Jen and Dave: Adventuring

Today started early, with a pre-breakfast walk around the old town, checking out the layers of old architecture and the German Gothic style of painting trompe l’œl details onto their buildings. We are also still enjoying the tiny curvy, cobblestone streets and pastel rainbow of building colours.

After a large breakfast we walked around some of the old city walls, and then spent just over an hour on the local trail system. Different trees, different fauna – but a forest always feels like home.

Coming back to town, we headed to the top of the hill to take in the Hohes Schloss, or High Castle. Füssen dates as a settlement from ancient Roman times, and the Hohes Schloss showcases those centuries of development, with parts as old as 1280 and the majority constructed in 1291-1503.

Walking the remaining section of high wall and peering through the arrow slits was a surreal feeling, like time was suspended. We were also able to ascend the clock tower, affording an amazing view over the city and a bit of a sense of how life was – it’s not everyday you see graffiti from the 1600’s!

After a light bite at a bakery, we made our way to Füssen Museum inside the former Abbey of St. Magnus. Disbanded in 1803, the Abbey existed for almost one thousand years. Most interesting was the recently excavated cloister, which showcased old renovations and changes, frescos and archways. They also have a 1602 “Füssener Totentanz” twenty scenes of the Danse Macabre.

The Museum showcased both architecture and object, including the extensive history of lute and violin making.

After a little shopping – browsing except some fresh nectarines and cherries from a street stall – we sat on a street side table for a light meal. Weisswurst, pretzel, sweet mustard, and apple strudel. Delicious, and a great day to end the day.

Strudel