Romantik Blog
The German Alpine Road. A journey between lake, forest & peaks.
It is considered the oldest and one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in Europe and it lives up to its promise: the German Alpine Road runs for over 450 kilometres from Lindau on Lake Constance to Berchtesgaden, through beautiful southern Germany, always along the Bavarian Alpine ridge, accompanied by views that will make your heart and camera leap for joy. What makes this route so special? Its variety. Hardly any other route offers such a rapid alternation of landscapes, cultural treasures and regional delights: Glistening lakes, deep green forests and rugged peaks. Five selected Romantik® Hotels are not just stops along the way, but the centrepieces of a journey to yourself.
Discover the route.
Cows, castles & mountain lakes: one road, a thousand impressions.
From gentle alpine meadows around Oberstaufen to the wild rocky massifs of the Allgäu High Alps near Oberstdorf and glistening lakes such as Forggensee, Staffelsee or the legendary Eibsee at the foot of the Zugspitze. And there are always new views of snow-capped peaks, blooming alpine pastures and winding valleys that look like something out of a local film. Only more real.
The German Alpine Road is also a firework of cultural discoveries. Right at the start, the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen is a highlight for romantics and architecture lovers. In Oberammergau, you can feel the centuries-old tradition of the famous Passion Play and the filigree Lüftlmalerei paintings on the house facades. Not far away is the baroque Ettal Monastery, where beer is still brewed today. And deep in the mountains sits the almost mystical Royal House on the Schachen, which Ludwig II had built at an altitude of over 1,800 metres - as a retreat between the Orient and the Alps.
However, the Alpine Road is not only a feast for the eyes and heart, but also for the palate. From Allgäu mountain cheese and fresh buttermilk on the Alps to game dishes in the forests of the Ammergau Alps and tender whitefish and char from Lake Chiemsee: each region lends the journey its very own culinary accent. Sometimes rustic and rustic, sometimes fine and surprising, but always honest and deeply rooted in what nature has to offer.
The start. Lindau & Lake Constance.
The German Alpine Road begins in Lindau on Lake Constance with its southern flair and maritime lightness. Between the medieval old town and cobblestones, art nouveau villas, palm trees on the lakeside promenade and the iconic harbour entrance with lion and lighthouse, a touch of Italy wafts through the Allgäu. This is where lake and mountains, culture and nature meet, perfect for a first cappuccino with a view of the Alps or a gentle boat trip into the blue. Lindau is not a place to pass through, but a place to start full of lightness and joie de vivre. For an overnight stay at the Romantik® Hotel Residenz am See in Meersburg, drive around 50 kilometres along the northern shore of Lake Constance.
Oberstaufen. Alpine wellness & Allgäu way of life.
Between green hills, meadows and the imposing panorama of the Allgäu Alps, Oberstaufen is a place to take a deep breath and blossom. The spa town combines traditional Allgäu culture with a modern way of life. On a hike through the wild and romantic nature reserve around the Hochgrat, a ride on the historic mountain railway, or while lingering in a rustic alpine dairy: here you can feel how closely nature, enjoyment and slowing down are interwoven.Oberstaufen is also known for its Schroth Cure, which has been attracting guests from all over the world for over 70 years to regenerate body and soul. Those who prefer to indulge in culinary delights can enjoy regional specialities such as Allgäu Kässpatzen, fresh hay milk products or a glass of full-bodied mountain herb liqueur on a sun terrace with a view of the vastness. A stay in Oberstaufen is alpine romance with a profound effect between summit happiness and pleasure.
Füssen. Fairytale land with the edge of the Alps.
Between hills and rugged peaks lies Füssen, where Bavaria becomes fairytale-like. The sight of Neuschwanstein Castle, hovering over the landscape as if from the mist of a dream, leaves even frequent travellers in awe. But the old town with its colourful facades, small cafés and the Lech Falls also has charm and history. A short detour to Oberstdorf, only about an hour's drive away, is worthwhile for all those who want to immerse themselves even deeper in the Allgäu. With alpine originality, mountain railways, the adventurous Breitachklamm gorge and real postcard panoramas.
Oberammergau. Art, faith & tradition.
In Oberammergau, every house tells a story: ornately painted façades, carved Madonnas and a place that is deeply rooted in its traditions. For centuries, the world-famous Passion Play has captivated visitors, a spectacle between faith and community. Just a short detour away, Garmisch-Partenkirchen awaits with alpine drama: Germany's highest peaks, clear gorges and a mix of sophisticated spa resort and mountain village perfect for a day trip with a view of the Zugspitze. Or take the cog railway and a cable car ride directly up to the Zugspitze.
Berchtesgarden. Magic of the mountains at the end of the journey.
The crowning finale of the German Alpine Road leads deep into the Berchtesgaden National Park, one of the most impressive high mountain landscapes in Europe. Surrounded by majestic peaks such as the Watzmann, whose striking silhouette towers over the valley like a natural monument, a world of silence, power and awe opens up here. The emerald-green Königssee with its world-famous pilgrimage church of St Bartholomä invites you to take an almost meditative boat trip. The echo of the rock faces, the glistening surface of the water, the scent of mountain herbs in the clear air - Berchtesgaden is a place to remember. The region also has a lot of history to tell: From the Eagle's Nest with its view to the traditional salt history in the salt mine. Culinary delights such as Kaspressknödel dumplings, fresh trout or a cool Helles beer in the beer garden await travellers - authentic, powerful and deeply rooted.
Discover hotels on the German Alpine Road on the map.
Germany
Romantik Hotel
Chalet am Kiental
FAQ Frequently asked Questions & Answers
The German Alpine Road is Germany's oldest holiday road. It runs for around 450 kilometres from Lindau on Lake Constance to Berchtesgaden. It connects beautiful places, majestic Alpine panoramas, traditional cultural treasures and impressive natural experiences.
The route starts in the west in Lindau on Lake Constance and ends in the east in Berchtesgaden near the Austrian border. It leads through picturesque regions such as the Allgäu, Werdenfelser Land, Chiemgau and Berchtesgadener Land.
That depends entirely on your travelling speed! If you are travelling without stops, you can complete the route in around 8-10 hours. However, a multi-day tour with overnight stays is recommended - 5 to 10 days is ideal to enjoy nature, culinary delights and sights in peace.
Some highlights on the route are
- Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen
- Tegernsee & Schliersee
- Wendelstein panoramic road
- Königssee & Jennerbahn railway in Berchtesgaden
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen with the Zugspitze
- Historic old towns such as Bad Tölz, Oberammergau or Reit im Winkl
Absolutely! The route is considered one of the most beautiful motorbike routes in Germany. Many hotels along the road offer special services for bikers - e.g. garages, drying rooms, tool sets or route suggestions.
The entire route is a challenge for cyclists due to the differences in altitude. However, there are many beautiful sections that are ideal for one-day stages, e-bike tours or circular cycle routes, especially in the Allgäu and Chiemgau.
The best time for a tour is from May to October. In spring the alpine meadows are in bloom, in summer mountain lakes and beer gardens beckon and in autumn there are golden colours and clear views. In winter, many sections are passable - with appropriate road conditions - ideal for winter sports fans.
The Alpine Road itself is toll-free. Individual sections - such as private panoramic roads (Wendelstein, Rossfeldstraße) - may charge a small fee. This is usually signposted locally or online.
Yes, the route is marked throughout with the official blue Alpine road sign. For navigation, we also recommend using a digital route planner or the interactive map on the official website.
The weather can change quickly depending on the altitude. The climate is generally mild in the Alps, but sudden showers or drops in temperature in the mountains are always to be expected. Flexible travel planning and weatherproof clothing are recommended.
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