Fairytale Winter Walking in Fussen, Bavaria

This is a grade 4 winter walking holiday where you can expect full and half days of walking at a moderate pace. Our walks will be between 6-8 miles a day. Our full days of walking can be up to 5 hours of walking whereas our half days can be up to 3 hours. Füssen lies at an altitude of 800m and the highest point we reach is just over 1000m on a walk to the east of Neuschwanstein Castle. Depending on the weather, we may reach two mountain huts at a height of 1200m.  The ascents and descents can be up to about 600m. Some walks will entail a gentle uphill climb or level walks around a lake to points of interest, such as the royal residences. We can enjoy wonderful views of the mountains which rise to 2,300m. Walking poles can be helpful on icy surfaces and these can be usually rented from the hotel. Winter waking is often on cleared and prepared paths so all you need is a good pair of walking boots, warm socks, your usual winter gear, and a pair of walking poles – and away you go!

Our winter walking programme includes five days walking, some at around 10-12km (6-8 miles) daily on snow cleared paths. Some walks will entail a gentle uphill climb, or level walks around a lake and to points of interest such as the royal residences. We can enjoy wonderful views of the mountains which rise up to 2,300 metres. Depending on the weather we may reach two mountain huts at a height of 1200 metres.

If you would like to try some alternative winter activities it is possible to hire snowshoes, cross country skis and sledges from Alpine Sport in the centre of town who can also provide you with guiding services. Please enquire about this locally. 

Our hotel does not have a swimming pool; however, there is a large public outdoor and indoor swimming pool with a wellness area, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. Or a 15-minute bus ride away from Füssen you will find the Royal Crystal Therme-Schwangau, which has a saltwater spring with healing effects, whirlpools and waterjets and a large wellness area. 

At your destination, you may have the option to book various local excursions and activities through a local operator. It's important to note that we are not involved in these activities or excursions, and we do not operate, supervise, or control them in any way. Your contract will be directly with the local activity supplier, and we bear no responsibility for their actions or omissions.

The currency in Germany is the euro .

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organised they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations.  Your tour leader takes care of all the local administration, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

We fly from London and various regional airports to Munich and return.

Transfers between Munich Airport and Füssen (approximately 2 ½ hours) are by road.

If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.

Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.

If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.

Although airport/station transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport/station, depending on your arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.

Please be aware that you must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight/train arrival to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point or independent travel arrangements to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.

Please ensure your personal details, including your passport information and date of birth, are accurate and up to date, and that we have all the information needed to arrange your holiday. If you have any dietary allergies or intolerances, please let us know.

You can view and update your details using Manage My Booking on our website or by contacting our Sales & Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. Please check your booking confirmation carefully and notify us of any changes as soon as possible.

For the latest passport requirements and entry guidance for your destination,  please check the GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice website before you travel.

If you are travelling on a non-British passport, please check entry requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate.

Breakfasts and dinners are included and will be taken in the hotel. The restaurant serves an excellent range of healthy food with high-quality, regionally sourced ingredients. The chef is particularly proud of the wonderful Bavarian specialities they produce. Dinners are a full four courses with a choice of main.

Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good, moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

• Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar) and trousers
• Lightweight quick-drying trousers
• Walking T-shirt/shirts
• Walking socks
• Fleece or jumper
• Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun block
• Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate)
• Swimwear (if appropriate)
• Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the day's activity)
• Day sack liner
• Thermos- coffee/tea (for a small charge) or hot water are available at the hotel
• Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity (more than 1 bottle may be required)
• Basic first aid kit
• Lunchbox
• Walking poles (should you find them useful) although ski poles will be provided
• Sit mat
• Gaiters (very useful in deep snow)
• Waterproof walking boots
• Neck Buff
• Ice/Snow grippers for walking if insufficient snow for snow shoes

This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.

It is very useful to have a day sack that has means of strapping snow shoes on when they are not being worn. 

Ice grippers are essential as many people find them a simple and inexpensive way to add extra confidence when walking around resort areas or on icy paths in winter conditions.

In Germany the electricity is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/

Health requirements in destination can change, and it's crucial for you to take responsibility in staying informed. Ensure that you consult a professionally qualified source and comply with any health requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure. Your GP can provide advice on vaccinations. Stay proactive about your health preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

For the latest health advice and entry requirements for Germany, please visit the GOV.UK travel advice for Germany and NaTHNaC.

For further advice please visit:

• The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) travel health website at www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
• The NHS 'Fit for travel' website at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
• The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• Or a local travel health clinic

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses, mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

If you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you are unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland, please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.

Starting January 1st, 2021, you, as a UK traveller, can continue using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) throughout its valid five-year period, granting you access to medical assistance during your holiday until its expiry date. Be aware, though, that this coverage will no longer extend to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. In case you don't have a valid EHIC, you can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the EHIC as it gets phased out.

It's essential to emphasize that the EHIC/GHIC, while valuable, should not be regarded as a substitute for comprehensive medical or travel insurance. For your peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, considering additional insurance is highly recommended.

For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is your go-to for the latest info on security, local laws, and the nitty-gritty of passports and visas at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Make sure to take a quick peek at the current advice for your upcoming destination—it'll only take a few minutes.

When you're out and about, stay aware of your surroundings. Take smart precautions with your credit cards and passport, and maybe tone down the flashy accessories. Less is more, especially when it comes to carrying cash—just enough for the day will do. Consider using a money belt for that extra layer of security. Stay alert, stay safe, and make the most of your travels!