If heaven had a postcode, it might just be Füssen. Nestled at the foot of the Alps, this picturesque town became my home base for four unforgettable days at the delightful Hotel Hirsch with old-world charm and modern comfort.
During my stay in Munich, I took a drive that lasted roughly 90 minutes southwest to Füssen (Fuessen), making a brief stop in Murnau by Staffelsee along the way. After 25 long years, I was incredibly anxious to finally visit Füssen. It is beautifully nestled near a stunning cluster of majestic Bavarian mountains. The town offers breathtaking views of several enchanting castles where the legendary King Ludwig II had lived and ruled.
Day 1: Arrival at Hotel Hirsch – Where Tradition Meets Elegance
I had booked an adorable hotel in town that I was really looking forward to. It was impossible to miss the Hirsch Hotel, which stood out proudly on the right side of the street with its striking bright pinkish-red exterior. The hotel was built a century ago and features a charming ‘Jugendstil’ architectural style that is both decorative and elegantly captivating.
Stepping into Hotel Hirsch was like entering a storybook. The Art Nouveau decor, warm wooden accents, and floral motifs gave the place a timeless character. My room overlooked the rooftops of Füssen, with the Alps peeking through in the distance—a view that made unpacking feel like a luxury.
My room was distinctive and embraced a theme that highlighted the rich history and culture of Bavaria. In the evening, I unwound with a drink on the rooftop terrace, where I enjoyed views of the mountains, the “Hohes Schloss” castle, and the charming Altstadt Füssen below.
After settling in, I wandered through Füssen’s cobbled streets, discovering pastel-colored buildings, quaint cafés, and the serene Lech River. Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant was a treat—local Bavarian specialties served with flair and a side of gemütlichkeit.
Füssen serves as an excellent launching pad for my adventures and explorations throughout the Schwangau and Allgäu regions. From there, I made my plans and was able to easily reach Oberammergau, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Linderhof Palace, Ettal Abbey, and Wieskirche Chapel—all within a one-hour drive.
Day 2: Fairytales Come Alive – Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau
The morning mist lifted just in time to reveal the silhouette of Neuschwanstein Castle, perched dramatically on its hilltop. The hike up was invigorating, and the reward? A castle so fantastical it made Disney look modest. Inside, Ludwig II’s romantic vision unfolded in every room—swan motifs, medieval legends, and Wagnerian grandeur.
I have been at the Neuschwanstein Castle before, this time I did not go inside. This castle is considered one of the most visited tourist attractions in all of Bavaria, if not all of Germany. Walt Disney was inspired by this castle and recreated it it in his Disney Theme Park, the Magic Kingdom.
Just below, Hohenschwangau Castle offered a more intimate glimpse into Ludwig’s childhood. The contrast between the two castles was striking—one a dreamer’s escape, the other a family home steeped in tradition.
Driving back to Füssen, I treated myself to an Apfelstrudel at a nearby “Gasthof am See” and a stroll along the Forggensee, watching the sunset paint the mountains in hues of lavender and gold.
One evening I took a ride to the nearby Forggensee, enjoyed the stunning panoramic view with a deliscious Apfelstrudel
In summer the Forggensee is a popular spot for walkers and cyclists. On the other side of the lake are boat rides that are offered for tourists. The musical Ludwig II is being performed on the banks of the Forggensee at the Ludwigsfestspielhaus Theater
Day 3: Linderhof & Oberammergau – Theatrical Beauty and Alpine Charm
A scenic drive through rolling hills and forested valleys brought me to Linderhof Palace—Ludwig’s most personal and lavish retreat. The Hall of Mirrors, the Venus Grotto, the Moorish Kiosk… every corner whispered of solitude and splendor. It was like walking through the pages of a dream.
Later, I stopped in Oberammergau, famed for its Passion Play and woodcarving traditions. The town’s Lüftlmalerei (painted facades) were enchanting—each building a canvas of folklore and faith. I picked up a hand-carved ornament as a keepsake, a little piece of Bavarian artistry to take home.
Day 4: Alpine Majesty in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The weather was suitable for mountain views, so at the morning of final day, I drove about an hour to In Garmisch-Partenkirchen and I took the cable car up to the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. The panorama was breathtaking—snow-capped peaks stretching into Austria, the air crisp and exhilarating.
My last day and afternoon at the Tegelbahn and Old Town Füssen
While driving to back to my homebase Füssen, I saw some paragliders at the Tegelbahn cable car. This place looked like a popular meeting spot for hiking, and mountain climbing. After we started to ascend with the cable car, I got the stunning view of Neuschwanstein castle. I thought to myself, this is seriously worth the trip alone. When I reached the top, I was greeted with panoramic views of the stunning Bavarian mountains and landscape for a short time until some rain clouds covered my view.
Tegelbergbahn cable car, Ammergau Alps Continue reading Tegelbergbahn cable car, Ammergau Alps
Back in Füssen in late afternoon, I explored the charming streets, admired the traditional architecture. I enjoyed a hearty lunch of Käsespätzle with caramelized onions. I crossed the road and strolled through a small pathway in the medieval town wall passing by an Italian Restaurant. While walking and looking, I stumbled upon gothic houses, baroque churches and even a town castle. I took lots of pictures of facades of the buildings that were in wonderful colored in different shades.
I took my time and let myself drift through the old town and the small alleys, took a seat outside with an ice cream at the Café named after the castle “Hohes Schloss”. A little later I had coffee at the Füssener Kaffeerösterei in the Ritterstraße. There are many cafes like this.
My stroll through the town was the perfect farewell to a region that had fed my soul with beauty, history, and warmth.
Wieskirche, South Bavaria Continue reading Wieskirche, South Bavaria
Final Thoughts: Füssen, You Have My Heart
Hotel Hirsch was more than a place to sleep—it was a haven. And Füssen, with its castles, mountains, and timeless charm, became a chapter in my life I’ll always treasure. Every excursion felt like a brushstroke in a masterpiece, and every moment reminded me why travel is the best kind of magic.
