In the footsteps of history: fascinating monuments and statues of Füssen and Schwangau
July 16, 2025
Füssen and Schwangau, two charming towns located in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, are not only the gateway to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. They are also a treasure trove of fascinating monuments and statues that tell the centuries-old history of the region. Take an extraordinary journey in the footsteps of Bavarian culture, where every stone and sculpture has a story. From majestic royal statues to charming city fountains, these historic works of art will immerse you in Bavaria's rich past and traditions. Get ready to discover lesser-known but equally fascinating cultural attractions that will make your trip to Füssen and Schwangau an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Ad
Royal statues and monuments - witnesses to a great history
Our journey begins with the most impressive monuments that commemorate the region's great rulers and historical events. The first stop is the majestic 'König Maximilian II. (HRR) Statue', located in a picturesque setting above the Lechfall waterfall in Füssen. This statue, dedicated to King Maximilian II, who reigned in the 19th century, is not only a tribute to the monarch, but also a symbol of the region's development as a resort area. The statue, surrounded by natural beauty, offers unforgettable views of the turquoise waters of the Lech River and the surrounding mountains. It's an ideal place to make a short stop and take souvenir photos.
Another important point on our route is the 'Marien Monument' in Schwangau. This memorial stone, located on the shore of a lake, was erected in honor of the royal mother, Maria of Bavaria. In addition to its historical significance, the monument offers a beautiful vantage point overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains. It's the perfect place to relax for a while and contemplate the beauty of the Bavarian landscape. It is worth planning a longer stop here to fully enjoy the atmosphere and views.
Also nearby is the mysterious 'Denkmal am Lech'. Located right on the banks of the Lech River, this interesting monument attracts attention with its unique form. The column, with four sides featuring various images of wildlife, is an interesting example of the combination of art and nature. Unfortunately, the monument is not kept in the best condition, which adds a kind of melancholy charm to it. However, it is worth stopping here for a moment to admire the craftsmanship and ponder the meaning of the scenes depicted.
We should also not overlook the modest but significant 'Denkmal' in Schwangau, depicting a bust of the young Ludwig II. While it may not be the most spectacular monument in the area, it is of great importance to lovers of Bavarian history. It's a great opportunity to tell children the fascinating story of the 'fairytale king' and his impact on the region.
Each of these monuments not only commemorates important figures and events in Bavarian history, but also offers unique experiences and views. It's worth planning your route to visit them all, comparing their styles, locations and historical significance. Keep in mind that some of these sites, such as the 'König Maximilian II. (HRR) Statue' or 'Marien Monument', also offer convenient places to rest and picnic, which can be a great diversion for a day full of sightseeing.
Fountains and city sculptures - gems of Bavarian art
Walking into the heart of the historic cities of Füssen and Schwangau, one encounters charming fountains and urban sculptures that not only adorn the streets and squares, but also tell fascinating stories about local culture and traditions.
One of the most unusual objects is the 'Seven Stone Fountain' (Seven Stone Fountain) on the Kaiser-Maximilian-Platz in Füssen. This unique fountain, built in 1995 on the occasion of the city's 700th anniversary, impresses not only with its appearance, but especially with its unusual design. The seven columns, 2.80 to 3.50 meters high, made of stone 200-250 million years old, are able to rotate under water pressure. It's a fascinating combination of art, engineering and geology that is sure to interest adults and children alike. This fountain is a great place to take a short break while visiting, and on hot days it can be a great attraction for the little ones.
Not far away is the charming 'Mädchenbrunnen' (Girls' Fountain) on Ritterstraße. This small but charming fountain refers to the former girls' school in Füssen. The bronze figures of the girls, designed by artist Josef Walk, are not only beautiful, but also have an interesting tradition - in the winter the residents dress them in woolen hats and scarves. It's a charming combination of art and local custom that is sure to put a smile on the faces of visitors.
Another noteworthy spot is the 'Lautenmacherbrunnen' (Fountain of the Lutherans) on Brotmarkt Square. This fountain commemorates the long tradition of violin-making in Füssen, which you can learn more about at the nearby museum in the former St. Mang Monastery. This fountain not only adorns the historic center of the city, but also serves as a reminder of an important part of local cultural heritage.
Comparing these three fountains, we can see how diverse they are in their character and themes. 'Seven Stone Fountain' impresses with its grandeur and modernity, 'Mädchenbrunnen' captivates with its charm and local tradition, and 'Lautenmacherbrunnen' pays tribute to the city's artisanal history. Each offers a different experience and can be an interesting tour point for different age groups.
The accessibility of these attractions is also worth noting. All of the fountains are located in the center of the city, within walking distance of each other, making them easy to visit even with young children. They are available all year round, though of course they look best in the summer season, when the water is flowing.
For families with children, I especially recommend planning the tour to start with the 'Seven Stone Fountain', where children can admire the 'magically' rotating stones, then move on to the 'Mädchenbrunnen', telling the story of the girls and their winter clothes, and end with the 'Lautenmacherbrunnen', where you can introduce the little ones to the fascinating world of braziers.
Keep in mind that all of these attractions are free and available at any time of day, giving you flexibility in planning your visit. However, it is worth checking the hours of operation of the fountains, especially outside the summer season, to fully enjoy their charm.
Historic sites and viewpoints - the quintessence of Bavarian charm
To conclude our tour of the fascinating monuments and statues of Füssen and Schwangau, we can't leave out a few key sites that combine historical value with breathtaking views.
The first such place is the famous 'Marienbrücke' (Maria Bridge) in Schwangau. This bridge, while not a monument in itself, offers one of the most iconic views of Neuschwanstein Castle. Built over a deep ravine, this bridge not only provides an unforgettable visual experience, but also witnesses the romantic history of King Ludwig II. It is worth remembering, however, that the site is extremely popular with tourists, which may mean queuing, especially in high season. Nevertheless, the view from the bridge is worth the patience - the panorama of the castle against the backdrop of the Alpine peaks is breathtaking and provides a perfect backdrop for souvenir photos.
Another spot that combines history with scenic beauty is 'Füssen Altstadt' - the historic Old Town of Füssen. This place, although not a single monument, is a kind of living museum of architecture and history. Walking through the narrow streets, we can admire the beautifully preserved townhouses from different eras, from the Middle Ages to the Baroque. Particularly noteworthy are the richly decorated facades and characteristic bay windows. The Old Town also offers numerous cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy local specialties.
Finally, it is worth mentioning the small but significant 'Monument' in Schwangau, which, although it may not impress with its size, its location on the road to the Crystal Baths makes it an interesting landmark. This unusual statue, although it evokes mixed aesthetic feelings, is an interesting example of contemporary public art and can be a starting point for discussion of various forms of artistic expression.
By comparing these sites, we can see how diverse forms of commemorating history and culture can be. 'Marienbrücke' offers spectacular views and a romantic history, 'Füssen Altstadt' allows us to immerse ourselves in the authentic atmosphere of a Bavarian town, and the unusual 'Monument' in Schwangau provokes reflection on contemporary art.
When planning a visit to these places, there are some practical considerations to take into account. The 'Marienbrücke' is accessible free of charge, but can be crowded in high season. It is best to visit this place early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. "Füssen Altstadt" can be visited at any time of the day, but it's worth reserving at least a few hours to explore the streets in peace and savor the atmosphere.
For families with children, I recommend combining a visit to the 'Marienbrücke' with a hike along scenic trails, which can be a great opportunity for active recreation and learning about local nature. In turn, a tour of Füssen's Old Town can be enhanced with a 'treasure hunt', encouraging children to find distinctive architectural details or traces of history on the facades of buildings.
All in all, Füssen and Schwangau offer a remarkable combination of history, culture and natural beauty. Each of the monuments, statues and sites described has its own unique history and charm, together creating a fascinating mosaic of Bavarian heritage. Whether you're a lover of history, art, or simply looking for beautiful sights, these places are sure to meet your expectations and leave you with unforgettable memories of your trip through Bavaria.
Similar articles
Ad