Hopfen am See: Lakeside Views and Castle Ruins

Hopfen am See combines an open lakeside landscape with a distinctive historic site. From the promenade on Lake Hopfensee, panoramic views extend to the Ammergau, Lechtal and Allgäu Alps. The lake has a level lakeside path and a public bathing area; above the lake, the remains of Hopfen Castle recall the history of the village. These different experiences give you several specific focal points for planning your day.

The landscape around Lake Hopfensee

A designated nature conservation area with rare plants and nesting sites for waterbirds lies along the shore of Lake Hopfensee. When exploring the lakeside landscape, observe the marked protected zones. So, as well as enjoying views across the lake, respecting protected areas is part of planning your stay.

On foot and by bike

Several named hiking routes offer a choice for days on foot. The Hopfensee circular trail is listed as 6.9 kilometres long, with a duration of two hours. The level path along the lakeshore is listed as around seven kilometres long and taking 1.5 to 2 hours. The estimated times are close to one another and provide a rough guide for planning; check route information locally before setting out.

There are also several named options for cyclists: the Southern Hopferwald Loop, the Hopfensee-Weißensee Loop and the Kneipp Cycling Loop. Surfaces include gravel and paved sections. The route names and different surfaces give you specific points of reference when choosing a bike ride.

Swimming and boating

There is a public bathing area at Seepark Hopfensee on Lake Hopfensee. Local boat hire services offer rowing boats, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. This gives you different ways to spend time on the water: swimming or going out in one of the available boats. Availability of the bathing area and hire services may vary by season; check what is currently on offer before your visit.

The castle ruins in Hopfen am See

The remains of Hopfen Castle above Lake Hopfensee are considered the oldest surviving stone castle in the Allgäu. You can walk from the village shop in Hopfen along Burgweg to the ruins. This historic site offers a different focus from the nature and water experiences at the lake.

Culture in Füssen

Füssen also offers its own historic sights. The parish church of St. Mang features numerous ceiling frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Magnus. Regular church tours include the carved choir stalls, the Jäger organ from 1703, the crypt and the burial vault. Check the current dates and availability of tours in advance.

The High Castle in Füssen is known for its late medieval illusion paintings on the courtyard façades and is one of the most important secular buildings of the German Late Gothic period. Füssen’s old town includes medieval lanes, an old town wall, Baroque churches and monasteries, as well as the High Castle. The former Benedictine monastery of St. Mang is a Baroque complex and is one of Germany’s nationally significant cultural monuments. The former monastery houses the Museum of the City of Füssen, which displays historic lutes and violins. Check the latest visitor information before visiting the museum.

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