King Ludwig Way

The King Ludwig Path lives up to its name by guiding you through the places where the famous aristocrat, King Ludwig II, left his mark. This long-distance path offers a captivating journey through stunning natural landscapes, charming baroque villages, and the picturesque Lake Starnberg.

One highlight of the route is the opportunity to ascend the 988m high Peißenberg, which rewards you with breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps and the enchanting Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles.

Beginning at the serene Lake Starnberg, where the fairytale king tragically met his end, the King Ludwig Way meanders through the Alpine foothills and leads to the castles of the Allgäu region, where he spent his youth. Along the way, you'll encounter remarkable highlights and Bavarian cultural treasures, all set against the backdrop of a landscape cherished by King Ludwig II, inspiring him to commission several castles and palaces.

This journey also takes you through quaint monastery towns, peaceful villages, and scenic paths that wind past lakes and moors. Be sure to savour the awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of the Ammergauer Alps, the Zugspitze summit, and the Allgäu mountains, just as King Ludwig once did. Explore the King Ludwig Path and follow in the footsteps of this iconic monarch while immersing yourself in Bavaria's natural and cultural wonders.

Details about the hiking holiday on the King Ludwig Way

On the King Ludwig Trail, you'll encounter charming villages, magnificent castles, and grand palaces, with the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle standing out. Along this trail, you'll also be treated to breathtaking views of renowned peaks, from the Großvenediger to the Zugspitze, and the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in either Lake Starnberg or Lake Ammersee.

Experience the authentic Bavarian lifestyle throughout your journey on the King Ludwig Trail. This delightful eight-day walking tour immerses you in pristine Bavarian nature, providing ample opportunities for relaxation. Fortunately, there is an abundance of accommodation options available in the Alpine foothills, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The highlights of this walking tour at a glance:

• Facing the famous peaks: You hike on the hilly foothills of the Alps with a view of the Ammergau Alps and the Zugspitze.

• Schloss Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau: To this day, King Ludwig has left his mark in several monasteries and castles such as Schloss Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.

• Bavarian lakes, the Starnberger See and Ammersee: Bavaria's most popular seaside resorts. Enjoy the panoramic viewpoints on the route.

Worth knowing about the King Ludwig Way

On the first day, you can enjoy the flair of Lake Starnberg. After making your way to Bernried, you will have plenty of time to explore the town. For example, the Bernried Abbey or the "Museum of Fantasy". On relaxing walks, which are between 13 and 21 kilometres long, you walk from Lake Starnberg to the endpoint in Füssen.

Route summary

You walk on walking paths, forest trails, and asphalted paths. For tours through the Alpine foothills with a walking time of 4 to max. 6 hours, stamina and a good basic fitness level are required.

This tour has been graded as Medium. Find out more about our walking holiday difficulty levels.