Hopfensee from Mühlberg
Hopfensee lies north of Füssen in the Ostallgäu, at the district of Hopfen am See with the same name. From Mühlberg, it can be planned well as its own excursion on a day when the royal castles are not the focus, but water, routes and views are.
The lake is relatively shallow and is considered one of the warmer pre-Alpine lakes. That is exactly what makes it interesting outside high season as well: it suits a quiet half-day just as well as a longer walk along the shore. If you stay in Mühlberg, the Schwangau lakes are right nearby; Hopfensee is the small extension towards Füssen with a different character: less castle context, more promenade.
Facts at a glance
Hopfensee in four points
Shallow pre-Alpine lake
About 2.1 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide, with a maximum depth of around 10 metres and an average depth of about 4.6 metres.
"Riviera of the Allgäu"
Hopfen am See carries this nickname because of its southern-looking lakeside promenade.
Circular route around the lake
The Hopfensee circular route is around 7 kilometres long, largely flat and therefore suitable for quiet walks.
Mountain view over the water
From the north shore, the view reaches across the lake to the Säuling and the Tannheim and Ammergau mountains.
Promenade, circular route and background
Hopfen am See is now a district of Füssen. The place is first mentioned in documents in the 12th century under the then name "de Hophen". Above the lake lies the ruin of Hopfen Castle, whose beginnings reach back to the same period and which archaeological finds count among the oldest stone castles in the Allgäu. This long settlement history is still noticeable in the village today, without making Hopfen am See feel like a museum.
The lake itself is significantly older: like many pre-Alpine lakes, it was formed at the end of the last Ice Age, left behind by the former Lech Valley glacier. With a length of about 2.1 kilometres, a width of 1.5 kilometres and a maximum depth of around 10 metres, it is not a large lake, but that is precisely why it remains easy to grasp. The average depth of about 4.6 metres also explains why the water warms quickly in summer.
The lakeside promenade is the heart of the village: it runs along the north-eastern shore and is the reason why the term "Riviera of the Allgäu" has become established. Cafés, benches and a lido line the water loosely. If you want to circle the whole lake, take the official Hopfensee circular route of around 7 kilometres. It has hardly any climbs and is suitable for relaxed walking or a day with a pram.
In summer, water temperatures usually lie between 18 and 22 degrees and can rise further during warm phases. This makes Hopfensee one of the warmer lakes in the region, where swimming is usually possible from late May. If you are more interested in the view, you will find it almost everywhere on the circular route: across the water to the Säuling and to the Tannheim and Ammergau mountains. In clear weather, the view reaches far into the foothills of the Alps.
What helps with planning
For guests in Mühlberg, Hopfensee is a good addition to the nearer destinations around Schwangau. It lies beyond Füssen and therefore not directly on the doorstep, but it can be included easily in a half-day or full-day excursion, for example combined with a stroll through Füssen’s old town.
If you like it quiet, mornings or later afternoon hours are worthwhile. Then the promenade is more relaxed, and the circular route can be walked at its own pace. The result is a day that fits Mühlberg well: close enough to set off spontaneously and quiet enough not to feel like a programme to be completed.
Further relevant articles: Forggensee, lakes and routes around Mühlberg and the Surroundings overview.