Perched high at the southern end of Germany’s Romantic Road, Füssen in Bavaria is known for its proximity to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. While it’s true that the castles are the star attractions, the town has plenty of other things to do—it's home to a centuries-old Altstadt (Old Town), a former Benedictine Abbey, and museums that document Füssen’s violin-making heritage. Direct trains from Munich, easy access to lakes and mountains, and several hotels and restaurants make it an ideal base for castle-seekers, sightseers, and hikers alike.
As one of the highest-altitude towns in Bavaria, Füssen is a place where snowfall is likely in the winter. For the best chance of snow-dusted streets and castles, visit between late December and February. Winter aside, the busiest and most expensive months for Füssen visitors are August and September when the days are warm and the crowds tumble in from Munich’s Oktoberfest.
Füssen is small and easily walkable, so a car isn’t worth the parking fees unless you plan to explore the wider area. For castle access, many visitors take a local bus from Füssen to nearby Hohenschwangau, from where it’s a 50-minute walk. Quicker options to reach the castles from Hohenschwangau include shuttle buses, summer-only horse-and-carriage rides, or bike rentals.
Back in the Middle Ages, Füssen got more fuss for its violin-making credentials than any castle. If you’re interested in hearing about the town’s string instrument craftsmanship, you can get the lowdown from Museum Füssen in the Old Town. Historic lutes and violins are among the artifacts on show in this former Benedictine Abbey.
