Füssen combines a medieval old town and sacred art with specific opportunities to enjoy nature and get active in Hopfen am See. At the parish church of St. Mang and the High Castle, frescoes and architectural history take center stage; at Hopfensee, there is also a level circular trail and boat rentals. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether to focus on culture, a walk, or time on the water.
Art, Music and Architectural History
Füssen’s old town has medieval lanes, an old town wall, Baroque churches and monasteries, and the High Castle. In the old town, numerous ceiling frescoes in the parish church of St. Mang depict scenes from the life of Saint Magnus. Regular church tours also include the carved choir stalls, the Jäger organ dating from 1703, the crypt, and the burial vault. Check tour dates before your visit, as availability and schedules may change.
The High Castle is known for its late-medieval trompe-l’œil paintings on the courtyard façades and is one of the most important secular buildings of the German Late Gothic period. A secular building is a non-religious structure, distinguishing it from churches and monasteries. The former Benedictine monastery of St. Mang is a Baroque complex and is listed among Germany’s nationally significant cultural monuments. In Füssen, you can encounter secular architecture and sacred architectural history as distinct perspectives on the city.
The former Benedictine monastery of St. Mang is also home to the Museum of the City of Füssen, which houses historic lutes and violins. The museum illustrates the steps involved in making a lute or violin. Children can try playing a decorated lute and listen to the sounds of other historic instruments. If you plan to visit the collection or take part in an activity, check current visitor information and the program in advance.
Hopfen am See: Nature and Outdoor Activities
Hopfen am See is a district of Füssen. A designated nature conservation area extends around Hopfensee, with rare plants and nesting sites for waterbirds, including great crested grebes, coots, wild ducks, and grey herons. The remains of the castle ruins above the lake also add a historical touch: they are considered the oldest surviving stone castle in the Allgäu.
The level Hopfensee circular trail is about seven kilometers long and makes for a leisurely hike of 1.5 to 2 hours. This gives you a specific time estimate for a walk around the lake. Local boat rental operators along the lakeside promenade in Hopfen am See rent out rowboats and pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks. You can choose between the level trail and various activities on the water. Since rental availability and operations can change, check the current options before your visit.
A Wider Look at Ostallgäu
In the district of Ostallgäu, the mountains in the southwest belong to the Vilser Gebirge range, and those in the southeast to the Ammergebirge range. At 2,082 meters, Hochplatte is the highest mountain in Ostallgäu. Forggensee is also part of the regional landscape: covering more than 15 km², it is Bavaria’s fifth-largest lake and Germany’s largest reservoir. A cycling route runs around the lake, and the Forggensee boat service offers regular tours during the summer season. Check the current timetable before setting out on a boat trip.
Discover more destinations: Hopfen am See, Weißensee, Oberried, Seeg, Germaringen, Mauerstetten, Roßhaupten, Stötten am Auerberg.
Return to the regional travel overview: Ostallgäu.
