Experience Kneipp
Effective traditional healing methods, such as the teachings of Pastor Sebastian Kneipp, play a key role in the Allgäu health region. For over 80 years (since March 28, 1938), Füssen and its district of Bad Faulenbach have been recognized as a Kneipp health resort. The district of Hopfen am See has also held this designation since 1968. Just in time for the Kneipp anniversary year in 2021, the entire city of Füssen, including all its districts, was recognized as a Kneipp spa town. Füssen in the Allgäu has been authorized to bear the title “Kneipp spa” since July 30, 2025, making it the first of its kind in Bavaria in nearly 20 years. Thanks to decades of experience and its commitment to being a modern-day Kneipp destination, Füssen offers new ways to experience Sebastian Kneipp’s holistic health philosophy in a contemporary and straightforward manner.
Füssen is a Kneipp spa town!
The Knowledge of Sebastian Kneipp
Most people have probably seen a “Kneipp basin”—that is, a basin filled with cold water for the Kneipp practice of water treading. What is less well known, however, is that Sebastian Kneipp’s teachings go much further and offer a holistic approach to a long, healthy life. His teachings constitute a holistic naturopathic method aimed at sustainably strengthening our immune system , demonstrating why the teachings of the “Water Doctor” are more relevant today than ever.
Sebastian Kneipp, the health pioneer from the Allgäu region, discovered just how healing the power of nature is out of his own necessity: Suffering from lung disease and given up on by doctors, he cured himself by bathing in the cold waters of the Danube. Since then, the effectiveness of the Kneipp health concept and its five pillars— water, exercise, nutrition, herbs, and inner balance —has been proven time and again.
The 5 Pillars of Kneipp's Philosophy
Water is at the heart of the Kneipp method. Alternating hot and cold treatments—such as water pours, baths, or foot baths—stimulate blood circulation and strengthen the immune system. The targeted stimulating effect of the water helps the body regulate and heal itself.
For centuries, naturopathy has harnessed the healing power of plants. Herbal teas, plant-based oils, and herbal baths gently support the body—from soothing lavender to invigorating rosemary. Nature offers a wealth of active ingredients that bring the body and mind into balance.
Regular, moderate exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Kneipp did not recommend high-intensity workouts, but rather mindful, nature-based activities such as hiking, swimming, or walking. This principle can be put into practice perfectly, especially in the beautiful countryside around Füssen.
A balanced, natural diet forms the foundation of physical well-being. Kneipp emphasized the value of wholesome, seasonal, and locally sourced foods that provide the body with everything it needs. Mindful eating—in moderation and with enjoyment—is just as important as the choice of ingredients.
The fifth pillar encompasses the inner balance between body, mind, and spirit. A structured daily routine, sufficient sleep, social connections, and a mindful approach to stress make a decisive contribution to health. Kneipp viewed an orderly, mindful lifestyle as the prerequisite for all the other pillars to be fully effective.
"Nature is the best pharmacy."
Kneipp Experiences in Füssen
In and around Füssen, there are many opportunities to experience the Kneipp method of natural healing. Health-conscious visitors will find public, free-to-use Kneipp experience areas throughout the town, which were expanded as part of the INTERREG-funded project “Lebensspur Lech” and will be completed by mid-2022. Those who wish can take the Kneipp bike loop, which connects all the Kneipp stations over a distance of about 26 kilometers. In every neighborhood, information kiosks explain the health-promoting ideas of Father Kneipp.
Old Town Füssen
Even in Füssen's old town, you can meet Kneipp with his striking bust in Reichenstraße and on a leisurely walk along the contemplation trail in the Füssen tree garden, you will be accompanied by quotes from the Allgäu health pioneer. If you visit the terrace garden of the High Castle, you will discover herb beds planted according to old plans by the Benedictine monks of St. Mang.
Bad Faulenbach
The healing power of water can be discovered particularly well during a visit to the Mittersee Park or the Kneipp meadow in the Bad Faulenbach district, where the Kneipp facilities have been expanded with a drinking fountain, a Kneipp watering point and a natural Kneipp point . But you can also feel the pillar of inner order at every corner in the idyllic Faulenbach valley - rest areas and promenades offer valuable retreats in green surroundings.
Hopfen am See
A special highlight of the Kneipp experiences in Füssen is the floating Kneipp island in Lake Hopfensee, where you can not only tread water but also enjoy romantic sunsets. In the district of Hopfen am See, with its Mediterranean flair, the colorful thought benches with Kneipp quotes or the richly planted and fragrant herb spiral in the Kneipp area directly on the lake shore also invite you to linger.
Weißensee
You will also find numerous Kneipp experiences at the picturesque Weißensee lake with its eponymous district of Füssen: in addition to the relaxation pavilion on the lakeshore, there is also a pedal and arm pool made of natural stone, an exercise trail and another idyllic resting place by the lake. A specially designed stream delta with large stones is both an inviting place for beautiful views over the Weißensee and an ideal play area for children in the shallow water.
Kneipp Cycling Tour
Here you can experience firsthand what Sebastian Kneipp taught: The Füssen Kneipp Bike Loop takes you through all of the city’s neighborhoods over a distance of just under 23 kilometers. You’ll pass by various Kneipp facilities that invite you to wade in the water and take a moment to pause. Exercise and water according to Kneipp, set amidst Füssen’s natural surroundings.
Leaflets and flyers
View, download or order brochures, local maps and leaflets.
