The Allgäu is a popular destination for day trips from Munich, offering idyllic landscapes and charming little towns. It is also home to the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, which attracts countless visitors from all over the world every year. Not far from the popular castle lies the town of Füssen, which captivates visitors not only with its own castle but also with all sorts of other attractions.
Important trade route
The settlement of Füssen dates back to Roman times. The town is not only the endpoint of the Romantic Road but also lies on the Via Claudia Augusta, which ran from Italy to Augsburg. In the Middle Ages, this route served primarily as a trade route for salt but was also of enormous importance for violin making. Violin making in Füssen flourished thanks to the surrounding forests, whose wood was particularly well-suited for the instruments. Many renowned instrument makers hailed from Füssen and conquered Europe’s musical capitals with their craftsmanship.
Of Castles and Fortresses
Füssen is barely a 10-minute drive from Neuschwanstein Castle and is therefore the perfect starting point. But the town itself also boasts a castle that ranks among the best-preserved medieval structures in Bavaria. The bishops of Augsburg once lived here at the High Castle and could look out over the city from their castle hill. The Gothic building is distinguished by its illusionist paintings and the richly decorated stucco ceilings inside.
Hohenschwangau Castle is also a popular destination that you can visit together with Neuschwanstein, as both sites are located in close proximity to one another. A bit further from Füssen, about 20 minutes by car, you’ll find the ruins of Falkenstein Castle. It was intended to be built modeled after Neuschwanstein, but the financial resources were lacking. It eventually fell during the Thirty Years’ War, as did its neighboring castles, Eisenberg and Hohenfreyberg.
Other sights in Füssen
Füssen is a great destination for a short trip, and not just because of its castles. The former Benedictine monastery of St. Mang am Lech delights visitors with its Baroque interior design, which features numerous frescoes. Inside the monastery, you’ll also find the city museum, where you can learn more about the history of Füssen. The monastery church is another highlight, as are the numerous other churches in Füssen, including the Rococo-style Spitalkirche and the Frauenkirche on Klavarienberg.
Füssen’s old town, with its cobblestone streets and colorful little houses, invites you to linger and stroll. Here you’ll find the Old Town Fountain right next to the Zächerlhaus. Also nearby is the bust of Sebastian Kneipp, as Füssen is a Kneipp spa town and has even been a certified Kneipp spa since 2025. If you’re drawn to nature, you can visit Lake Forggensee or the arboretum behind the High Castle. A major attraction is the Lech Falls, which you can cross via a footbridge to observe the roaring water from above.
If you’re looking for a varied day trip or weekend getaway, Füssen is the perfect place for you. From Munich, you can reach this town in the Allgäu region in about two hours by car or train.
