At Lake Forggensee, Rieden am Forggensee offers everything from swimming and relaxation by the water to Roman archaeological sites, churches and a moor lake. There is also a viewpoint with views in three directions and seasonal boat trips. When planning your stay, you can choose between a focus on water, nature or culture.
At Lake Forggensee: water and Roman history
In Rieden, Lake Forggensee offers opportunities for swimming and relaxation by the water, with views of the Alps. The Via Claudia Augusta also runs through the lake. Its remains become visible in the winter months, when the water level is lowered. This means that this part of Roman history is tied to a particular time of year and water level.
Nature spots and viewpoints
Faulensee is a small moor lake above Rieden am Forggensee, surrounded by forests and meadows. It has a non-swimmer area and an adventure playground with a waterwheel and stream. Faulensee can only be reached on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Plan your visit around these access options and check locally before setting out. If the facilities are important to your visit, also check their current status.
The Pilz viewpoint is about a 20-minute walk from the centre of Rieden am Forggensee. From there, views extend in three directions across the Alpine foothills. You can continue on foot from the viewpoint to Faulensee, combining the viewpoint and the moor lake as two different highlights of an outing. Check trail conditions in advance, as they can change.
Roman remains and churches
The Mansione Via Claudia Augusta rest area is associated with the Roman past. Nearby, remains of the Roman imperial road Via Claudia Augusta lie in Lake Forggensee, along with the site where inscribed lead tablets were found. The Romans used these tablets to identify valuable cargo. In Rieden am Forggensee, the Via Claudia Augusta is one of the archaeological monuments from the Roman imperial period.
The parish church of the Holy Five Wounds grew out of a brotherhood chapel built in 1687. It has a high altar dating from the late 17th century and historic religious wood carvings. The listed St. Urban cemetery church also has a long building history: its core probably dates from the early 16th century. Johann Georg Fischer remodelled and extended the church in 1734–35; it was consecrated in 1738. These dates mark different stages in its building history, from its presumed early origins to its remodelling and consecration.
Boat trips, swimming and refreshments
At the Dietringen bathing area in Rieden am Forggensee, you can look out over Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle. Trips operated by the municipal Forggensee boat service also offer views of Neuschwanstein, as well as Füssen and a mountain panorama. They run from June to mid-October. The views differ: from the bathing area, you can see the two castles; on the seasonal boat trip, you also get a view of Füssen and the mountains. Check the timetable before your trip.
Rainis Faulenseehütte can be reached on foot from the Höllmühle sawmill in about ten minutes; it is also accessible by bicycle. The menu includes coffee and cake, ice cream specialities, a range of snacks, and hot or cold meals. If you plan to stop for refreshments, check the current menu before your visit.
For the broader travel overview: Roßhaupten.
