Hiking on the King-Ludwig-Way | Eurohike Walking Holidays

120
Kilometers

From Starnberg to Füssen

7 stages

Through the Bavarian Alpine foothills

4–6 hours

Average hiking time per day

1.068 Meters

Highest point at Hoher Peißenberg

April to October

Best time to travel

Route & Itinerary

The King-Ludwig-Way spans 120 kilometers from Starnberg on Lake Starnberg to Füssen in the Allgäu. Opened in 1977, the trail largely follows the historic paths that King Ludwig II used during his travels through Upper Bavaria.

The route meanders through the diverse landscapes of the Bavarian Alpine foothills, passing Lake Starnberg, Lake Ammer, and Lake Staffel. Highlights along the way include Andechs Abbey, Wessobrunn Monastery Church, Hoher Peißenberg with its pilgrimage church, and the Wieskirche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trail continues past Lake Forggensee, leading to its final destination in Füssen, near the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle.

The trail is clearly marked with a white sign featuring a blue “K” and the words “König-Ludwig-Weg.” It primarily follows well-maintained hiking paths and forest trails, with a total elevation gain and loss of roughly 1,700 meters

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

All tours on the King-Ludwig-Way

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

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Questions and Answers about hiking the King-Ludwig-Way

Where does the King-Ludwig-Way start?

The King-Ludwig-Way starts at Lake Starnberg in Bavaria and leads across the Alpine foothills in to Füssen in the Allgäu region.

When is the best time to experience the King-Ludwig-Way?

The best time to travel for a hiking tour on the King-Ludwig-Way is from April to October.

Who is hiking on the King-Ludwig-Way suitable for?

The King-Ludwig-Way falls under our category hiking. The route leads over good hiking paths through the beautiful natural landscape of Bavaria. With a good basic level of fitness and stamina, this hiking tour on the King-Ludwig-Way is guaranteed to be a successful active experience.

Our tip: Our hiking holiday King-Ludwig-Way, 8 days, is also wonderfully suitable for hiking with your dog.

How long is the King-Ludwig-Way and how much elevation gain does it include?

The King-Ludwig-Way is 120 kilometers long and covers an elevation gain of approximately 2,000 meters.

How long are the daily stages on the King-Ludwig-Way?

On the daily stages of our hiking holiday on King-Ludwig-Way, you cover between 13 and 21 kilometres of hiking per day.

What types of hotels or accommodations are included on the King-Ludwig-Way?

On our hiking tour along the King-Ludwig-Way you will spend the night in cosy hotels and inns.

How does luggage transfer work with Eurohike?

Your luggage is collected from your accommodation each morning between 8 and 9 a.m. and will be waiting for you at the next hotel in the evening (between 4 and 7 p.m.), allowing you to hike completely relaxed, carrying only light day packs.

The Most Beautiful Places Along the King-Ludwig-Way

Starnberg

Starnberg sits on the western shore of Lake Starnberg and marks the starting point of the King-Ludwig-Way. The town is famous for its long lakeside promenade, charming historic center, and its place in Bavarian history: King Ludwig II spent time here by the lake, which is also famously associated with the mysterious circumstances of his death.

Andechs

Andechs is a renowned pilgrimage site, home to the Benedictine Andechs Abbey perched on a hill above Lake Ammer. The baroque monastery church draws visitors from around the world, as does the famous monastery brewery, which produces regional beers following traditional methods.

Wessobrunn

Wessobrunn is known for the baroque Wessobrunn Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery. The town is defined by its monastery church, adorned with frescoes and stucco work, as well as the historic monastery courtyard, which reflects the long history of the abbey.

Hohenpeißenberg

Hohenpeißenberg is a striking pilgrimage site, crowned by the “Maria Hilf” pilgrimage church atop the mountain of the same name. The town is also known for hosting one of Europe’s oldest meteorological stations and for its sweeping views across the Alpine foothills.

The Wieskirche

The Wieskirche in Steingaden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an exceptional example of Rococo architecture. The church is celebrated for its magnificent frescoes, delicate stucco decorations, and harmonious design, which together create a true work of art.

Füssen & Neuschwanstein Castle

Füssen lies at the southern end of the King-Ludwig-Way and is known for its historic old town, filled with medieval buildings. Just a few kilometers away stands Neuschwanstein Castle, built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II and today regarded as an iconic symbol of Bavarian Romanticism.

The Most Beautiful Stages on the King-Ludwig-Way

Bernried on Lake Starnberg – Dießen on Lake Ammer

21 Kilometers | ↗ 250 Meters | ↘ 150 Meters

Set off from Starnberg through the picturesque Maisinger Gorge. Pass quaint villages with inviting beer gardens before reaching Andechs Abbey and its famous brewery. From there, continue through the scenic Kiental Valley to Lake Ammer in Herrsching, and cap off the stage with a leisurely boat ride to Dießen.

Dießen on Lake Ammer – Wessobrunn/Paterzell

↔ 13 Kilometers | ↗ 300 Meters | ↘ 150 Meters

From Dießen, meandering trails lead across lush meadows and past the charming Burgkapelle into the serene Stiller Forest. Over gentle hilltops, you reach Wessobrunn, where the historic bell tower and the Tassilo Linden await. In the distance, the majestic Zugspitze completes a breathtaking panorama.

Wessobrunn/Paterzell – Peiting

↔ 18 Kilometers | ↗ 500 Meters | ↘ 450 Meters

Journey through the rolling Bavarian Alpine foothills, weaving past picturesque villages and peaceful moorlands. A climb up Hoher Peißenberg rewards you with sweeping Alpine views and the historic weather station. Then descend to Hohenpeißenberg and hop on a short train ride to Peiting.

Peiting – Wildsteig/Bad Bayersoien

↔ 14 Kilometers | ↗ 400 Meters | ↘ 250 Meters

Follow the trail through the dramatic Ammer Gorge, with footbridges and boardwalks making the route easy to navigate. Pause in Rottenbuch to admire the magnificent monastery church, then continue across rolling meadows with stunning Alpine vistas until you reach Bad Bayersoien.

Bad Bayersoien/Wildsteig – Buching

↔ 11 Kilometers | ↗ 150 Meters | ↘ 250 Meters

Walk through forests and moorlands to the Wieskirche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue along the Brettlesweg, passing blooming meadows, to reach the Welfenmünster in Steingaden, then take the bus to Buching.

Buching – Füssen

↔ 17 Kilometers | ↗ 300 Meters | ↘ 300 Meters

The final stage leads you through protected nature reserves by Lake Hegratsried and along the Pöllatbach stream to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles. Pass the Swan Lake and climb Calvary Hill to arrive in the historic, storybook old town of Füssen.

Why choose to Hike the King-Ludwig-Way?

Royal Footsteps

of Ludwig II, Otto Friedrich Wilhelm of Bavaria.

Majestic Finale

with views of the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle.

Castles & Abbeys

like Andechs Abbey, Wessobrunn Monastery, and the Wieskirche.

Alpine Panorama

the Alpine foothills, Lake Ammer, Lake Staffel, and the Zugspitze.

Bavarian Tradition

Regional inns, beer gardens, and specialties such as cheese and beer.

Travel Stories of the King-Ludwig-Way

Hikers Alpine pasture hiking in the Salzkammergut Genneralm

September 27, 2024

Fall into Color: Enchanting Hiking Adventures Await

Do you delight in the sight of vibrant leaves dancing down from the trees, the crispness of the air, and the moist earth beneath your feet? Autumn brings the perfect conditions for hiking: no thunderstorms and stable weather. In the morning mist, a magical atmosphere emerges as golden rays of sunlight pierce through the fog. As the day unfolds, temperatures rise swiftly, and the lakes begin to steam, their waters warmer than the chilly air. Immerse yourself in our hiking tours and savor the season with all your senses! In the Alps, deciduous trees explode into a symphony of colors, while conifers stand proud and green, weaving a breathtaking tapestry that transforms the slopes into intricate mosaics from afar. Can you spot where each tree stands? The maples and larches don their brilliant yellow robes, inviting you to explore the wonders of autumn. By the way: Just a few days ago, we experienced the autumn equinox. Fall is definitely in the air!

King-Ludwig-Way: Your Benefits with Eurohike

Perfectly organized hiking tours

In Eurohike hiking vacations, you enjoy that extra level of service and comfort. From start to finish, our Eurohike travel specialists plan and organize your active vacation, giving you even more time to enjoy your active getaway. During your hiking tour, you can focus worry-free on what truly matters: the joy of hiking with your loved ones.

Comprehensive guidance from our travel specialists

Our experienced travel specialists are available to assist you at any time, both during the selection of your tour and throughout the booking process. Your wishes and concerns are our top priority, ensuring that your journey becomes the most beautiful time of the year.

Well-prepared travel information and route descriptions

All guests receive a comprehensive information package with detailed walking maps and travel documents including tips and information on culture, cuisine, country and people - tailored to the respective region and requirements of the individual walking tour. Every year, we review the route meticulously, and continually develop new variations that provide even more insights into the land and culture.

Accommodations with feel-good factor

After a wonderful day of cycling, you will be welcomed in our carefully selected accommodations in the evening. We choose our accommodations with care and consideration, always with a focus on their special orientation towards active vacationers and opportunities for evening relaxation. You'll experience that extra level of comfort on our charming hiking tours, where you can enjoy even more feel-good facilities and an added touch of indulgence.

Hiking without luggage

With us, you'll enjoy the most comfortable form of active vacation. Eurohike transports your luggage to the next accommodation every day. Leave the hotel in the morning with ease, and by evening, your bags will already be waiting at the next lodging. Experience a completely carefree hiking adventure across Europe with our luggage transfer!

Personal on-site support

Our Eurohike original tours are characterized above all by the personal touch for which we have been known for many years. For our original tours, you will be personally welcomed by our team members at the arrival destination. In an informational meeting, all details about the tour and the itinerary will be explained. Our on-site team is also available for tips and recommendations.

Exploring the most beautiful routes with our on Tour-App

We invest a lot of time and effort in crafting our routes and meticulously review them regularly. Thanks to the Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour app, navigating the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe becomes child's play, ensuring you don't miss any of the highlights along the way.

Travelife-Certification

We are certified as a sustainable tour operator! Our green actions have been officially confirmed by Travelife - an international certification programme for sustainability management in the travel industry. We had to fulfil over 260 criteria in various areas: from environmental protection and energy-saving measures to emissions management and consumer protection.