Bernried on Lake Starnberg, with its monastery and onion dome, carefully restored country houses and old lime and oak trees, is an ancient Bavarian town. *Easiest arrival via Munich Airport (appr. 40min train ride between Munich and Bernried).

After a short, scenic train ride to Starnberg, your adventure begins at the gateway to the legendary King Ludwig Way. Follow the trail as it winds through the shaded depths of the Maising Gorge, leading you past postcard-perfect Bavarian villages and welcoming beer gardens. Your destination is the historic Andechs Monastery, where you can reward your efforts with a stein of world-famous monastic brew. From there, trek through the lush Kiental Gorge down to the shores of Lake Ammersee. After reaching the vibrant lakeside town of Herrsching, cap off an incredible day of hiking with a leisurely, relaxing boat ride across the water to charming Dießen.

Leaving the lakeside charm of Dießen behind, you will walk across sun-drenched, rolling meadows, passing a historic castle chapel before disappearing into the deep tranquility of the Stiller Forest. As the hiking trail climbs gently over panoramic hilltops, keep your eyes on the horizon for a breathtaking first glimpse of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak. Your destination is Wessobrunn, a village steeped in history. Here, you can marvel at the "Grey Duke" - a striking historic belfry - and stand in the shade of the ancient Tassilolinde, a legendary, thousand-year-old lime tree. *You will stay in Wessobrunn if there is availability and if your night there doesn't fall on Tuesday & Wednesday (otherwise you will stay in Partzell).

This section of the independent hiking tour is dedicated to the exploration of the Bavarian Alpine foothills with their cozy little villages and the remote moor areas. A short but steep ascent takes you to the Hohen Peissenberg mountain, a wonderful site with a weather station and marvelous panoramic views over the Alps from the Großvenediger all the way into the Allgäu region. Descend from the Hohen Peissenberg and continue walking through forests and across fields all the way to Peiting where your next overnight will be.

After a healthy breakfast, you head to the pristine and romantic Ammer ravine. Cross the river over the numerous footbridges and follow the hiking trail to Rottenbuch with its stunningly beautiful ornate monastery church. Your overnight is in Wildsteig/Bad Bayersoien, where you arrive across hills and meadows with glorious views onto the Alpine mountain range.

You bid Wildsteig farewell and follow the self-guided walking route through idyllic moor regions to Wieskirche (Church in the Meadow), listed as one of Germany’s sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The hiking trail takes you to pass green hilltops, forests and colorful meadows with distant views onto the Allgäu Alps and the King-Ludwig-country on Lake Forggensee. Your overnight is in Buching (the last stage to it you pass by bus).

Your hiking journey along the King Ludwig Way continues through pristine nature reserves, tracing the shores of the peaceful Lake Hegratsried. From here, you can choose your own adventure: follow the gentle, scenic waterside path along Lake Forggensee directly into Füssen, or opt for the dramatic uphill trek along the rushing Pöllatbach stream. This rewarding climb brings you face-to-face with Bavaria's crown jewels: the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and historic Hohenschwangau. After soaking in the royal views, wind past the idyllic Lake Schwansee and conquer the Kalvarienberg panoramic viewpoint before descending into the colorful, historic market town of Füssen.

Organized transfer from Füssen to Bernried available, cost EUR 120 per person (min 2 persons). Booking in advance required.