Bavaria’s best-loved tourist route starts in the western Allgäu. From Lindau, with its mediterranean feel, the route takes the Rohrach ascent into the Allgäu peaks. This panoramic tour is popular because of the views of the Allgäu and Vorarlberg mountains. The Scheidegg waterfalls and Lindenberg with its hat museum merit a visit.
The Upper Allgäu tour runs through Oberstaufen, passing Grosser Alpsee lake, as well as Immenstadt, Sonthofen and Bad Hindelang, before following the Oberjoch Pass towards Wertach. The Oberjoch Pass is one of Bavaria's most popular scenic drives. Whether you're in an open-top car or on a motorbike, it offers an exhilarating drive with 105 bends.
There is plenty to delight romantics on this Alpine tour through the eastern Allgäu. Step into the fairytale world of King Ludwig II on a tour of the castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau or visit the Museum of the Bavarian Kings. Three lakes, Weissensee, Hopfensee and Forggensee, also offer romantic picture-book scenery.
The Ammergau Alps Nature Park, Werdenfelser Land and Karwendel mountains – these holiday regions are firm favourites in Bavaria. From the Allgäu, this panoramic tour crosses the Echelsbach bridge to the Zugspitze region. Stop here to explore historical Oberammergau, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Krün and Wallgau, or visit Ettal Abbey and Linderhof Palace.
Bavaria is particularly popular for holidays because of its many lakes. This part of the route runs through the Tölzer Land, beside Lake Walchensee, across Kesselberg Pass (great for motorcyclists) and on to Lake Kochelsee. After Benediktbeuern with its abbey, Bad Heilbrunn, Bad Tölz and Lenggries, the route climbs to the Sylvenstein reservoir.
If you are planning a tour in an open-top car, the section of the route in the Tegernsee and Schliersee region is ideal. Driving through Rottach-Egern, Tegernsee, Schliersee and Bayrischzell you will come across countless restaurants and cafés that provide Bavarian hospitality at its best and regional food and drink of the highest quality.
A richly varied drive through the Chiemsee region. In the Sudelfeld countryside and Tatzelwurm, the road winds through the mountains, offering panoramic views. Near Oberaudorf it descends to the valley floor, passing Nussdorf and Rohrdorf before reaching Lake Chiemsee. A short boat ride takes you to its two main islands, one of which has a palace.
This section of the German Alpine Road runs through the Chiemgau region, via Rottau and Grassau, along the old pipeline that used to transport brine, before continuing to Marquartstein and Unterwössen. For glorious scenery and activities in unspoilt nature, look no further than Reit im Winkl, Ruhpolding and Inzell.
The German Alpine Road comes to an end for cars, motorbikes and motorhomes in the Berchtesgaden region. You are sure to have many memories of its people and places. Recommended excursions include pleasure cruises on Lake Königssee with views of the fabled Mount Watzmann and scenic walks through Weissbach Gorge and Wimbach Gorge.