Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Bavaria on King Ludwig's Way, tracing the footsteps of the legendary king. This self-guided tour takes you from the charming lakeside town of Starnberg to the historic town of Fussen, with highlights including the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, picturesque lakes, and stunning mountain vistas. Enjoy 7 nights in comfortable hotels and guesthouses, with daily breakfasts and luggage transfers included. Explore enchanting landscapes, from the serene Starnbergersee to the dramatic Ammerschlucht gorge, and savor local delights like Kaffee und Kuchen. This adventure offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and Bavarian culture. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Starnberg
Location: Starnberg
Accommodation Name: 3* hotel
Make your own way by train to Starnberg. This small resort town is attractively situated by the Starnbergersee (Lake Starnberg), with views up the lake to the distant Alps.Those arriving early can take a boat trip to Leoni on the first afternoon and walk the first 7 km/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 was found dead to Starnberg.
Accommodation: A modern 3* hotel located only 2mn from the scenic promenade of Lake Starnberg. The cosy rooms are all ensuite.
On occasions such as the annual Munich Oktoberfest (from mid September to early October), accommodation in Starnberg may be fully booked well in advance, but in this case we may be able to provide alternative hotel accommodation in the delightful lakeside village of Leoni, which is only 1 km from the start of King Ludwig’s Way at Berg. Leoni has a ferry service from Starnberg, so it is possible to reach; however if the ferry is not operating you will need to take a taxi from the S-Bahn station in Starnberg for the 7 km/4 miles to Leoni. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Starnberg to Diessen 20 km/12.5 miles, 5 - 5.5 h
Location: Starnberg
Accommodation Name: 2* hotel
From Starnberg you walk through the well wooded Maisinger Schlucht (Maising Valley) to the Maisinger See (Lake Maising - a wetland nature reserve). Stop at Andechs, this world famous pilgrimage church was originally built in 1420, and rebuilt in the rococo style in the 18th century. The tower rises high above the hills overlooking the Ammersee. The church belongs to Andechs Monastery, and you will have an opportunity to taste some of the monastery’s own traditional dark and potent 'Andechser' brew. You then walk down through the woods to Herrsching, another deservedly popular lakeside resort, on the eastern shore of the Ammersee, where you can relax at a cafe while you wait for the ferryboat across the lake to Diessen; a nice way to round off the day.
Accommodation: There are 2 hotels that we use here, depending on availability, both 2 star properties. The first is in the village centre in an older building that has been extended in traditional style. Rooms are ensuite with a balcony. The second a modern-style, low-rise building on the lake shore, has its own large garden and offers seasonal specialties.
Day 3 : Diessen to Hohenpeissenberg Unterbau 27.3 km/17 miles, 7 h
Location: Diessen
Accommodation Name: 3* Gasthof (Pension)
The longest day’s walk of the tour, much of it level although with a steep ascent and descent near the end. You start with an opportunity to visit the baroque cathedral (Marienmuenster) in Diessen before walking through the forest and across meadows to Wessobrun monastery. An opportunity for lunch at a wayside Gasthof in Wessobrun. Continue via St Leonhard-im-Forst with a fine village church to the summit of Hohenpeissenberg hill (988m/3241 feet), the highest point on King Ludwig's Way, with its splendid views. On the summit are a pilgrimage church, an astronomical observatory and a café with a scenic lounge. Then a steep descent across haymeadows to Unterbau to overnight. Walking time does not include sightseeing stops.
Accommodation: A small 3 star Gasthof (Pension) in a rural setting 1.5 km/1 mile from the village centre. It is on the lower southern slopes of Hohenpeissenberg hill.
Day 4 : Hohenpeissenberg Unterbau to Rottenbuch 15 km/9.5 miles, 4 h
Location: Rottenbuch
Accommodation Name: 1* hotel or country hotel
Not a long walk, but traverses the wildest landscapes of the tour. From Hohenpeissenberg village you descend into the depths of the romantic Ammerschlucht (Ammer Gorge). The main trail through the Ammerschlucht is a delightful mix of forest and riverside walking in a steep sided valley. There is also a longer alternative climbing high above the valley. Rottenbuch's Augustinian Abbey, formerly a Stiftskirche (now a Pfarrkirche – parish church), 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 Rottenbuch. Accommodation: At or near Rottenbuch - Our first choice is a cosy bed and breakfast by the historic gateway of Rottenbuch itself. Rooms have en-suite or private facilities. Evening meal is available at two nearby restaurants in the historic square of the monastic village close to the celebrated church. *If you have requested single rooms, you will be booked in Wildsteig instead of Rottenbuch (enroute), you will be advised prior to your trip.
Day 5 : Rottenbuch to Trauchgau 20 km/12.5 miles, 5 h or Buching 27 km/16.7 miles, 7 h
Location: Trauchgau
Accommodation Name: hotel near Trauchgau
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 incongruously 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.
Accommodation: Our hotel is located near the village of Trauchgau. It offers an amazing panoramic view. The hotel has large comfortable rooms, TV, swimming pool, sauna and steam room. There is no official rating but it is equivalent to a 2 star rating.
Day 6 : Trauchgau to Füssen 25.5 km/16 miles, 7 h, or from Buching 21 km/13 miles, 6.5 h
Location: Füssen
Accommodation Name: 3 or 4* hotel
The final day’s walk takes you via the Pollath gorge to the castles of Neuschwanstein. Descend to Hohenschwangau castle and the Alpsee, before walking on to the historic town of Füssen where you overnight.
Accommodation: For two nights stay in 3 or 4* comfortable hotels, situated in this historical old town.
Day 7 : Explore Füssen
Location: Füssen
Accommodation Name: 3 or 4* hotel
A day to explore the town of Füssen and its beautiful surroundings. Easily accessible are a large number of walks and excursions, including the Tegelberg, a high level wonderland for walkers at 1800m, reached by cable car. Also close to Füssen are the beautiful Alatsee and Alpsee (lakes), with delightful circular walks. You can also take a boat trip on the Forggensee or nip across the border into the Austrian Tirol (only just over a mile away, even closer from Alatsee or Alpsee).
Day 8 : Arrangements end after breakfast
Location: Füssen
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, make your way to the train station for your onward journey.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in hotels and guesthouses -
7 breakfasts
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7 nights accommodation in hotels & guesthouses on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities
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Luggage transfer
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Digital information pack including navigational app
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Emergency hotline
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GPX files of the walks will be emailed to you on request
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Dinner, lunch & beverages
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Public transport tickets
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Boat tickets on the Starnbergersee (optional excursion from Starnberg to Leoni or Berg on Day 1) or on the Ammersee (Herrsching to Diessen on afternoon of Day 2)
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Entrance fees
What's Not Included
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Dinner, lunch & beverages
Meals other than breakfast are not included.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Travel to the starting point and from the end point of the trip is not included.
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses like laundry and phone calls are not included.
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Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
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City tax - locally payable to the accommodations
City tax of 1-5 Euros per person, per day, is locally payable to the accommodations.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Guide - this is a self guided holiday
This is a self-guided holiday, so no guide is included.
Accommodation
7 nights in hotels and guesthouses. Hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used (a small supplement may apply). All rooms have private facilities. German hotels do not have to be classified but those that are use the following definitions: 1* - tourist, 2* - standard, 3* - comfort and 4* first class. ...more ...less
Grading
Each day stage involves approximately 15 to 25kms (9 to 16 miles) walking, which can be shortened by using taxis or in some cases by the use of public transport. Much of the walk is on gravel tracks or quiet asphalt lanes and there are also long stretches of footpath. The traverse of the Ammerschlucht (Day 4) can be difficult in wet weather but it can be bypassed by taking an alternative route. The route will have a mixture of sealed tracks, minor roads, good forestry tracks, wide gravel paths and only occasionally on muddy single trail (the gorge section for example). ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Make your own way by train to Starnberg. S-Bahn tickets from Munich airport to Starnberg and train tickets from Fuessen to Munich and/or its airport are included. Optional boat tickets on the Starnbergersee or on the Ammersee are also available.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in hotels and guesthouses. The usual choice of accommodation is described, but alternatives may be used if these are not available. All rooms have private facilities, and many have ensuite showers rather than baths due to limited space. German hotels do not have to be classified, but those that are use the following definitions: 1* - tourist, 2* - standard, 3* - comfort, and 4* - first class. ...more ...less
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts. Other meals such as dinner, lunch, and beverages are also included.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included in the tour package.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
An emergency hotline is available, and an information pack including route notes and maps will be provided. GPX files of the walks will also be emailed to you.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?
Yes, additional costs not included in the tour package are city tax (1-5 Euros per person, per day, locally payable to the accommodations), personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, unscheduled transfers required during the trip, and a supplement if you are traveling solo or book a single room. ...more ...less
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided holiday.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
Each day stage involves approximately 15 to 25kms (9 to 16 miles) of walking, which can be shortened by using taxis or public transport. The walk is mostly on gravel tracks or quiet asphalt lanes, with some long stretches of footpath. The traverse of the Ammerschlucht on Day 4 can be difficult in wet weather but can be bypassed by taking an alternative route.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Some of the highlights of the tour include walking in the footsteps of King Ludwig, visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, enjoying Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cakes), and experiencing the beautiful lakes, gorges, and mountains of Bavaria.
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What activities are available on the final day in Füssen?
On the final day in Füssen, you can explore the town and its beautiful surroundings. There are many walks and excursions available, including the Tegelberg, a high-level wonderland for walkers at 1800m, reached by cable car. You can also visit the beautiful Alatsee and Alpsee lakes, take a boat trip on the Forggensee, or cross the border into the Austrian Tirol.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Bavaria: King Ludwig's Way
8 Days Starting in Starnberg, Germany and ending in Füssen, Germany
Visiting: Starnberg, Diessen, Rottenbuch, Trauchgau, Füssen
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JKL
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
