Tour overview King Ludwig Way
Main Route
Arrival in Starnberg and Initial Hike from the Votive Chapel to Starnberg
The journey on the King Ludwig Way begins in Starnberg, at the gateway to Bavaria's Five Lakes Region. Immediately upon arrival, you can feel the special atmosphere of Lake Starnberg, whose calm surface has inspired artists, nobility, and those seeking relaxation for centuries.
Arrival in Starnberg
Arrival by Train
Your destination station is Starnberg Bahnhofsplatz 5. Please do not get off at Starnberg Nord station. Your accommodation is located directly opposite the main station and is therefore within easy walking distance.
Arrival by Car
Various parking options are available in Starnberg. There is a P+R car parkdirectly at the station, but it is often busy. Alternatively, a multi-storey car park is located at Hauptstraße 8a, just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. The underground car park at the Sparkasse next door is very expensive and is therefore not recommended. If you park at the P+R car park at the North station, you can cover the short return journey on foot or by train.
Arrived in Starnberg
After checking into the hotel, there is usually plenty of time for a first short hike, and it is a perfect introduction to what awaits you in the coming days. The Starnberg jettyis located directly opposite the hotel. The boats run several times a day and take you across the calm lake to the Leoni landing stage, the starting point of the first stage. The last departure usually takes place at 5.15 p.m.
From the Votive Chapel , you follow the first metres of the King Ludwig Way. The chapel, which was erected in memory of King Ludwig II., stands at the very spot where the monarch lost his life in 1886. Your hike starts here with a quiet, yet significant, historical moment.
On the King Ludwig Way back to Starnberg
The path runs along gentle forest trails and light ridges on the west bank of the lake. Again and again, views of the deep blue water open up between the treetops, and of the mountains to the south, which rise like a backdrop behind the lake on a clear day. This introductory hike is deliberately kept calm. No major climbs, no technical difficulty, just pure arrival and letting go.
As you approach Starnberg, lakeside paths alternate with small parks and quiet residential streets. On the lakeshore, there are numerous opportunities for a break with a view of the anchored sailing boats, the long waves hitting the jetty, or in one of the restaurants directly on the water.
After around seven kilometres, you reach Starnberg and your hotel again. If you would like to extend the evening, you can enjoy the sunset along the lakeside promenade or stop off at one of the lakeside bars/restaurants. With the calmness of the water and the anticipation of the coming hiking week, the first day ends in a particularly atmospheric way.
Hotel (example): Boutique Hotel Starnberger See
distance
climb
descent
duration
From Lake Starnberg to Lake Ammersee
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
distance
climb
descent
duration
From Dießen to Paterzell
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
distance
climb
descent
duration
From Paterzell to Hohenpeißenberg
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.
After your break on the summit, there are two options to reach your destination, Peiting:
Option 1: Relaxed by train to Peiting
The Hohenpeißenberg train station is located just a few minutes from the summit. A regional train will take you directly to Peiting without any transfers. This short trip is ideal in case of bad weather, fatigue, or if you simply want to end the afternoon in peace.
Option 2: On foot via the Schwarzlaichmoor to Peiting
For those who wish to continue the hike, follow the trails down towards the Schwarzlaichmoor (Schwarzlaich Moor). This quiet natural area is characterized by moorland soil, rare plants, and a unique atmosphere found in few other places. It was here in 1957 that the "Woman of Peiting" was discovered during peat cutting—an exceptionally well-preserved bog body from the late Middle Ages. The discovery site is among the region's most significant archaeological finds, adding a touch of mystery to the landscape.
Hotel (example): Alpenhotel Pfaffenwinkel
distance
climb
descent
duration
From Hohenpeißenberg to Wildsteig
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.
Getting Back to the King Ludwig Way
By train to Hohenpeißenberg
In the morning, take the regional train from Peiting back to Hohenpeißenberg station. The station is located in the town, just a few minutes' walk from the official route. From there, you can rejoin the King Ludwig Way without any detours and start the new stage directly.
On foot from Peiting
If you prefer an active start to your day, you can hike back up from Peiting to reach the summit of Hohenpeißenberg again. You will rejoin the official route there and continue your journey to Wildsteig. This option extends the stage and requires good physical condition, but offers a particularly intense experience of nature.
Through Primal Forests into the Ammer Gorge
Past the town of Hohenpeißenberg, the path descends gently into a forest that has been intentionally left to develop naturally for several years. Fallen trunks remain where they lie, natural clearings emerge, and carpets of ferns spread undisturbed. This wilderness serves as a striking contrast to the open summit landscapes of the previous day and forms an impressive entrance to the gorge.
The path eventually leads into the Ammer Gorge (Ammerschlucht), where the view opens abruptly and the scenery becomes more dramatic. Here, the King Ludwig Way follows the course of the Ammer River via narrow walkways and wooden bridges. The river shimmers in shades of green and turquoise, having shaped rock, sand, and limestone over millennia. A particularly striking feature is the Schnalzhöhlen (Schnalz Caves). These natural rock shelters line the sandstone walls like a gallery—a silent reminder of how powerfully water and time have sculpted this gorge.
At one point, the Ammer gathers powerfully at a weir. The water plunges with noticeable energy through swirling eddies before the river calms again and the path gradually leaves the gorge. The transition back into the open hills is harmonious; step by step, the rushing sound of the river gives way to birdsong and wide vistas.
A Cultural Break in Rottenbuch and on to Wildsteig
After ascending from the gorge, you reach Rottenbuch. The former monastery complex , with its elaborately decorated Baroque church, is one of the most significant ecclesiastical monuments in the Pfaffenwinkel region. The magnificent interior is a rewarding place for a break before continuing your hike.
Beyond Rottenbuch, the terrain opens up once more. The trail leads over grassy hills, past individual farmsteads, and through small wooded areas. Time and again, your gaze will wander across the Alpine foothills, while the Ammergau Mountains to the south slowly draw closer. On the final miles before Wildsteig, you are accompanied by the classic Pfaffenwinkel landscape: wide heathlands, flowery meadows, and occasional moorland patches between the glacial moraines.
Finally, you reach Wildsteig, a quiet and down-to-earth village with traditional houses and cozy inns. Its location, far from the tourist crowds and surrounded by nature, makes Wildsteig the ideal place to end this special day of hiking.
Hotel (example): Landhotel & Gasthof Kirchberger
distance
climb
descent
duration
From Wildsteig to the Wieskirche and on to Lechbruck
From Wildsteig, the King Ludwig Way leads through the gently rolling hills of the Pfaffenwinkel region, gradually drawing closer to the Alps. Open meadows, scattered farmsteads, and small patches of woodland shape the beginning of the hike 🌿. On the horizon, the peaks of the Ammergauer Alps are already coming into view, accompanying you on your way to one of the major highlights of the King Ludwig Way.
Even from afar, the Pilgrimage Church of Wies stands out against the green landscape. The Pilgrimage Church of the Scourged Saviour is one of the most significant Rococo churches in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. The pilgrimage began after tears were allegedly observed on a wooden figure of Christ in 1738. The massive influx of pilgrims eventually led to the construction of today's church, created between 1745 and 1754 by the brothers Dominikus and Johann Baptist Zimmermann.
While the facade appears comparatively understated, an exceptionally bright and magnificently designed space opens up inside ✨. Filigree stucco, vibrant frescoes, gilded ornaments, and the lightness typical of the Rococo style make the Wieskirche a truly unique, comprehensive work of art. You should definitely plan some extra time for the visit.
Behind the Wieskirche, you immerse yourself back into nature. The King Ludwig Way now leads through the protected Wiesfilz, a precious moorland with wet meadows, peat bogs, and unique plant life 🌾. A particularly beautiful section is the "Brettlesweg", where wooden boardwalks guide you through the fragile marsh landscape. The peaceful surroundings and the increasingly closer mountain backdrop form a delightful contrast to the splendid Wieskirche.
Afterward, you reach Steingaden with its former Premonstratensian monastery and historic monastery church. The town looks back on a long monastic tradition and demonstrates once again, in an impressive way, how deeply art, religion, and the cultural landscape have shaped the Pfaffenwinkel.
From Steingaden, the hike continues through the open Alpine foothills. Via quiet paths, meadows, and small hamlets, you finally approach Lechbruck am See. The former rafter village is located directly on the River Lech and Lake Lechsee 🌊. The history of timber rafting has shaped the village for centuries and remains an important part of its identity to this day.
With views of the water and the now much closer Alps, a diverse day of hiking comes to an end—one that beautifully combines culture and nature through the Wieskirche, the Wiesfilz, and the pre-Alpine landscape 💚.
Hotel (example): Pension Hirsch
distance
climb
descent
duration
From Lechbruck to Buching
From Lechbruck am See, the King Ludwig Way continues through the gentle Alpine foothills, bringing you noticeably closer to the Allgäu Alps. At the beginning, the landscape around the River Lech and Lake Lechsee accompanies you before the trail winds once again through wide meadows, small patches of woodland, and typical Bavarian hamlets 🌿. With every kilometer, the mountain backdrop becomes more impressive, and the southern peaks increasingly dominate the panorama.
The hike leads through a peaceful cultural landscape, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains time and again. Along the way, you will eventually reach Lake Forggensee, one of Bavaria's largest lakes 🌊⛰️. The reservoir is fed by the River Lech and provides a particularly charming setting with the Alps towering behind it. The lakeside offers a wonderful opportunity for a break and a bite to eat before you tackle the final section of the day.
Afterward, the King Ludwig Way continues toward Buching. Now, the striking peaks of Säuling and Tegelberg come into clearer view, offering a first taste of the mountain world around Füssen and the royal castles ✨. The gentle hills of the Pfaffenwinkel region gradually transition into the landscape of the Allgäu Alpine edge.
Finally, you reach Buching, idyllically situated at the foot of Mount Buchenberg. To wrap up your hiking day, a ride on the Buchenberg chairlift up the mountain is highly recommended 🚡. At the top, a magnificent panorama opens up over the Alpine foothills, Lake Forggensee, and the surrounding mountains. A stop at the mountain restaurant pairs perfectly with the ascent.
Buching thus forms a particularly beautiful transition between the gentle foothills and the increasingly alpine landscape. If the weather is nice, the day can end in a relaxed way with views of the mountains, before the final stage of the King Ludwig Way to Füssen begins the next morning 💚.
Hotel (example): Hotel Casa Maria
distance
climb
descent
duration
From Buching to Füssen
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
distance
climb
descent
duration
Departure or extension
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.