Hopfen am See
Hopfen am See, a recognized Kneipp and climatic health resort, is known as the "Allgäu Riviera". If you stroll along the lakeside promenade at Hopfensee, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the peaks of the Ammergau, Lechtal and Allgäu Alps. Enjoy the sun on a bench or one of the numerous café terraces - and everyday life is far away.
A brief insight into the history
Hopfen was first mentioned in a document in 1172: Kunrat and Herung "de Hophen" lived at the castle above Lake Hopfensee as feudal lords of Duke Welf VI. The Hopfen parish church of St. Peter and Paul also dates back to the Romanesque period and was the seat of one of the oldest parishes in the region. The village of Hopfen originally consisted of the hamlets of Hopfen (church, vicarage and school), Bebele, Vilser and Enzensberg. After the First World War, the districts grew together to form the municipality of Hopfen am See, into which the hamlets of Fischerbichl, Heidelsbuch, Erkenbollingen and Häusern were incorporated. Since 1978, Hopfen has been a part of the town of Füssen with around 1,100 inhabitants.
Hopfen Castle
It's not just the magnificent mountain view that makes a detour to the castle ruins above Lake Hopfensee worthwhile. Today, the castle remains are considered to be the oldest preserved stone castle in the Allgäu. Built certainly before 1078 and first mentioned by name as "castrum Hopfen" in 1322, the castle served as the seat of the provost's office of Füssen from around 1200 to 1322. After destruction during the Peasants' War and the Thirty Years' War, the remains were largely demolished at the beginning of the 18th century and used to build the monastery church of St. Mang in Füssen. Between 1999 and 2009, the area of the Hopfen castle ruins was excavated. In addition to the Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation and the Office for Castle Research / Dr. Joachim Zeune, many volunteers were involved in clearing the area of dense forest growth, making the remains of the walls visible again and securing them. The quickest way to reach the castle ruins is on foot from the Hopfen village store (Uferpromenade 21a) via the Burgweg.
Hiking and walking
Am Ufer entlang flanieren, um den See spazieren oder hoch hinaus zur Burgruine Hopfensee wandern. Das und noch vieles mehr findest Du am Hopfensee.
- Der Käse-Bier-Weg
(Länge: 7 km; Höhenmeter: 28 hm; Dauer: 2 h) - Rundweg vom Hopfen- zum Faulensee
(Länge: 7,9 km; Höhenmeter: 126 hm; Dauer: 2:30 h) - Eschacher-Panoramarunde
(Länge: 9,5 km; Höhenmeter: 109 hm; Dauer: 2:45 h) - Seenglück-Runde
(Länge: 14,3 km; Höhenmeter: 190 hm; Dauer: 3:45 h) - Hopfensee-Rundweg
(Länge: 6,9 km; Höhenmeter: 15 hm; Dauer: 2:00 h) - Beichelstein-Runde
(Länge: 17,1 km; Höhenmeter: 502 hm; Dauer: 5:15 h)
Cycling
Abwechslungsreich bergauf, bergab auf Schotter oder auf Teer und dabei stets das Alpenpanorama im Blick. Hier ist für jedes Radlerherz etwas dabei:
- Emmentaler Radweg
(Länge: 59,5 km; Höhenmeter: 360 hm; Dauer: 4 h) - Südliche Hopferwald-Runde
(Länge: 16,1 km; Höhenmeter: 179 hm; Dauer: 1:30 h) - Hopfensee-Weißensee-Runde
(Länge: 26,8 km; Höhenmeter: 185 hm; Dauer: 2:00 h) - Kneipp-Radrunde
(Länge: 22,9 km; Höhenmeter: 200 hm; Dauer: 1:45 h)
Bathing
Lake Hopfensee is one of the warmest Bavarian pre-Alpine lakes. At the western end of the lakeside promenade is the "Seepark Hopfensee " (public bathing area) with large sunbathing lawns with trees, a children's playground and restaurants. No matter how you enjoy Lake Hopfensee, the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains is always included.
The Hopfensee
Lake Hopfensee is a residual lake in a basin formed by the Lech glacier during the last ice age. It is 194 hectares in size, up to 12 meters deep and is one of the warmest Bavarian pre-Alpine lakes. The lake is surrounded by a designated nature reserve with rare plants and nesting sites for water birds such as great crested grebe, coot, wild duck and heron. A chain of buoys marks the protected zones, which may not be navigated by boat. The approximately seven-kilometre-long, flat Hopfensee circular trail invites you to enjoy a 1.5 to 2-hour hike. Swimmers will get their money's worth along the lakeside promenade. You can hire rowing boats, pedal boats, stand-up paddles and kayaks from the local boat hire shops on the lakeside promenade. The fishing season at Hopfensee starts at the beginning of May and fishing permits are available from the store at the Hopfensee campsite and the Marina Hopfensee boat hire.
Experience Kneipp
Kneipp therapy - old hat? Quite the opposite! On the Hopfen lakeside promenade, you can get to know the health teachings of Pastor Kneipp in a contemporary form and try them out in an uncomplicated way.
A footbridge leads to the floating Kneipp island. Here, the integrated lake water Kneipp treading pool invites you to enjoy a healthy short program. The Kneipp elements installed opposite show that Kneipp therapy not only uses the healing power of water, but also aims to positively change the entire way of life with its holistic approach: the walk-in herb spiral is a reminder that Kneipp was an advocate of herbal medicine. The "thought benches" with his quotes are intended to encourage visitors to reflect on Kneipp's idea of "inner order" - more relevant than ever in this age of multitasking and burnout. In the summer months, regular guided tours take place here under the motto "Nature, enjoyment, balance - experience the healing power of the Allgäu".
Winter
Instead of the hustle and bustle of the slopes, Hopfen offers winter for connoisseurs. Once the ice has formed, Lake Hopfensee is a hot spot for ice skaters and ice sailors. Sometimes you can even see ice skaters whizzing across the glistening surface of the lake with a kite in front of them. On the lakeside promenade, people meet up for curling, which enjoys cult status in the Allgäu. Participation is expressly permitted - the local experts are happy to show guests the best way to slide the stick across the ice.
Winter hiking, cross-country skiing Winter hikers should take a sun-drenched walk along the cleared Hopfensee circular trail. Another good choice is one of the signposted forest routes in the direction of
Beichelstein or Faulensee. The cross-country ski trails at Hopfensee are prepared for diagonal skiers and skaters.
Fancy a vacation in Hopfen am See?
Which accommodation would you like? From hotels to campsites, Hopfen am See has a lot to offer. We wish you a wonderful vacation!
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