Discover Rieden on Lake Forggensee

Rieden on Lake Forggensee combines experiences on the water and views of the foothills of the Alps with visible traces of a long history. At Lake Forggensee, you can swim and relax by the water with a view of the Alps; the small moor lake Faulensee, several viewpoints and historic buildings offer a change of scene. You can plan your trip around whether you mainly want to spend time by the lake, in the landscape or exploring the area’s culture.

Water and scenery around Rieden

At Lake Forggensee in Rieden, you can swim and relax by the water with views of the Alps. Swimming conditions can vary by season. In winter, the landscape reveals a special link with history: when the water level is lowered, the remains of the Roman imperial road Via Claudia Augusta become visible in the lake.

The small Faulensee, a moor lake framed by forests and meadows, lies above Rieden. It has a non-swimmer area and an adventure playground with a water wheel and stream. If you are travelling with children, you can include these facilities in your day’s plans. Facilities may change, so check what is available before your visit. Faulensee can only be reached on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Take these access options into account when planning your visit.

Viewpoints and routes for active days

From the centre of Rieden on Lake Forggensee, it takes about 20 minutes to walk to the Pilz viewpoint. From there, the view stretches in three directions across the foothills of the Alps. If you would like to extend your outing, you can continue on foot from Pilz to Faulensee. This route lets you include both the viewpoint and the moor lake in the same hiking plan, without assuming a walking time for the additional stretch.

The view from the bathing area at Dietringen in Rieden also takes in famous buildings: from there, you can see Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle. Boat trips on Lake Forggensee run by Städtische Forggensee-Schifffahrt offer panoramic mountain views, including views of Neuschwanstein Castle and the town of Füssen. Trips operate from June to mid-October; check the timetable before your trip. There are several ways to enjoy views of mountains and castles: from a bathing area on the shore or during a trip on the lake.

Roman traces and historic churches

Rieden’s Roman past can be discovered beyond the lake, too. The location of the Mansione Via Claudia Augusta rest area is connected with this history. Nearby, the remains of the Roman imperial road Via Claudia Augusta lie in Lake Forggensee, as does the site where inscribed lead tablets were found. The Romans used such tablets to mark valuable cargo. In Rieden on Lake Forggensee, the Via Claudia Augusta is also listed as an archaeological monument from the Roman imperial period.

The churches also tell stories of different eras. The parish church of the Holy Five Wounds grew out of a brotherhood chapel built in 1687. Its furnishings include a high altar from the late 17th century and historic sacred carved figures. The listed cemetery church of St. Urban has a core that probably dates from the early 16th century. Johann Georg Fischer remodelled and extended it in the Baroque style in 1734–35; the church was consecrated in 1738. Together, the two buildings illustrate different chapters in the local history of religious architecture.

The wider context of the Ostallgäu

Beyond Rieden, the Ostallgäu offers more ways to include nature and culture in your trip. The regional routes of the RadReiseRegion Ostallgäu cover the entire Ostallgäu. Each route is 25 to 76 kilometres long, consistently signposted and dedicated to its own theme. The Ostallgäu also has 32 local hiking routes showcasing special natural and cultural treasures. These regional offerings complement the local destinations in Rieden with a wider choice of themes and routes.

Neuschwanstein Castle is part of the region’s cultural heritage: since 12 July 2025, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Linderhof Palace, the King’s House on Schachen and Herrenchiemsee Palace. Visits to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau are only possible as part of a guided tour. If you are planning a visit, take this requirement into account.

Choose your accommodation to suit your travel plans

When looking for accommodation in Rieden on Lake Forggensee, it helps to first decide what matters most to you: would you like to spend time at Lake Forggensee, combine a viewpoint with a hike, or focus on Roman traces and churches? If you plan to visit Faulensee, bear in mind that it can only be reached on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Boat trips on Lake Forggensee operate from June to mid-October, so take this period into account when planning. This will help you choose accommodation and plan activities to suit the kind of stay you have in mind.

Rainis Faulenseehütte is about a ten-minute walk from the Höllmühle sawmill and can also be reached by bicycle. It serves coffee and cake, ice cream specialities, a selection of snacks, and hot or cold meals. As the food on offer may change, check before your visit. You can include this place to stop for refreshments as a separate part of your plans around Faulensee.

For the broader travel overview: Roßhaupten.