Füssen with approx. 15,000 inhabitants, is not only the second largest town of Bavarian-Swabian Ostallgäu, but is, being 808-1.200m above NN, the highest situated town in Bavaria. In the south, Füssen borders the Austrian federal state of Tyrol. A natural border to the town’s south are the Allgäu, Lechtaler and Tannheimer Alps, to its west Lake Weißensee, to its north lakes Hopfensee and Forggensee and to its east the Ammergau Alps. The river Lech hurls through the town and passes a waterfall somewhere in the southern outskirts.

The city of Füssen was settled in Roman times, on the Via Claudia Augusta, a road that was rediscovered in the middle of the 90s of the previous century and leads from Northern Italy to Augsburg. It is especially favoured by bicycle tourists.

Among the famous places of interest is the former Benedictine monastery of Saint Mang which rises on river Lech’s fluvial terrace. Furthermore, situated a little bit outside, the castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein should definitely be seen. The first is known for King Ludwig II having spent the major part of his childhood and youth at, while the latter is world-wide known as the splendored castle of the fairytale king.

Füssen enchants with its picturesque old town and many small shops. Cafés and restaurants offer a comfortable atmosphere for trying some of the regional kitchen like small dough dumplings with cheese, called Kässpatzen, or a sweet called Nonnafürzle, which is a fried small dough dumpling.

Not only do 11 lakes in the surrounding lure with numerous leisure activities. Moreover, the Lechtaler and Tannheimer Alps are an often frequented destination for climbers who look for challenging routes.

More information: http://www.fuessen.de/en.html

Photo: Hopfensee, Michael Thaler/Shutterstock