The Allgäu
is one of the most popular recreational regions in Germany.
King Ludwig II built his castle "Neuschwanstein" here, his most famous residence. He could not have chosen a more beautiful setting.
Sightseeing in Schwangau
Sightseeing in Füssen
Places of interest in the immediate vicinity
Activities
Aktivities with children
Celebrations & Traditions
Sightseeing in Schwangau
Neuschwanstein Castle
Ludwig II's famous fairytale castle, completed around 1892, is definitely worth a visit! Even Walt Disney used Neuschwanstein Castle as inspiration for his films.
Worth knowing
| The foundation stone was laid on 5 September 1869. |
| When Ludwig II died, Neuschwanstein Castle had still not been completed despite 17 years of construction. |
| The palace was opened to visitors 6 weeks after Ludwig's death. |
| With more than 1.5 million visitors, Neuschwanstein Castle is the region's crowd puller. |
| The castle stands out with its dreamlike panoramic view of the lakes and mountains. |
Tickets can be purchased online or on site.
Hohenschwangau Castle
Next to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the childhood home of Ludwig II, Hohenschwangau Castle, is worth a discovery tour! The summer and hunting residence of the royal family has a romantic castle garden that impresses with its view over the Alpsee.
Worth knowing
| The castle was first mentioned in the 12th century as Burg Schwanstein. |
| King Max II acquired the castle in 1832 and rebuilt it in the English Tudor style. |
| During a guided tour, you can see the Hall of Heroes, the Hohenstaufen Room, swan motifs by Romantic artists, depictions of medieval sagas and much more. |
Tickets can be purchased online or on site.
Royal Crystal Spa
Wellness with a view of Neuschwanstein Castle and breathtaking mountain ranges - that sounds like a dream. Here in Schwangau, the dream comes true - in our Royal Crystal Spa with its unique thermal spa and sauna landscape.
In addition to various brine and outdoor pools, the offer also includes wellness massages, massages in the hamam and therapeutic treatments.
Other places worth seeing
The Kurpark
In the middle of Schwangau, on the Ehberg, lies the spa park and stands out with its old trees and natural plant growth. The tree-lined paths and the meadow areas with their natural floral splendour give the spa park a natural charm.
Marienbrücke
In 1845, King Maximilian II had a wooden footbridge built that led across the Pöllat Gorge. After the footbridge had to be repaired several times, King Ludwig II had the bridge rebuilt in 1866 using the latest technology. The Marienbrücke, high above the Pöllat Gorge, owes its name to Marie of Bavaria/Prussia, the wife of King Max II and mother of King Ludwig II.
The Museum of the Bavarian Kings
The Museum of the Bavarian Kings opened in 2011. It provides an insight into the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty. The presentation of the Bavarian kings between 1806 and 1918 is the main focus of the exhibition..
Contact and information
Tickets
Roman bath/Roman villa
A Roman excavation site is located right next to the valley station on the Tegelberg. Based on a coin find, the Roman bath was dated back to the time of Emperor Antoninus Pius in the year 138 -161. The original paintings can be seen in the Archaeological State Collection in Munich, while replicas are located on the Tegelberg.
Sightseeing in Füssen
St. Mang Monastery in Füssen
Named after St. Magnus, the Benedictine monastery of St. Mang was founded in the 9th century. According to legend, St. Magnus built a monk's cell on the banks of the Lech, the present site of the monastery, and lived there until his death in 750 or 772.
Magnus was said to have performed the following miracles:
| the jump over the Lech Gorge |
| the ore find with savages and bears at the Säuling |
| the killing of the dragon in Tiefental near Roßhaupten |
For almost 1,000 years, the Benedictine monastery of St. Mang, built on the initiative of the Bishop of Augsburg, served as a cultural and economic centre. Today the building is used by the city administration and as a museum.
The High Castle of Füssen
Another sight towers over the town of Füssen: the High Castle. The High Castle was used as a summer residence by the prince-bishops of Augsburg.
The newly laid out terraced garden impresses with a variety of medicinal and spice plants that people used in the Middle Ages.
Worth knowing
| The construction of the High Castle began at the end of the 13th century. |
| Between 1489 and 1504, von Zollern, the Bishop of Augsburg, had the castle remodelled. |
| Today, the building houses parts of the Bavarian State Painting Collection and the Municipal Gallery. |
| Worth seeing are the battlements, the towers, the drop tower, the clock tower and the St Vitus Chapel. |
Other places worth seeing
Old Town Füssen
Stroll leisurely through the romantic old town of Füssen. Many of the historic houses are listed and have been restored to strict standards. Reichenstrasse runs through the middle of the town with many small shops and cafés inviting you to browse and linger.
Lech Falls with Maxsteg
Another highlight in Füssen is the Lech Falls. Artificial barrages were constructed in the 18th century. This gave rise to the seven-metre-high waterfall. It can be admired free of charge from the barrier-free viewing point or from the bridge opposite, the Maxsteg.
Füssen Museum
The museum is located in the former Benedictine monastery of Sankt Mang. Visit the world of Bavarian Baroque in the Kaisersaal, the monastery library, the Colloquium and the Chapter House. The dance of death in the chapel is unique. A large part of the museum is dedicated to the historical instrument making of violins and lutes.
Places of interest in the surrounding area
Wieskirche
The Wieskirche, about 20 km away and described as the rococo jewel of the Pfaffenwinkel, is definitely worth a trip. Construction of the pilgrimage church began in 1745 with Abbot Marianus II Mayr. The Wieskirche was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and can be visited by appointment.
Aktivities
Tegelbergbahn
Within a few minutes, the Tegelberg cable car takes you to the summit station at 1,700 metres above sea level. During the ride, you are guaranteed a fantastic view of the royal castles and the surrounding area.
Unique hikes start from the mountain station: High altitude hikes, family tours, mountain tours, various via ferratas. For example, the famous Ostallgäu High Trail and the Nature and Culture Trail also meet here. The Ammergebirge nature reserve also begins here. In addition to the hiking opportunities, the Tegelberg also offers a perfect take-off point for hang-gliders and paragliders. A fantastic sun terrace with a magnificent view invites you to linger.
In the valley you will find the summer toboggan run as well as a playground for children.
Forggensee Boat trip
Where the village of Forggen once lay, the largest Lech reservoir in the Allgäu has been located since the 1950s. Lake Forggensee is a special lake because it is only fully dammed from June to mid-October. The MS Füssen as well as the MS Allgäu allow you to discover our beautiful region from the water. Enjoy the panoramic view of Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle from a different perspective while having a cup of coffee. In addition, special trips, such as evening trips, are offered.
Worth knowing
| Excursion boat trip with on-board restaurant and panoramic view |
| The short tour lasts about one hour |
| The grand tour lasts just under 2 hours |
| Landing stages in Schwangau: Waltenhofen and Brunnen |
Activities with children
For families, the Allgäu offers a lot of variety as it is a true adventure playground. Everyone can pick their favourite activity from the inexhaustible range of leisure activities on offer. Explore the mountains together, immerse yourself in the past with a tour of the castles or whizz down into the valley on the summer toboggan run.
If the weather doesn't cooperate, the children's land in the Schlossbrauhaus in Schwangau and the bowling alley there offer a varied alternative.
Lakes
Would you like to treat yourself to some refreshment on a hot summer's day? Then you have a huge choice: Swimming, SUP, surfing, sailing, rowing, fishing and much more!
Thanks to freely accessible shores, a wide variety of water sports are available to you.
A selection of the nearest lakes:
- Alpsee
- Schwansee
- Bannwaldsee
- Forggensee
- Hopfensee, Weißensee, Alatsee and many more.
Forest adventure centre and forest canopy trail
The Forest Experience Centre provides an exciting day out for the whole family. Between the wild river Lech and the rocky slopes of the Alps, children and adults can learn a lot about forest, river, wildlife and mountains.
The adventure trail is suitable for prams and wheelchairs. On the free adventure trail you can go on a journey of discovery with your children and feel the forest with all your senses.
In addition, you can enjoy the view on the 480 m long and 21 m high treetop path. Exhibitions on the topic of mountain forests or beekeeping take place regularly in the forest adventure centre.
Summer toboggan run
An adventure playground that makes children's eyes sparkle is located directly at the Tegelberg car park.
With its 760 m, the summer toboggan run invites you to a fast and exciting ride that won't soon be forgotten. From the beer garden you have an ideal view of the summer toboggan run and the children's playground with mini motorbike course, climbing wall and much more.
Children's programme to join in
The Tourist Information Schwangau organises a varied programme for children of all ages during the summer holidays.
Ideas
- Family carriage ride
- Climbing in the high ropes course
- Horse ride
- Bad Faulenbach Valley of the Senses
- Family guided tour of the Museum of the Bavarian Kings
- Playground at the Bannwaldsee campsite
- Cooking course for children
- Indoor playground
- Butcher's tour
Events
Colomansfest with Colomans ride
On the second Sunday in October, the traditional Coloman's Festival with Coloman's Ride takes place in Schwangau. The magnificent church of St. Coloman stands in an open field and provides a picturesque backdrop for the decorated horses and their riders. The festival has a long tradition. Its origins date back to 1012, when the Irish monk Coloman stopped for a rest at what is now St Coloman's Church on his pilgrimage.
Various stalls at the church cater for the physical well-being.
The following events are an integral part of Schwangau village life:
- Viehscheid in mid-September, when the cattle return from the alps around Schwangau
- Maypole raising
- Local history evenings and spa concerts
- Alpine Marian Singing on the Wednesday before Ascension Day in the St. Coloman pilgrimage church
- Alpine Advent Singing in the Parish Church of Waltenhofen on the Saturday before the 1st Advent
- Every year in summer some Schwangau clubs celebrate their summer festival with a morning pint and of course lots of music!
- As one of the places with the longest carnival tradition in Bavaria, the 5th season is also an important celebration for us. Especially the annual carnival parade through the town is a highlight.