If you’re drawn out of Munich and into the countryside, Bavaria offers numerous opportunities to visit picturesque villages surrounded by diverse landscapes. In the Allgäu in particular, one town lies right next to the next, inviting you to take a day trip or a short weekend getaway. Here you can visit not only the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, but also lesser-known (and well-preserved) sites, such as Falkenstein Castle near Pfronten.
Mountain and Castle Romance
Hills and mountains surround the 13 districts of Pfronten, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Allgäu. Falkenstein Castle stands on one of these mountains and is considered Germany’s highest castle complex. It is situated at an altitude of 1,268 meters on the Falkenstein Ridge and was abandoned after the end of the Thirty Years’ War. In 1883 , King Ludwig II acquired the complex and wanted to have it expanded into a sort of second Neuschwanstein, but this never came to pass.
Today, you can visit the ruins and stay overnight at the nearby castle hotel. From here, you can go on hikes to the other mountain peaks and admire the views, for example from the Breitenberg or the Hochalpe. You can also reach the Breitenberg from Steinach via the Breitenbergbahn. In winter, you can go skiing or sledding in the Hochalpe area.
The “Mächler” of Pfronten
Unlike in other parts of Germany, the people of Pfronten were not serfs or subject to other guilds during the Middle Ages. They were free to develop their talents, and they did just that. The craftsmen, inventors, and artists practiced their skills in fields such as precision mechanics and repairs, earning the nickname “Mächler. “ They are still active today and invite you into their workshops to admire their craftsmanship and get hands-on in workshops. Learn more about ribbon carpets, Hafler shoes, or glass bead making.
Pfronten is also a state-recognized climatic health resort, making it ideal for a getaway. Learn more about the town’s history on a guided hike or visit one of the many churches, such as the parish church of St. Nicholas. With its detailed frescoes and tall tower, it offers something to feast your eyes on both inside and out. In the Gottessacker Church, you’ll find a dance of death cycle featuring 36 color lithographs. Wooden farmhouses like Villa Godonkel or the Heimathaus define the town’s visual character and lend it a rural charm. Villa Godonkel now houses an exhibition on the local history of Pfronten.
Pfronten as a Filming Location
In 1968, this Allgäu town served as the backdrop for the American film “The Great Escape,” starring Steve McQueen. Much of the film was shot at the Bavaria Film Studios, but the final scenes were filmed with the local population in the Allgäu, including in Pfronten, Füssen, and Hopfen am See. The film “Hurray, the Swedish Girls Are Here” is also set in Pfronten. Some of the locations you see in this movie still exist today, including the Bavaria Hotel, where you can stay during your visit to the town.
