German Alpine Road - The Route of Superlatives

The southern region of Germany, with its quaint mountain villages and stunning landscapes, has always been one of the most popular vacation destinations.

Many visitors explore the area along one of the oldest vacation routes, the German Alpine Road. Spanning over 450 kilometers, it winds along clear lakes, mountainous terrain, and Bavarian spa towns. Highlights of the Alpine tour include Mainau Island, the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, and the Ettal Monastery.

In summer, the vacation route between Lake Constance and Berchtesgaden primarily attracts motorcyclists and cyclists. Tourists are also drawn to the many Bavarian lakes during the warm summer months. Discover with us one of the most beautiful vacation routes in Germany and the highlights of the German Alpine Road.

The idea of creating one of the longest and most varied vacation routes by connecting popular destinations has been around for a long time. Since 1927, the first sections of the famous route have been accessible.

In addition to spectacular panoramic views, there are numerous cultural landmarks along the Alpine Road and opportunities to experience the Bavarian way of life.

More than 25 castles and palaces, 21 mountain lakes, and 64 spa towns await tourists along the Alpine route, as well as a variety of mountain peaks. Churches and monasteries invite visitors to linger, and in the many museums, you can experience Bavarian history up close.

For a journey along the Alpine route, you should plan for several days, or just explore certain sections. Each segment of the German Alpine Road offers fascinating panoramas and noteworthy excursion destinations.

The starting point of the German Alpine Road, and also a popular excursion destination, is the city of Lindau on Lake Constance with Mainau Island.

From here, you can reach the Allgäu, with its charming villages and mountain meadows. A nearly two-kilometer detour leads vacationers to the picturesque forest lake.

The next section, leading travelers to Wertach, is also referred to as 'Paradise' by the locals.

In Oberstaufen, there is a viewpoint of the same name overlooking the landscape. Also worth seeing are the clear Grüntensee and the town of Nesselwang near the Austrian border.

From here, the journey continues towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Along the way, you will encounter one of the highlights of the motorcycle route and one of Germany's most popular attractions, Neuschwanstein Castle.

Commissioned by King Ludwig II, the fairytale castle has attracted visitors since its construction in 1869 - even inspiring Walt Disney with his famous castle.

In Füssen, the German Alpine Road intersects with the Romantic Road, which leads its visitors to some of the most picturesque spots in southern Germany. With 12,000 meters of altitude, Füssen is also the highest city in Bavaria.

After the castle tour, the vacation road first leads past numerous churches and monasteries before transitioning into the Ammergau Alps. For a short break, the Echelsbacher Bridge, which rises 80 meters above the Ammerschlucht, is an ideal stop.

In Oberau, you will have a view of the highest mountain in Germany, the Zugspitze - and other superlatives. After a short hike, you will reach the Kuhflucht Waterfalls, some of the highest waterfalls in Germany.

The endpoint of this varied stage is the popular ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

The landscape of the next section of the German Alpine Road is defined by clear lakes and mountain panoramas. Water sports enthusiasts and beach vacationers will particularly enjoy Lake Walchensee, as it is one of the few untouched lakes in Bavaria.

Also worth a trip are the highly requested Tegernsee and Chiemsee. Variations are provided by detours to the vacation spots of Inzell and the idyllic Nußdorf.

Just a few meters off the vacation route is the Bavarian capital Munich. Anyone who hasn't yet discovered this metropolis should take the opportunity for an active vacation to explore Munich.

In our Top 10 attractions in Munich, you can learn more about the city and popular Munich attractions.

Additionally, Salzburg and Innsbruck are only a few kilometers away from the German Alpine Road. For everyone else, the road trip ends with a view of the impressive mountain backdrop in the Berchtesgaden region.

Few vacation routes are as varied and diverse as the German Alpine Road. For anyone looking to discover Bavaria's most beautiful sides and its Bavarian charm, it is the ideal vacation route. Have you also been inspired to explore southern Germany along the German Alpine Road?