July 2026 – Crossing the Alps – Day 0: Arrival and Expedition in Füssen

This crossing of the Alps was actually supposed to happen last year. Back then, however, my surgery got in the way.

Today, the first item on the agenda was arriving in Füssen. After checking in at the hotel, I really only wanted to take a quick look at Neuschwanstein Castle, grab something to eat and let the evening wind down. But I managed to get lost on the way there. Luckily, all I had to do afterwards was follow the streams of tourists, and so I finally found the right path after all.

Just before the castle, I naturally couldn't walk past the fresh quark balls. Then came the obligatory look at Neuschwanstein Castle from the outside. Impressive – but honestly, the hustle and bustle there quickly became too much for me.

So I spontaneously turned onto a small forest trail, where suddenly there were hardly any people around. That was exactly what I had been looking for. Between rocks, old trees and the Alpsee, the trail became far more exciting to me than the castle itself. Even a little lizard crossed my path and made the moment perfect.

The short walk ended up being around 20 kilometres. Shortly after 8 p.m., I stopped at a tavern near my hotel and was fortunate to still get something warm to eat.

Now I'm looking forward to tomorrow. That's when the first real stage of my Alpine crossing begins – and with it, the actual adventure.