturesque town of Schwangau and explore Tegelberg Mountain. Or you can venture into the nearby Allgäu region, known for its stunning countryside and charming villages.
3. What is Schwangau Germany known for?
The picturesque setting of Schwangau provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails that meander through the scenic countryside, offering panoramic views of the alpine scenery. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are popular pursuits in nearby ski resorts.
4. What is Füssen popular for?
The town is famous for its violin manufacturing and is the closest transportation center for Neuschwanstein and Hoheschwangau castles. Füssen is also attractive as it is situated right at the edge of the Alps, giving a unique view of the mountains. It is also the only town in Bavaria with the highest altitude.
5. How to reach Neuschwanstein from Füssen?
You can reach the Castle from Füssen via train, car, or bus. As Füssen is close to Neuschwanstein Castle, you will reach there quickly and conveniently. Plus, if you take public transport to the Castle, you can also explore other known attractions like Ettal, Oberammergau, and Linderhof Castle.
6. Is Füssen a romantic road?
The Romantic Road is one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions, between Wurzburg and Füssen. While driving on the romantic road, you see several picturesque villages and medieval-natured towns. These flowers spill from the balconies of timbered homes and lake-covered countryside, with the Great Alps in the background.
7. What can you do in Füssen in the winter?
Skiing is one of the popular sports you could try when visiting Füssen in winter. The slopes of Tegelberg and Breitenberg provide some of the best runs and cross-country trails for all ski lovers. Ice skating and Tobogganing are other winter sports one could enjoy while visiting Füssen in the winter.
8. Which one is better, Schwangau or Füssen?
Schwangau might be much better than Füssen, as it has a more rural atmosphere that most tourists crave. Also, it has many world-famous tourist attractions that one can visit while staying in Schwangau. But Fussen is also just a little behind, as it is filled with history with St. Mang’s Abbey and Franziskanerkloster.
9. Is Schwangau close to Füssen?
Yes, Schwangau and Fussen are just 2 kilometers away from each other.You can also get a direct bus from Schwangau that takes you directly to Fussen; its services depart hourly and have regular operational timings. The entire journey from Schawangau to Fussen will take about 18 minutes.
10. Where should you stay in Fussen or Schwangau?
If you value convenience, a wider range of amenities, and a bustling town atmosphere, Füssen might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more serene and picturesque setting focusing on the castles and natural beauty, Schwangau would be an excellent option.
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