Fussen

Nestled at the foot of the Alps, the German town of Füssen is known for grand architecture, traditional Bavarian culture and spectacular mountain landscape. Close to the Austrian border, it's at the southern end of the famously scenic 'Romantic Road' – a picturesque hiking trail through the region's pine forests and lakes. In winter, Füssen is a gateway to the popular ski slopes further up the mountain. Just outside the town lies Neuschwanstein Castle, the iconic turrets of which are said to have inspired Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

Füssen hostels include a 500-year old house at the heart of the old town, modern, purpose-built accommodation close to hiking trails and nature and a cosy room with vintage-style décor. Most are a short walk (less than 10 minutes) from the train station. Some hostels in Füssen have castle views, and if you'd like to add a touch of grandeur to your tour, you can even stay in royal-themed rooms. Look out for free breakfasts and outdoor spaces, or test your balancing skills with activities like slack-lining (similar to tightrope walking).

Füssen has a few areas to explore. The city's cobbled Altstadt (old town) is known for its colourful buildings, while to the east of the city Schwangau has castles, hiking trails and the serene Lake Forggensee. In winter, Tegelberg and Breitenberg mountains are popular spots for skiing and other snow sports. Nearby Oberammergau village gives a flavour of the region's traditional culture with wood-carved artefacts and ornately frescoed houses.

Füssen isn't short of fairytale grandeur. As well as its famous castle, you can explore the Versailles-inspired Linderhof Palace and the late-Gothic Hohes Schloss (which now houses an art museum). To see Neuschwanstein Castle in all its glory, take the cable car to the top of Tegelberg mountain for a panoramic view. An abundance of trails surrounds the town for outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking. For a gentle introduction to your Bavarian adventure, stroll up to nearby Lechfall waterfall, and then head back to town for a local beer in Kaiser-Maximilian-Platz.

Trains run regularly between Munich and Füssen, with a journey time of around 2 hours. If you're coming from Munich Airport, you'll need to change at Munich's central train station first. Füssen's old town is small enough to be easily walkable, and buses run to the nearby castles and towns. To get around more independently, you can rent a car or mountain bike.