The plains south of Munich give way to the gentle rolling hills of Bavaria
that increase in size as we hike towards the higher rocky mountains that
mark the start of the Alps. This walking route passes two of Bavaria's
most scenic lakes and through charming villages of geranium-bedecked
chalets and characteristic onion-shaped church spires. There are
masterpieces of baroque architecture, monasteries churches and a
cathedral, to be seen on the way and not forgetting King Ludwig's
extraordinary castles at the end.
Did
he drown or was he murdered? No one has succeeded in unravelling the
mysterious death, by the shore of Lake Starnberg, of Bavaria's eccentric
King Ludwig. This walk is amongst one of the favourites in Germany and was
particularly dear to King Ludwig himself who was a keen walker. It starts
near the site of his death at the Votivkapelle (shrine) in Berg, and ends
60 miles later near his fairytale castle Neuschwanstein. On route we can
admire the architecture at Andechs Monastery, the cathedral in Diessen on
the shores of Ammersee, the monasteries of Wessobrunn and Rottenbuch, and
the rococo church at Wies. The scenery evolves from low-lying hills to
more dramatic panoramas; the highest point is Hohenpeissenberg at (988m)
reached surprisingly on day 3. The following day takes in the Ammer Gorge
and on day 5 we reach the densely forested Alpine escarpment and the
prosperous village of Trauchgau. The last walking day is via the Pollath
Gorge reaching King Ludwig II's most famous architectural masterpiece, the
fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, before descending to Hohenschwangau
castle, the Alpsee and finally on to the historic town of Fussen. Two
nights here provide a day to visit the castles or to walk either in the
higher mountains by the Austrian border or by the beautifully situated
lakes of Alatsee and Alpsee.
This
is a very popular walk with limited accommodation so to avoid
disappointment early booking is recommended, particularly for holidays in
July and August.
7
nights/8 days - We stay at small hotels and ‘Gasthofs’
(pensions). All have full ensuite facilities except on night 3
where rooms have wash-hand basin and shower cabinet. If our first choice
is fully booked we may substitute accommodation of a similar
standard. At Starnberg (night 1) our preferred hotel,
overlooking the lake, dates from around 1900 and has spacious rooms.
On night 2 at Diessen we are again close to the lakeshore, in
modern rooms with balcony, telephone and TV. On night 3 our small
welcoming Gasthof is set amongst hay meadows on the slopes of Hohenpeissenberg
hill. On night 4 we stay at a small Pension by the historic
gateway of a monastic village; downstairs is a pleasant cafe
offering ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ (coffee and cakes). On night 5 in Trauchgau,
our quiet modern hotel has a panoramic view. The last two nights
are spent in Fussen in a hotel with a rustic feel and a
lively bar which has been in the same family since 1896.
Sherpa Notes
Waymarking
The trail is generally well waymarked with a distinctive dark blue
King Ludwig logo (k).
Accommodation
and Meals Bed and breakfast throughout in hotels and guesthouses. Other
meals can be obtained locally without reservation. Most overnight
stops have shops for purchasing picnic supplies.
Arrival Frequent (every 20 minutes) S-bahn (surburban) train service
from Munich airport to Starnberg, changing once en-route in central
Munich.
End
of Tour The tour ends in Fussen. By train to Munich. Journey time
approx. 2hrs. Change in Munich for Munich airport (another 40
minutes).
