Standing in sharp contrast to the bustling metropolises of Germany, Fussen Germany is a remarkable town nestled at the foot of the Bavarian Alps. Despite the town's comparatively small size--14,357--Fussen tourism is quite strong because of its amazing vistas and the remarkable historic attractions nearby. Two historic castles are also located nearby--Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Fussen Germany.
Fussen is the highest town in Bavaria, sitting at a lofty 808 meters (2,650 feet) above sea level. The river Lech, originating in Austria, flows through Fussen and adds further magic to the mountain town.
The Romantic Road--a road that runs across the countryside and features beautiful old walled towns, gorgeous meadows, and picturesque villages--comes to its end in Fussen, and what an end it is. Looking out upon the hills and mountains of Germany is breathtaking, and you haven't even seen the castles yet.
Two grand castles are within a short distance of Fussen, Germany. The first is Schloss Hohenschwangau ("Castle of the High Swan Country") a remarkable place where King Ludwig the II spent the days of his youth. The location of Hohenschwangau was originally a fortress called Schwanstein that belonged to a family of knights. However, by the beginning of the 19th century, the fortress had been abandoned and had fallen into ruin. Crown Prince Maximilian discovered the location and was charmed by the landscape. He immediately commissioned the construction. The castle served as the family's summer residence and the future Kings Ludwig II and Otto I spent many years there as children. The castle did not suffer any damage during World War II so when you walk through its halls, you're walking along the same floors that Germanic nobility did over a hundred years earlier. Guided tours are available in many different languages. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to Hohenschwangau each year, helping to maintain Fussen tourism.
The second castle is perhaps the more famous of the two: New Swan Stone Castle, or Neuschwanstein Fussen Germany. With its spiraling towers and brilliant walls, this castle looks like it was brought straight out of a fairytale. Beauty and elegance intertwine to create a breathtaking treat for the eyes. Ludwig II originally ordered construction on the great building in 1869, but it was never completely finished. The King was a tremendous fan of Richard Wagner and the castle was named after the Swan Knight in Wagner's opera. Ludwig's love of the composer is quite evident as you walk through Neuschwanstein's luxurious passageways--many paintings hang on the walls that depict scenes from Wagner's operas. The best view of this enchanting castle, and the waterfall, is from the nearby Mary's Bridge. Be sure to bring your camera, because your friends will be astounded by the pictures of Neuschwanstein Fussen Germany.
Despite its small size, the town retains an immense popularity and Fussen tourism flourishes to its beautiful surroundings and incredible historical landmarks.
