Schwansee is a small, tranquil lake in the Allgäu region of Bavaria, tucked away in the municipality of Schwangau, right next to the famous castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. It's the perfect spot if you want to escape the crowds at the castles while still enjoying gorgeous alpine views.

The lake is surrounded by wet meadows, moorland and calcareous grassland, all part of a landscaped park created in the 19th century for the Bavarian royal house of Wittelsbach, designed according to plans by Peter Joseph Lenné. Today parts of this park have become quite overgrown, giving the area a slightly wild, romantic feel. In summer, locals and visitors alike enjoy swimming here, and thanks to heavy shading from the surrounding mountains, the lake freezes faster than many others in the region come winter — making it a favourite spot for ice skaters from near and far.

• Füssen — short walk or bike ride, approx. 15-20 minutes, easy
• Schwangau (castle car park) — walk towards the lake, approx. 10-15 minutes, easy

• The lake is owned by the Free State of Bavaria and has been part of the protected landscape area 'Alpsee, Schwansee und Faulenbacher Tal' since 1956
• Open for swimming in summer; a popular ice-skating spot in winter when conditions allow

The lake's name dates back to 1332, when it was first mentioned in written records as 'sê ze Swansê' — making it one of the oldest documented places in the region.