8 Days & 7 Nights

4.5

The King Ludwig Way

Walking in King Ludwig's fottsteps – from Lake Starnberg to Füssen
The UNESCO world heritage Wieskirche, Andechs monastery, and the Ammerschlucht gorge
Monasteries, churches and picture-postcard villages, unique to Bavaria
Bavarian beer garden culture: hearty roast pork and a strong stein of beer
Visit the fairy-tale castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau

Discover one of Germany’s most scenic walking routes on this 8-day journey along the King Ludwig Way. Starting at Lake Starnberg near Munich, you’ll walk through idyllic Upper Bavarian landscapes, passing monasteries, baroque churches, and charming villages on your way to King Ludwig II’s legendary Neuschwanstein Castle. Highlights include the famous Andechs Monastery, the peaceful Ammersee, spectacular views from Hoher Peißenberg, and a dramatic walk through the wild and beautiful Ammerschlucht gorge. You’ll also visit the UNESCO-listed Wieskirche and enjoy a perfect mix of nature, culture, and local flavour. Along the route, stop at traditional beer gardens, sample hearty Bavarian cuisine, and stay in handpicked hotels and guesthouses known for their warmth and charm. Featured in Julia Bradbury’s BBC German Wanderlust series, this rewarding trail is the perfect way to explore Bavaria’s rich heritage — one step at a time.

From £1,180.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Starnberg

Your journey begins in the beautiful town of Starnberg. If you arrive in good time, you can take the ferry to Berg and visit the votive chapel, which stands above the spot where King Ludwig's remains were found. On the way back, you can walk the first stretch of the King Ludwig Way along the lakeshore — the perfect start to your walking week in the Bavarian Alps.

Overnight Starnberg

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Starnberger See | Hotel

Hotel Starnberger See is a charming boutique hotel in Starnberg, Bavaria, just about 100 m from Lake Starnberger’s scenic promenade, offering 36 cozy rooms. Guests highlight its central location—opposite the train station—for easy access to Munich, the airport, and regional attractions, and praise the rich continental breakfast and friendly staff. A boat-going steamer dock right in front of the house.

Hotel Fischerhaus | Hotel

Hotel Fischerhaus is a small hotel with a personal touch in the heart of Starnberg, located only 150m from the lake. The hotel has 11 individually decorated rooms and is a true home when you are away from home as it combines traditional Bavarian hospitality with elegance and charm just as in the buildings of the famous fairytale king.

Day 2 Walk to Herrsching, Andechs Monastery, ferry to Dießen 13 miles / 21 km

After breakfast, begin your walk along the King Ludwig Way, which leads you deep into the heart of Bavaria. Stroll alongside picturesque Maisinger Lake on your way to Andechs, home to a beautiful monastery and a renowned small brewery — the perfect place to quench your thirst.

Continue to Herrsching, set on the shores of Lake Ammersee, where you’ll catch the ferry across to Dießen.

Ascent/Descent: 220m/280m (720/920ft)

Overnight Dießen

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Seefelder Hof | Hotel

Hotel Gasthof Seefelder Hof in Dießen am Ammersee is a family-run Bavarian inn just steps from the lake. It offers cozy, well-equipped rooms, hearty regional cuisine with fresh fish, and a charming beer garden. Guests love its warm hospitality, central location, and authentic Bavarian atmosphere.

Hotel zum See | Hotel

The Hotel zum See in Dießen am Ammersee is a charming family-run boutique hotel located just a stone's throw from the lake's promenade. With 18 lovingly and stylishly furnished rooms, it offers a cozy retreat for guests seeking relaxation and comfort. The hotel features a spa area with an infrared cabin and steam room, providing guests with opportunities for unwinding and rejuvenation.

Day 3 Walk to Wessobrunn or Paterzell 9 miles / 14 km

The King Ludwig Way leads you through Dießen, with its charming alleyways, traditional houses, and the impressive Münster — one of Bavaria’s most beautiful baroque churches. You soon reach the region of Pfaffenwinkel, a landscape King Ludwig greatly admired. Emerging from dense forests, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the towering Zugspitze before continuing through gentle meadows to the monastery at Wessobrunn.

Depending on availability, you may spend the night in Paterzell. From Wessobrunn, the trail winds through romantic woodland to the hamlet of Schönwag. From there, follow the meandering path and the excellent King Ludwig Way signage until you reach Paterzell. If accommodation in Wessobrunn or Paterzell is fully booked, an overnight stay in Weilheim is also possible.

Walk to Wessobrunn: 14km (9mi), ascent 240m, descent 15m (785/50ft)

Walk to Paterzell: 18km (11mi), ascent 320m, descent 200m (1055/655ft)

Overnight Paterzell

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Landgasthof Zum Eibenwald | Hotel

The Landgasthof Zum Eibenwald in Wessobrunn–Paterzell is a family-run country guesthouse set beside the historic Paterzell Eibenwald nature reserve. Guests enjoy spacious, comfortably furnished rooms. The restaurant serves traditional Bavarian and international cuisine with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients in a cozy, rustic setting, plus an idyllic beer garden under old trees.

Gasthof zur Post Wessobrunn | Hotel

Gasthof zur Post in Wessobrunn is a cozy, family-run inn offering traditional Bavarian hospitality and comfortable rooms. The on-site restaurant serves hearty regional dishes, including vegetarian options. The menu caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians, with options like Käsespätzle and Salatteller. Guests appreciate the friendly service, peaceful location, and easy access to outdoor activities.

Gasthof zum Löwen | Hotel

The Gasthof zum Löwen in Wessobrunn is a country inn that combines traditional Bavarian charm with modern comfort. Your hosts, the Edenhofer family, warmly welcomes their guests. The spacious, rustic-style rooms offer a cozy atmosphere. A hearty breakfast with fresh ingredients such as bread from the local bakery, muesli, and coffee ensures a great start to the day.

Day 4 Walk to Peiting 12 miles / 19 km

A hearty breakfast this morning will set you up for a rewarding day of hiking. The trail continues past sleepy villages to the foot of Hoher Peißenberg (988m/3240ft). The welcoming terrace of the Gasthof at Eibenwald is an ideal spot to rest and recharge. From the summit, you can either continue on foot down to the pretty town of Peiting or take a local train (fare payable on site), which shortens today’s walk by 6km/4mi.

If you stayed in Paterzell last night instead of Wessobrunn, today’s walk will be slightly shorter.

Ascent/Descent: 470m/455m (1540/1490ft)

Shorter walk (if starting from Paterzell): 19km (12mi)

Overnight Peiting

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Alpenhotel Pfaffenwinkel | Hotel

The family-run Alpenhotel Pfaffenwinkel in Peiting is located directly on the Romantic Road. It offers a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comfort. The rooms are comfortably furnished, many featuring balconies with views of the town. Amenities include a garden, a terrace, and an on-site restaurant.

Hotel Gasthof zum Dragoner | Hotel

The Alpine-style, family-run Hotel-Gasthof Zum Dragoner is located in the village center of Peiting. The on-site restaurant is renowned regionally for its Bavarian and international dishes, including fish, game specialties, and steaks; the hotel’s bar “Xaver” offers hundreds of whiskys, gins, and cocktails. Amenities include a sauna, steam bath, infrared cabin, a bowling lane, and a charming terrace.

Day 5 Walk to Wildsteig or Steingaden 8 miles / 13 km

From Peiting, you’ll walk through dense forest and the stunning Ammerschlucht gorge—Bavaria’s ‘Grand Canyon’ and one of the absolute highlights of the entire trail. Make your way through the gorge via a network of steps, bridges, and short climbs, offering a real sense of adventure. Continue along the path to Rottenbuch, with beautiful views of the ever-present Ammergau mountains.

Today’s walk ends in the small farming village of Wildsteig, delightfully off the beaten tourist track. Depending on availability, you may stay in Wildsteig or return to Peiting for a second night. An included taxi transfer will collect you from Wildsteig, take you back to Peiting for your overnight stay, and return you to the trailhead the following day.

Alternatively, you might stay in Steingaden, further along the trail from Wildsteig. In that case, you will continue through forest and meadows to reach Steingaden.

Walk to Wildsteig: 13km (8mi), ascent, 265m, descent, 115m (870/370ft)

Walk to Steingaden: 24km (15mi), ascent 315m, descent 290m (1,035/950ft)

Overnight Wildsteig

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Landhotel & Gasthof Kirchberger | Hotel

Landhotel & Gasthof Kirchberger is a traditional rural Inn. Family Bertl and their team give a warm welcome to their guests in this small but very comfortable rural hotel. The rooms have been renovated and redecorated in 2013, now combining traditional charm and modern comfort.

Gasthof zum Strauss | Hotel

Gasthof zum Strauss is a family-run hotel with a warm sense of hospitality and rural charm, located between the Ammergau and Allgäu Alps. The rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortably furnished. The kitchen delights guests with Bavarian-Swabian home-style cooking, exceptional breakfasts, and regional specialties.

Alpenhotel Pfaffenwinkel | Hotel

Day 6 Walk to Buching 11 miles / 18 km

Today, you can choose between two variants of the King Ludwig Way: a slightly shorter route through the Bavarian villages of Trauchgau, or a longer walk across moorland via Steingaden.

Whichever option you choose, begin by crossing meadows with stunning views of the Alps before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wieskirche — a Baroque masterpiece of space and light, adorned with magnificent frescoes. From there, you can decide whether to continue to Buching via the longer or shorter route.

If you stayed in Peiting last night, a morning taxi transfer will take you to the trailhead at Wildsteig. If you stayed in Steingaden, today’s walk will be 10km/6mi shorter.

Ascent/Descent: 235m/300m (775/990ft)

Overnight Buching

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Bannwaldsee | Hotel

The traditional hotel is set on park-like grounds near the beautiful Bannwaldsee. The property features 63 comfortable, country-style rooms and a spacious wellness area with an indoor pool, bio sauna, Finnish sauna, experience showers, and a relaxation room. Guests can enjoy regional Bavarian-Swabian cuisine.

Alpchalet Schwanstein | Hotel

A very warm welcome awaits you at this wonderful accommodation. Complete with free wifi and a sun terrace to catch those rays, this hotel offers everything you need for a pleasant overnight. There is also a traditional Bavarian style on-site restaurant serving local specialties.

Day 7 Walk to Füssen, Castles of Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau 12 miles / 19 km

The final stage of the King Ludwig Way is one of the finest hikes in Germany. Along the way, admire the stunning castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, as well as the dramatic Pöllatschlucht gorge.

While it’s possible to visit the castles today, we recommend booking an extra night in the charming town of Füssen to explore the castles, monastery, and other attractions at a more leisurely pace. Regular buses and alternative walking routes connect Füssen with the castles.

Ascent/Descent: 220m/220m (730/725ft)

Overnight Füssen

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Sonne | Hotel

Hotel Sonne is located in the heart of Füssen on the historic Prinzregentenplatz, making it an ideal starting point for strolls through the picturesque old town. It offers uniquely designed rooms, a breakfast buffet with live cooking, and a modern wellness area featuring a sauna, fitness facilities, and a rooftop terrace.

A minimum stay of two nights applies on weekends.

Altstadthotel Zum Hechten

The Altstadthotel Zum Hechten in Füssen is a family-run, historic city hotel nestled in the heart of the old town, offering over 350 years of authentic Bavarian hospitality with modern comfort. Guests enjoy 35 individually and comfortably furnished rooms, and a small in-house wellness area including sauna. The on-site restaurant serves hearty Allgäu specialties and Bavarian-Swabian classic.

Aktiv-Hotel Schweiger | Hotel

The family-run, country-style hotel enjoys an idyllic location on the edge of the forest, just a short walk from Füssen’s old town. The love for regional products is evident already at breakfast with the rich Allgäu buffet. After an active day, the spa highlight “Aktivarium” with a counter-current system and bubble function (approx. 4 × 4 m), along with a sauna and herbal steam bath, invites guests to relax and rejuvenate.

Day 8 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 16kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 16kg is equivalent to 6.5 packets of British butter. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

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.

Trip Type:

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!

Activity:

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

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens, Groups > 10

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails

Accessible by Rail

Alpine Walking

Grade & Terrain

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.

Experience & Fitness

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.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

7 Nights in hand-picked 3-4 star small hotels, guesthouses and country inns
7 Breakfasts
Daily door to door luggage transfers
Ferry from Herrsching to Dießen.
Detailed information pack, route notes and access to our navigation app
24/7 telephone support from our German and UK offices

Excluded

Flights and travel to Starnberg and from Füssen
Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
Travel Insurance
Optional ferry journey on Day 1
Taxi transfers or public transportation if you wish to shorten a walk
Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc
Any items not specifically mentioned in the program

Extras

Additional nights during the holiday

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.

Equipment

Please be prepared by packing all the necessary items, such as proper rain gear, sun hat, and sunscreen. Your information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes good waterproof gear, walking shoes/boots, and many other useful bits and bobs.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.