German Alpine Road

The German Alpine Road runs roughly 450 to 480 km from Lindau on Lake Constance to Lake Königssee. It links castles, lakes and mountain towns along the edge of the Alps.

Region: Bavaria, Germany
Length: about 450–480 km
Suggested time: 7–9 days, relaxed
Best season: May–September
Start / end: Lindau – Schönau am Königssee

What should you know before visiting German Alpine Road?

No motorway tolls or vignettes expected for a car.

The route is winding and passes through Alpine foothills. Travel guides name May to September as the best time. In winter it is only drivable with suitable winter equipment, which is legally required.
Wild camping outdoors is generally prohibited in Germany without permission, and Bavaria is considered strict. One night in the vehicle to restore fitness to drive is not permission to camp; chairs and awnings are off limits.
Overnight stays are mostly at campsites or farm pitches. Füssen suits as a base for excursions, and a travel site calls Neuschwanstein Castle the most popular stop on the route.

The drive

The route starts in Lindau on Lake Constance and runs via Oberstaufen, Immenstadt and Sonthofen into the Allgäu. Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau lie near Füssen. It continues past Oberammergau to Ettal and Linderhof, to Garmisch-Partenkirchen at the foot of the Zugspitze (2,962 m), and via Bad Tölz to Tegernsee and Schliersee. The goal is Schönau on Königssee, where electric boats run on the lake.

Planning

The route is roughly 450 to 480 km long, depending on the source. Travel guides recommend at least five days, and seven to nine are more relaxed. May to September is considered the best time. Two short sections run through Austria and are reported to be toll-free. Restrictions for motorhomes such as height, weight or through-traffic bans are not mentioned in the sources used. On side roads, check height and width and follow current traffic reports.

Camping

Wild camping in open countryside is generally prohibited in Germany without permission of the owner or authority, and in Bavaria fines threaten in protected areas. According to legal guides, one night in a car park to restore fitness to drive is permitted if you do not camp. Along the route there are campsites, for example at the Forggensee, near Bad Tölz and in Lindau, as well as farm pitches. In holiday periods, ask ahead.

FAQs

How long is the German Alpine Road, and how much time do I need?

The route is roughly 450 to 480 km long, depending on the source. Travel guides name at least five days but recommend seven to nine to visit towns and lakes at a relaxed pace.

Can I drive the route in winter?

A travel site says the route is beautiful year-round but more demanding in winter, and suitable winter equipment is legally required. Check weather and road conditions, and opening times of campsites, beforehand.

May I wild camp along the Alpine Road?

Generally no. Camping in open countryside without permission is prohibited in Germany, and Bavaria is considered strict. One night in the vehicle to recover fitness to drive is different from camping. Campsites are safer.