The approximately 13 kilometer long royal castle circuit invites you to walk in the footsteps of King Ludwig II and get to know numerous scenic and architectural sights around Füssen. The hiking tour is easy and, as a so-called Lech loop, is an extension of the kilometer-long Lechweg, which is one of the most attractive long-distance hiking trails in Europe.
The Lechweg follows the course of the wild river from its source at Lake Formarin through three regions to the Lechfall in Füssen. The varied 125 kilometer-long long-distance hiking trail has been awarded the “Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe” seal of quality, which guarantees plenty of variety along the route and maximum hiking enjoyment. The long-distance hiking trail also includes several Lech loops, which represent extensions and enrichments. One of them is the approximately 13 kilometer long Königsschlösser circuit, on which hiking enthusiasts can get a taste of the Lechweg and get to know some of the most beautiful attractions of the Allgäuer Königswinkel. The start and finish point of the Royal Castles circuit, for which around 6 Stunden must be planned, is the Füssener Lechfall.
This truly royal hike begins at the Lechfall, which immediately offers spectacular impressions. Roaring masses of water plunge down to depths of up to 12 meters to enter the Lech Gorge. The natural spectacle can be easily followed from the König-Max-Steg, which runs directly above the waterfall. The Königsschlösser circuit leads from the Lechfall initially along the Lech, which impresses with its fascinating turquoise water, before continuing through an alluvial forest to the Ziegelwies forest adventure center. The WEZ's biggest attraction is a treetop walk where you walk from treetop to treetop high in the air. The tour continues along a mountain forest path to the Alpine Rose Trail, which takes you to the Alpsee in the municipality of Schwangau. The former favorite swimming lake of fairytale king Ludwig II is one of the cleanest lakes in Germany and is located below the royal castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.
Now it's a good idea to take a short detour to the Marienbrücke, which runs high above the Pöllat Gorge and offers an impressive close-up view of Neuschwanstein. The Pöllat Gorge is then crossed via stairs and footbridges. The huge rock faces and rushing waterfalls guarantee very special impressions. At the Gipsmühle you continue hiking towards Hohenschwangau and up to the castle of the same name, which is directly opposite Neuschwanstein within the picturesque mountain landscape. Hohenschwangau Castle is a cozy residential castle that served as the royal family's domicile for large parts of the year. We then go down via the Benzenkopf to the Schwansee, which is ideal for a short break in the countryside.
The last part of the Royal Castles circuit leads up to the Füssener Kalvarienberg, the summit of which is one of the best viewpoints in the area. Here you have a great view of the old town of Füssen and the vast foothills of the Alps with its green meadows, numerous lakes and magnificent mountains. The descent takes place on a Way of the Cross that leads past numerous artfully constructed station chapels that are reminiscent of the suffering of Christ. King Ludwig II was often on the Füssener Calvary during his lifetime, most recently at the Good Friday procession in the year of his death 1886. You reach the Frau-am-Berg-Kirche, from where it is not far to the starting point.
Beautiful landscape impressions in the Allgäuer Königswinkel and a wealth of sights along the route make the Königsschlösser circuit a real hiking highlight. You shouldn't miss this when on holiday in Füssen-Weißensee!
