The Schwansee in the municipality of Schwangau
The Schwansee is a picturesque lake in the municipality of Schwangau in the Ostallgäu, which is hidden between meadows and forests in the immediate vicinity of the royal castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. The body of water is very popular as a swimming lake in summer and is located in the middle of the Schwansee Park, which impresses with its beautiful nature and is the starting point for many hikes.
Far away from roads and traffic noise, the Schwansee lies in a magical mountain landscape straight out of a picture book. The 650 meter long and 270 wide lake is a popular bathing destination in summer with its clean moor water that warms up quickly and the wonderful Alpine panorama all around. Those seeking relaxation and sun worshipers can make themselves comfortable on the cozy lawns on the shore and enjoy the Allgäu from one of its most beautiful sides. The Schwanseepark extends around the Schwansee - a 19. Landscape park created in the 19th century on behalf of King Maximilian II based on the English model, which is now a great local recreation area for locals and tourists. The former royal castle park of Hohenschwangau impresses with species-rich flower meadows, some rare flora and fauna as well as the omnipresent views of the magnificent royal castles. It offers a magical ambience for leisurely walks and serves as a starting point for long hikes into the fascinating Schwangau mountains.
Nature lovers and those looking for relaxation who like it cozy should definitely plan a trip to Schwansee during their Allgäu vacation. The body of water lies in the middle of the idyllic Schwansee Park and has been part of the “Alpsee, Schwansee and Faulenbacher Tal” landscape protection area since 1956 . King Maximilian II, the father of the fairy tale king Ludwig II, commissioned 19. In the 19th century, the well-known landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné was responsible for the creation of the Schwansee Park, who designed it based on the model of typical English landscape gardens. A dense network of beautiful paths was created, along which guests of the royal family strolled and which led past attractions such as a horse racing track and a jumping arena. A tea terrace was even created above the Schwansee especially for Queen Marie, but it is no longer accessible today.
Nowadays, visitors to the Schwansee Park can look forward to a total of 60 kilometers of the best hiking and walking trails, some of which run seven floors on top of each other and offer wonderful views of the mountains as well as fantastic impressions of nature. Almost 60 species of rare flowers and plants that are on the Red List can be discovered here by attentive hikers.
To get to know the Schwansee and the Schwanseepark, you can take the approximately 3,2 kilometer long circular hike along the shore, which is easy and is also suitable for seniors and families with children. The starting point can be, for example, the parking lot in Schwangau-Altersschrofen, from which a footpath leads to the lake. You walk along the water along flowering moor meadows and through a small forest, while offering unforgettable views of the royal castles and the mountains. The splendor of flowers and plants, together with the soothing Schwangau air and the views, contribute to a unique natural idyll that is a real pleasure for the senses.
Guided tours of the Schwanseepark are also regularly offered in Schwangau, during which holidaymakers learn a lot of interesting facts about its creation and development. Further information can be found at the Tourist Information Office in Schwangau. The Schwansee and the Schwanseepark are definitely always worth a trip.
