Lechfall: A Cascade of History and Natural Power

Experience the power and beauty of Lechfall, a historic man-made waterfall near Füssen, offering stunning views and natural wonders.

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Lechfall

Lechfall, a man-made waterfall near Füssen, Germany, is where the Lech River plunges over a series of steps, offering a stunning display of turquoise water and a glimpse into the region's history of flood control and hydroelectric power. A popular destination year-round, it's especially impressive in winter when partially frozen.

A brief summary to Lechfall

Tiroler Str. 29, Füssen, 87629, DE
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit during the summer for the most vibrant turquoise water color, especially when the sun is shining.
Explore the Lechfall circular trail, a 3-kilometer hike with minimal elevation gain, starting from Füssen's old town.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions such as Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, or Füssen's Old Town.
Visit the falls in winter for a unique experience as it partially freezes over, creating a stunning icy landscape.
Be aware that parking can be limited, especially on crowded days, consider alternative parking options a kilometer away.

Getting There

Walking

From Füssen's Old Town, follow the signs towards Tiroler Straße. The walk is approximately 3 kilometers and should take about an hour. The path is mostly flat, making it an easy stroll. Enjoy the scenic route along the Lech River. No costs involved.
Public Transport

From Füssen's train station (Füssen Bahnhof), take bus line 100 towards Reutte. Get off at the 'Füssen, Ziegelwies' stop. From there, it's a short walk to Lechfall. The bus ride is approximately 6 minutes and departs every four hours. A single fare is approximately €2-3.
Taxi

From Füssen's city center or train station, a taxi ride to Lechfall takes about 3 minutes. Taxis are readily available in Füssen. The estimated cost is between €8 and €12.
Parking

If driving, there are several parking options near Lechfall. There are a few small parking lots along Tiroler Straße, closer to the falls, with limited spaces. Alternatively, use the larger parking area at Walderlebniszentrum Ziegelwies, about a 5-15 minute walk away. Parking is free from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Be aware that parking spaces can be limited during peak season.

Discover more about Lechfall

Lechfall, located near Füssen in Bavaria, Germany, is a captivating blend of natural beauty and human engineering. Here, the Lech River dramatically cascades over a series of five stone steps, dropping approximately 12 meters into the Lech Gorge. This artificial weir was constructed in the 18th century to prevent flooding. The falls are most spectacularly viewed from the König-Max-Steg bridge, built in 1895 and named after King Maximilian of Bavaria. From the bridge, witness the Lech's turquoise waters thunder into the gorge, a sight that draws over 100,000 visitors annually. Turning away from the falls, the Lech Gorge reveals itself, carved over millennia by the river. A bust of King Maximilian Ii is built into the rock at the Lechfall. While the waterfall is man-made, the Lech River itself is a force of nature, originating in the Austrian Alps and carving its way through the Allgäu region. The river's unique color, often a vibrant turquoise, adds to the allure. The Lech has powered mills and, since the early 20th century, a hydroelectric power station, demonstrating the harmonious relationship between technology and nature. Visitors can explore the area via well-marked hiking trails, offering scenic views of the Alpine foothills and the Lech River. The nearby Ziegelwies Forest Experience Centre provides an opportunity to immerse in nature with a treetop path and floodplain forest path. Lechfall is easily accessible from Füssen's Old Town and makes an ideal stop when visiting Neuschwanstein Castle.