The second stage of the King Ludwig Way connects two of Bavaria's most beautiful lakes and is one of the most scenic and diverse sections of the entire route. Starting at Lake Starnberg, you will hike through gorges, forests, moors, and rolling hills until you reach Lake Ammersee, which you will cross by boat at the end of the day. Shortly after leaving Starnberg, you enter the Maisinger Schlucht (Maising Gorge) , a small natural wonder featuring clear streams, steep banks, and ancient trees. The path winds along the water, accompanied by the soothing sound of the brook and the fresh scent of moss and woodland. Gradually, the scenery opens up into the tranquil moorlands and meadows around Maising, home to herons, grey geese, and dragonflies.

From there, the King Ludwig Way leads across gentle hills and wide fields up to the "Holy Mountain" of Bavaria. This is the site of the world-famous Kloster Andechs (Andechs Monastery), a pilgrimage destination for centuries. The baroque pilgrimage church, with its vibrant interior and its location high above the Alpine foothills, radiates a very special atmosphere. Adding to the experience is the 600-year-old monastic brewing tradition, making the Andechs beer garden one of the most atmospheric rest stops on the entire tour. On a clear day, the view from your table reaches all the way to the peaks of the Alps.

From the monastery, the trail descends easily towards Herrsching on Lake Ammersee. The lakeshore, with its piers, boats, and cafés, offers a wonderful contrast to the quiet hours spent in nature. This marks the beginning of the relaxed part of your day, as the final stretch takes place on the water. The ferry across Lake Ammersee takes you from Herrsching to Dießen. During the crossing, you can enjoy views of Andechs Monastery on its hill, the wooded shores, and the Alpine backdrop slowly passing by. In the evening light, this passage is one of the most beautiful moments of the entire trip. Note on ferry times: The last departure is usually around 5:00 PM; during peak season (mid-June to late August), there is often an additional service at 7:15 PM.

In Dießen am Ammersee, you will disembark at the pier and reach the town center within a few minutes. Dießen is well known for its long tradition of pottery, as well as its studios, galleries, small boutiques, and cozy cafés. The parish church of St. Mary’s Assumption, a jewel of Bavarian Baroque, sits prominently on a hill. The town is the perfect place to unwind after your first full day of hiking.

Hotel (example): Hotel Seefelder Hof

This stage marks the transition from the expansive lakescapes of Lake Ammersee into the rolling hills of the Bavarian Alpine foothills. While the previous day was defined by the water, today you will experience the quiet, open expanse and the rural authenticity of the Pfaffenwinkel region. You begin in the lively town center of Dießen am Ammersee, slowly leaving the lake behind. The trail leads along quiet side streets to the outskirts of town and soon enters a peaceful, picture-perfect landscape. Wide fields, orchards, small farmsteads, and old cottage gardens accompany you on your first few miles. The Alps initially appear on the horizon like a delicate sketch, but they draw closer with every step. It is well worth stopping for a moment just to listen to the silence: the sound of larks over the fields, cowbells from the pastures, and the wind in the trees define the atmosphere of the day. Small chapels and shrines along the way quietly tell the stories of a region where tradition and nature have been closely intertwined for centuries.

Shortly before reaching Wessobrunn, the King Ludwig Way enters a particularly impressive forest area. Moss-covered ground, sunlit clearings, and the scent of spruce and fir give this section an almost mystical character. The path is soft underfoot and marks the visible transition from the Ammersee region to the Alpine foothills. For many hikers, these moments in the forest are among the most memorable hours of the entire journey. Just a few miles later, you reach Paterzell, your peaceful destination for the day. This district of Wessobrunn is nestled in a landscape of meadows and woods and is best known for a unique natural jewel: the Paterzell Yew Forest. It is one of the largest continuous yew forests in Central Europe and is truly extraordinary. A short evening walk is highly recommended; when the light shimmers golden between the ancient trees, the forest develops an almost magical atmosphere. Paterzell is a wonderful place to relax, disconnect, and breathe deeply.

Hotel (example): Landgasthof zum Eibenwald

Today's stage takes you from the quiet hills around Paterzell up to Hohenpeißenberg, often described as one of Bavaria's most beautiful panoramic mountains. The trail is a steady ascent, but the landscape is so diverse and impressive that every step is rewarded. You leave Paterzell on soft natural paths, initially hiking through open meadows with wide views across the Alpine foothills. Small farmsteads, grazing cows, and expansive fields define the first section.

Soon you enter light forest passages, accompanied by the scent of resin and conifers. The scenery becomes increasingly alpine, and with every meter of elevation, the view opens up a bit further. Finally, you reach the summit of Hohenpeißenberg. As the peak comes into view over the last few meters, you can already sense why this place has been a destination for pilgrims and nature lovers for centuries. At the top, an overwhelming panorama unfolds over the foothills and, on clear days, deep into the Alps. The mountain range from the Wetterstein to the Zugspitze stands out prominently on the horizon.

In addition to the view, two particular sights are worth visiting:

• Pilgrimage Church of St. Mary’s Assumption: A significant testament to Bavarian pilgrimage tradition.
• Historical Meteorological Station: Operating since 1781, it is one of the oldest continuously active weather observation stations in the world.

At the mountain inn located directly at the viewpoint, you can enjoy regional cuisine and alpine views during an extended break—a perfect moment to recharge and soak in the impressions.

This stage leads you deeper into the Alpine foothills and is one of the most impressive sections of the King Ludwig Way. You will hike through a gently rolling landscape where nature, farming traditions, and panoramic views blend perfectly. Today’s destination is Wildsteig, a small village full of Upper Bavarian character and warmth.

The final stage of the King Ludwig Way leads from Buching to Füssen, blending expansive lakescapes with majestic Alpine panoramas and significant royal history. With every mile, the mountains draw closer, and the traces of the "Fairytale King" Ludwig IIbecome increasingly visible. Today’s hike is not only a scenic highlight but also an emotional finale to this tradition-rich route. From Buching, the path initially leads leisurely through open meadows and wide fields. Soon, your gaze falls upon Lake Forggensee, Bavaria’s largest reservoir, whose glittering waters define the panorama in summer. During the months when the lake is not yet full, fascinating relics of former villages, roads, and old shorelines emerge, serving as a reminder that the Forggensee region rests upon a much older cultural landscape.

At several points, the King Ludwig Way follows the lakeshore. Time and again, impressive views open up toward the Tegelberg and Säuling, which stand like striking guardians over the edge of the Alps. The path remains pleasant and easy to walk, following well-maintained natural trails and quiet sections along the lake until the Füssen Festival Hall (Festspielhaus) comes into view. Built as a tribute to Ludwig II, the Festival Hall sits directly on the shores of Lake Forggensee. Its garden terraces lead right down to the water, offering one of the region's most famous perspectives: from here, the shore and the royal castles face one another. Hohenschwangau Castle appears first, warm and historically embedded in the landscape, followed by the unmistakable sight of Neuschwanstein, towering high above the forested ridges.

From there, a quiet promenade leads you into Füssen. The Alpine backdrop accompanies you all the way into the old town, where pastel-colored façades, historic townhouses, and narrow alleys make the urban character of your destination pleasantly palpable. After a final stroll along the Lech River, you eventually reach the Lechfall (Lech Fall), the official endpoint of the King Ludwig Way. Here, the river plunges into a narrow gorge, symbolically marking the end of a journey where nature, culture, and history converge.

With your arrival in Füssen, the circle of this journey is complete: from Lake Starnberg through the monastic landscapes of the Pfaffenwinkel to the places that most profoundly shaped the life of King Ludwig II.

Hotel (example): Hotel Sonne

If you spend some extra time in Füssen after the final stage, you will be richly rewarded. This town on the edge of the Alps is an ideal place to let your journey end peacefully and to allow the impressions of the King Ludwig Way to resonate.

A walk through the historic old town leads you past pastel-colored façades, small cafés, traditional inns, and winding alleys where the Middle Ages, Baroque architecture, and traces of royal history combine in a special way. The Hohes Schloss (High Castle), with its illusionistic façade paintings, and the Benedictine Monastery of St. Mang, with its impressive Baroque interiors, invite you for a visit.

Just a few minutes outside the center, the landscape opens up to reveal some of Bavaria’s most famous sights. A visit to the royal castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein is the highlight of the stay for many visitors. From the shores of Lake Alpsee, you can enjoy quiet and atmospheric views of both castles. For those wishing to explore the surroundings on foot, numerous walking paths—from leisurely to sporty—are available, including the panorama path to Lake Schwansee or the short ascent to the Marian Monument (Marienmonument).

Füssen also offers a variety of options for those seeking relaxation after days of hiking:
Cool your feet in the crystal-clear water of the Lech River, enjoy a wellness day, attend a concert at the Festival Hall, or simply savor the special evening atmosphere at Lake Forggensee as the mountains glow in the warm light. Füssen is not just the end of the King Ludwig Way—it is a place where you are encouraged to linger. An extra night here grants you the time to discover everything at your leisure and conclude your trip with a moment of royal serenity.