Alpseebad
Hohenschwangau, Germany
Sitting at the feet of the mighty Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles is a lake that’s a lovely surprise. The Alpseebad offers clear mountain water and a backdrop that screams Bavarian beauty. Here, castled-out sightseers can wander down to the southwest end of the lake, where the private beach of Alpseebad offers up summertime swimming and mountains all around.
The basics
Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein castles are popular with daytrippers staying in Füssen. And, if you’re one of these travelers, a trip to Alpseebad works well. Classic castle day trips from Munich or Innsbruck often don’t have much free time to stop at the lake, although private tours often offer flexible itineraries to make a lake swim happen. Another way to explore the lake is by bike, renting one from a shop in Füssen, and then stopping for a swim at the Alpseebad mid route.
Things to know before you go
The Alpseebad entry fee is small, and must be paid in cash. Children under six years old are free.
The beach has a tiny kiosk with a terrace, which sells drinks and snacks. Otherwise, you can bring a picnic.
Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented onsite, and there are plenty of shaded areas under the trees.
The lake beach is grass, but the shore line is pebbly, so water shoes are a good idea.
How to get there
The Alpsee is just south of Füssen, with the Alpseebad swimming beach found on its southern shores. Travelers can reach it via train to Füssen, then via public bus to the Hohenschwangau Neuschwanstein Castles stop, close to the P4 parking lot. Drivers can pay a flat day rate to leave their cars here. From here, it’s a 20-minute walk down the southern shore of the lake path to the beach entrance.
When to get there
Alpseebad is open in good weather conditions from May through September, although you’d have to be brave to take a dip outside of the warmer summer months. You can pay to enter from late morning through early evening. Most travelers like to check off the nearby castles first, and then head to the lake for a lazier afternoon.
Alpsee Lake Walk
If you’re still feeling active after visiting the castles, there’s a looped hiking trail around the lake that takes around two hours. It’s an easy walk, covering just over 4 miles (6.5 kilometers), although there are some narrow and uphill stretches. Bring a camera with a good zoom lens for photos of Hohenschwangau Castle at the end of the lake and Neuschwanstein Castle, perched a little higher up.
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