Pipestone Travel

Bavaria, Munich to the Alps – 8 Days starting at $1525 CAD

Did he fall or was he pushed? No one has succeeded in unraveling the mysterious death by the shore of Lake Starnberg of Bavaria’s eccentric King Ludwig. This walk is amongst the favorite in Germany and was particularly dear to King Ludwig himself who was a keen walker. It starts near the site of his death, and ends 60 miles later by his fairy tale castle at Neuschwanstein.

The plains surrounding Munich give way to gentle rolling hills that become ever higher as one approaches the great wall that marks the start of the Alps proper. The route passes two of Bavaria’s most scenic lakes and through charming villages of geranium bedecked chalets with typical onion shaped church spires. There are masterpieces of baroque architecture, the Andechs monastery, the wonderful cathedral of Diessen on the Ammersee lake, the monasteries of Wessobrunn and Rottenbuch, as well as the Wies or ‘Meadow’ church are on the route. The highest point (988m) on the walk is the summit of Hohenpeissenberg hill, considered by many to be the finest viewpoint in Bavaria. We end our tour at King Ludwig II’s most famous architectural masterpiece- the castle Neuschwanstein and at castle Hohenschwangau, in Allgau on the Austrian border, where he spent most of his childhood. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of King Ludwig II (in 1995), the route was lengthened to begin at the Votivkapelle in Berg. It is a very popular walk and thus early booking is recommended.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Munich. Travel by train (S-Bahn every 20 minutes from the airport with one easy change in central Munich; journey time 1 hour 20 mins) to Starnberg where your hotel is just across the square from the station and lakeshore. Those arriving early can take a boat trip to Leoni on the first afternoon and walk the first 7km/ 4 miles of King Ludwig’s Way back along the lakeshore via Berg (where a chapel overlooks the point in the lake where King Ludwig died) to Starnberg. Overnight Starnberg.

Day 2: Walk from Starnberg via the Maisinger See nature reserve and the Andechs church and monastery (famous for its brewery) to Herrsching on the Ammersee lake. Ferry to Diessen on the other shore of the Ammersee. Overnight Diessen.

Day 3: An opportunity to visit the baroque cathedral (Marienmuenster) in Diessen before walking through the forest to Wessobrun monastery. An opportunity for lunch at a wayside Gasthof in Wessobrun. Continue via St Leonhard-im-Forst to the slopes of Hohenpeissenberg hill with its splendid views. Overnight near Hohenpeissenberg.

Day 4: The most strenuous day of the tour, starting with an ascent through forest to the summit of Hohenpeissenberg hill (988m/3241 feet), the highest point on King Ludwig’s Way. Then a long descent across haymeadows via Hohenpeissenberg village and on down into the depths of the romantic Ammerschlucht (Ammer Gorge). The main trail through the Ammerschlucht to Rottenbuch is very slippery (slick) in wet weather, but we describe an alternative route avoiding the trickiest parts. Rottenbuch’s Augustininian Abbey, formerly a Stiftskirche (now a Pfarrkirche), was originally a Romanesque basilica dating back to the 11th Century. It was extended in gothic style and between 1730 and 1750 it was decorated in the rococo style. The jovial nature of the style is seen in its decoration with cherubs. Overnight at, or near Rottenbuch.

Day 5: Carry on to Wies (also known as Wieskirche), which boasts Bavaria’s most beautiful Pilgrimage church, built in 1745-54 under the supervision of Dominikus Zimmerman. The name means ‘meadow’ or ‘meadow church’, and the vast church is still very much out of the way and surrounded by hay meadows. After lunch at the conveniently situated Gasthof you continue along the base of the densely forested Alpine escarpment to the prosperous village of Trauchgau. Overnight at Trauchgau or at the next village, which is called Buching-Berghof.

Day 6: The final day’s walk takes you via the Pollath gorge to the castles of Neuschwanstein. Descend to Hohenschwangau castle and the Alpsee Lake, before walking on to the historic town of Fuessen where you overnight. (18kms / 11.25 miles).

Day 7: A day to explore the town of Fuessen and its beautiful surroundings. You can even nip across the border into Austria (only just over a mile away). Overnight Fuessen.

Day 8: Depart by train (one train per hour, journey time 2 hours, mostly direct) from Fuessen to Munich, where you can change onto the S-Bahn to reach the airport (every ten minutes; journey time 45 minutes).

What’s Included

The price is based on two people sharing a twin or double bedroom bed and breakfast accommodation in hotels and guesthouses. Except on night 3 all rooms are equipped with either bath and toilet or shower and toilet.

Baggage transfers between hotels are also included.

Not Included

Evening meals, lunches

Boat tickets on the Starnberg Lake (optional excursion from Starnberg to Leoni or Berg on Day 1) or on the Ammer Lake (Herrsching to Diessen on afternoon of Day 2).

Extra Nights

A second night in Fuessen is already included in the tour. Extra nights can be arranged at the time of booking at any point along the route or in central Munich. Starnberg (night 1) is a very attractive place for an extra night, especially if you will be recovering from a long flight. For an extra night in a quiet village with possibilities of extra walks we suggest Rottenbuch (night 4). Please enquire for prices.

Level of Difficulty – Moderate

Day Stages: Each day stage involves approximately 15 to 20km/9 to 12 miles walking, which can be shortened by the use of public transport if so desired. Much of the walk is on gravel tracks or quiet asphalt lanes, but there are also long stretches of footpath. The traverse of the Ammerschlucht can be difficult in wet weather but it can be bypassed by taking our alternative route between Hohenpeissenberg and Rottenbuch.

Waymarking: The trail is easy to follow and mostly well waymarked with a special distinctive King Ludwig ‘k’ logo and signposts with distances in km. On some sections waymarks are scarce and it is necessary to pay close attention to the maps and route notes.

Accommodation & Meals

Is in guesthouses and hotels of a comfortable standard. On most nights (apart from night 3 at Hohenpeissenberg) all rooms have private facilities. Bed and breakfast only are included. Evening meals and lunches (picnic or sit-down) are available locally.

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