Description
Perched above Füssen's old town, the "Hohes Schloss" (Castle) of Füssen is one of the most significant medieval castle complexes in Germany. A guided tour through the grounds gives you a unique glimpse into the history, art, and culture of German Late Gothic architecture.
Stunning inside and out
One of the standout features is the courtyard, decorated with optical illusion paintings, remarkably realistic bay windows and window frames adorn the façade. You can also climb several of the castle's towers. The gatehouse tower rises six stories high, offering a sweeping view over the entire city. The "Fallturm," once used as a dungeon, lets you really soak in the castle's darker history. The adjoining St. Veit's Chapel is open to visitors as well, you can even get married there.
The castle's art collection
Inside the castle, you'll find a branch of the Bavarian State Painting Collections alongside the Municipal Gallery. The State Gallery features panel paintings and sculptures from the 15th and 16th centuries, with the highlight being a beautifully carved coffered ceiling in the "Knights' Hall". The Municipal Gallery, on the other hand, showcases 19th-century paintings through rotating exhibitions.
More highlights nearby
If castles are your thing, the two royal castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau are just around the corner, both straight out of a fairy tale. Nature lovers should definitely check out the Lechfall, a stunning waterfall steeped in local legend. Or get a bird's-eye view of the wild river and mountain scenery from the Baumkronenweg Ziegelwies treetop walk.
Historical Information
Construction of the castle began in 1291 under Bavarian Duke Ludwig the Strict, but he had to hand it over unfinished in 1322 to the Bishop of Augsburg, who turned it into an administrative office. Bishop Friedrich II of Zollern later had it transformed into a grand castle complete with battlements, towers, and great halls. During the secularization period, the castle passed to the Kingdom of Bavaria. Today it serves as both a tax office and a museum.
How to get there
Getting there by car:
From Ulm, take the A7 motorway (Ulm/Kempten/Füssen) straight to Füssen.
From Munich, follow the A95 to Murnau, then switch to the B23 and continue on the B17 to Lechhalde in Füssen, which takes you right into town.
Parking is available in the form of parking garages, large lots, and street parking in the surrounding area.