Weekend car trip around Lake Forggensee: route and attractions
April 11, 2025
Lake Forggensee, located in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, is a true gem of the region that offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Our weekend car tour will take you on a fascinating journey around this picturesque body of water, where breathtaking views, historic castles and a variety of attractions await you. Get ready for an extraordinary adventure that combines relaxing by the crystal clear water, exploring medieval monuments and active recreation in nature. The route around Forggensee is ideal for those who want to combine a peaceful vacation with an exploration of Bavaria's cultural heritage. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast or simply looking for a family outing, this tour has something to offer everyone. Get your cameras and comfortable shoes ready, and let's hit the road to discover the charms of this unique corner of Germany!
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Starting the journey: Füssen and the area around Lake Forggensee
Our weekend adventure begins in the charming town of Füssen, which is the perfect base for exploring the Forggensee Lake area. The first point on our route is the Forggensee-Schifffahrt Füssen, where we can take a relaxing cruise on the lake. This is a great opportunity to admire the panorama of the Alps from a completely different perspective. Cruises take place regularly, and ticket prices are affordable for families. It is worth remembering that the best views await on sunny days, when the Alpine peaks are reflected in the surface of the water. According to tourist reviews, 'We had a good time on the boat. We went on a little excursion. We also got a drink and just enjoyed the ride. You got a really good view of the area.' It's a great way to start our adventure and learn about the topography of the region. After the cruise, head to the center of Füssen, where Hohes Schloss, the High Castle, towering over the city, awaits us. This impressive monument is the former seat of the bishops of Augsburg, which impresses with its Gothic-Renaissance architecture. Visiting the castle is a trip back in time that will give us a better understanding of the region's history. As one tourist noted: 'The castle is very nice and is located in the center of a beautiful town, next to which is also a church. You can enter the courtyard without any charge, for the rest of the castle you have to buy tickets.' Note the illusionistically painted facade elements, which are characteristic of the building. After visiting the castle, we suggest a stroll through the charming streets of Füssen, where you can find numerous cafes and restaurants serving local specialties. This is an excellent opportunity to sample traditional Bavarian delicacies and gain strength before continuing your journey. In the evening, return to the shore of Forggensee to admire the sunset over the lake. It's a magical moment that will stay in your memory for a long time. Lake Forggensee, the heart of our trip, is not only a picturesque body of water, but also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. As one visitor noted: 'A very nice lake with a swimming area. Toilets available on site and possibility to change clothes. We took a tour of the ship. Unfortunately it was only a small loop, so we only saw part of the lake'. You should plan time to relax on one of the many beaches or rent water equipment for active water activities. Keep in mind that the water level in the lake can change depending on the season, which affects the availability of some attractions.
In the shadow of castles: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau
The second day of our trip will be devoted to exploring two of the region's most famous attractions - Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. We begin with a visit to Hohenschwangau Castle, which is slightly less besieged by tourists, but equally fascinating. This 19th-century palace was the summer residence of the Bavarian royal family and the place where King Ludwig II grew up. One tourist shared his opinion: 'A castle more steeped in history than its fairy-tale neighbor and equally besieged. I recommend a carriage ride. They run between the two. The interiors are not as opulent and extravagant as at Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, but they are very impressive, especially the paintings. It's worth booking tickets in advance to avoid long waits in line. After visiting Hohenschwangau Castle, we head to the real jewel of the region - Neuschwanstein Castle. Before reaching the castle itself, however, we stop at Marienbrücke - the Maria Bridge, which offers the most popular view of Ludwig II's fairytale residence. As one visitor noted: 'Nice bridge, free of charge, however, even on an ugly day there is a queue to get to it - the guard makes sure that there are not too many people on the bridge at once, making it necessary to wait about 20 minutes to get on. It has a wonderful view of Neuschwanstein Castle and the valley and waterfall.' It is worth your patience, as the view from the bridge is really worth the wait. Neuschwanstein Castle itself is a dream come true of fairy-tale architecture. Built in the 19th century at the behest of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, it still impresses today with its romantic style and sumptuous interiors. One tourist shares his impressions: 'Definitely worth a visit. We were at the ticket office at 9:30 a.m. and managed to buy tickets for 1:45 p.m. During this time we toured the Hohenschwangau Castle from the outside and wandered around. (...) The interiors are very impressive.' It is worth remembering that the tour of the castle takes place in groups with a guide and lasts about 35 minutes. Due to the immense popularity of the place, it is recommended to book tickets well in advance. After an intense day full of excitement, we suggest relaxing at the Alpsee lake, located at the foot of both castles. This picturesque alpine lake offers beautiful views and a chance to relax in the fresh air. As one visitor notes: 'A beautiful, crystalline lake. It's worth going around, halfway there is a beautiful view of Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau :) You can swim in the lake, so it's worth taking a swimsuit and something to lie down in.' It's the perfect place to cool off in the heat of the day and gain strength before another day full of excitement.
Discover the hidden gems of the region
The third day of our trip will be dedicated to exploring the lesser known, but equally charming places around Lake Forggensee. We begin with a visit to the charming town of Füssen, where the Heilig-Geist-Spitalkirche, or Holy Spirit Hospital Church, is worth a visit. This Baroque gem impresses with its richly decorated interior and facade. One tourist describes the place as follows: 'The Little Hospital Church is really beautifully decorated inside as well as outside. It stands out from the other buildings around'. Admission to the church is free, making it an attractive point on our route. The next point on our trip is the picturesque Alatsee Lake, located near Füssen. This lesser-known but equally charming place offers tranquility and beautiful views. As one visitor notes: 'A very beautifully situated lake with countless photo opportunities, the history of the lake is also interesting. Very polite and friendly staff at the refreshment stop.' The lake is surrounded by forest, which creates ideal conditions for hiking and relaxing in nature. For those who want to be active, we recommend renting bicycles and riding around Lake Forggensee. The route is well marked and offers great views of the area. Along the way, make sure to stop at picturesque lakeside towns such as Rieden am Forggensee and Roßhaupten. This is a great opportunity to experience local life and sample regional specialties at roadside inns. At the end of our tour, we suggest a visit to the Pindarplatz viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of Lake Forggensee and the surrounding mountains. As one tourist describes the place: 'A beautiful lake in autumn scenery. Nearby point with drinks and food so a beer with such a view worthwhile :)'. This is the perfect place to wrap up our weekend adventure and enjoy the last views before returning home. A trip around Lake Forggensee is not only an opportunity to see famous castles and picturesque landscapes. It's also a chance to discover lesser-known but equally charming places that give you a better idea of the authentic character of the region. The variety of attractions means that there is something for everyone, from history buffs to nature enthusiasts to seekers of peace and relaxation. Keep in mind that the region is popular all year round, but is especially crowded during the summer season. It is worth planning a visit during the off-peak season to fully enjoy the charms of the area without the crowds of tourists. Regardless of the season, a trip around Lake Forggensee will leave you with unforgettable memories and a desire to return to this picturesque corner of Bavaria.
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