The King Ludwig Way

If you are going to do one walk in Germany then the King Ludwig Way is probably the one you should choose. Easy to moderately graded walks reward you with the beauty of the Upper Bavarian countryside, including stunning lakes, magical gorges and the spectacle of two world-famous picture-postcard fairytale castles; Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens, Groups > 10

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

This walk is graded easy to moderate and is suitable for all with a good level of walking fitness. Generally, there is not much in the way of significant ascents, other than Day 4 with the ascent of Hohen Preißenberg, which you can shorten by train. The route follows good paths and tracks, and each day you’ll be walking for between 13-28km (8-17mi). You can often shorten the walks by taking public transport. The path through the Ammerschlucht gorge crosses bridges, ladders and sometimes rocky ground, so care is needed on this section.

This tour is suitable for walkers with good physical fitness as there are some longer walking days.  Generally, there is not much in the way of significant ascents, other than Day 4 with the ascent of Hohen Preißenberg, which you can shorten by train.

You'll stay 7 nights in carefully chosen properties that are a mix of comfortable 3-4* hotels, traditional guesthouses and country inns. The properties we offer are, in our opinion, the best along the way, close to the path, in pretty settings, and offering an authentic experience of Bavaria. Please be aware that twin & double rooms in Germany (Doppelzimmer in German) are typically 2 single mattresses side by side in one double bed frame with two separate duvet covers and pillows. A list of our preferred/usual accommodation choices is given below. However, these are subject to availability and, particularly in peak season, can be very much in demand. If unavailable, then we will book you into accommodation of the same or a higher standard.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

This trip is available to solo walkers, and a supplement is payable as some of the costs are not shared. Single rooms are available should some of your party wish to have their own room, and a single supplement is again then payable.

Meals

Breakfasts are included. Packed lunches are available from your accommodation (order the night before), or you can stop on the way; there are plenty of Biergarten and kiosks to satisfy your thirst and appetite! Dinners are not included but available at all overnight accommodation or close by.

The King Ludwig Way is comprehensively way-marked with a blue ‘K’ on a white background, all along the trail. All of the walks are way-marked, and we also provide you with turn-by-turn instructions for each walk, maps and access to our GPS smartphone navigation app, so you will have no problem finding your way.

This walk is available to start on any day of the week between May and October. 

Oktoberfest: If you are planning on travelling between mid-September and the first week of October, please note that availability is usually extremely limited due to Oktoberfest, and it is essential that you book a considerable time in advance.

The Alpine foothills are usually sunny during the summer, however recent years have shown that the weather here, as in most parts of the world, is becoming increasingly unpredictable. You should be prepared for all weather eventualities and pack accordingly.

By Air: Munich is the most convenient airport. There are regular train connections (duration approx. 15-20 mins) with regional trains and the S-Bahn. For further information, visit the website of Deutsche Bahn for timetables and tickets.

By Rail: Munich Hauptbahnhof has excellent connections for trains throughout Europe. Again, please visit www.bahn.co.uk for information.  

By Road: Please let us know if you are planning to arrive in Starnberg by car; so that we can inform your first hotel and check as to the parking availability. Please note that there can be a charge for parking your car (if available) at the first hotel for the duration of your walk. It is essential to check this in advance.

In Füssen there is a train station and there are many connections to various other stations in South Germany, such as Munich (duration approx. 2 hrs) or Augsburg (duration 1h40) where you can continue your journey throughout Europe or to Munich Airport.

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.