Relax on foot or by bike in the great outdoors and still have time for special sightseeing and cultural excursions. Detached from altitude meters and summit experiences. Pilgrimage and meditation trails are becoming more and more popular every year. Slowing down the pace, being mindful on the road and having time for beautiful things along the way without pressure. Cycle tours, which are specifically chosen at a moderate pace, can also be easily combined with sightseeing along the way. Art and culture enthusiasts in particular benefit from this. These three suggestions with the most beautiful historical buildings from the Ammergau Alps to Königssee invite you to discover and explore.
Royal bike tour: Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau
The name says it all on the 220-kilometre route: magnificent buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries await, for example the two royal castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. They are picturesquely enthroned against the backdrop of the Ammer Mountains. Probably the most famous castle with millions of visitors every year is Neuschwanstein with its Marienbrücke, built for King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the neo-Romanesque style. The castle was architecturally modeled on medieval knights’ castles, which can also be seen in the throne room, bedroom and singers’ hall. Incidentally, there used to be 200 different interior rooms — but only around 15 rooms and halls were completed and furnished. And another interesting detail: this year, a decision is likely to be made on the UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Hohenschwangau Castle is almost as popular with visitors, Crown Prince Max had it rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in 1837. The castle served as a summer residence for the royal family and was the nursery of their two sons, the later kings Ludwig II and Otto. The main building now houses a museum and the interior from the Biedermeier period has been preserved unchanged. Another tip is the climatic spa and pilgrimage site of Maria Rain and the Holy Cross Church, which is reached on the last day.
Unesco World Heritage Site Wieskirche, Ettal Monastery & Ludwig’s favorite hunting lodge
The rococo style of the Wieskirche dating from 1754 invites you to visit it right at the start of the long-distance hike. It is one of the most famous in the world and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The figure of the suffering Christ, the Scourged Savior, can be seen in the middle of the pilgrimage church to the Scourged Savior on the Wies.
The Ammergau Alps Meditation Trail has a total of 15 varied stops — world-famous buildings, secluded chapels and unique natural monuments. The famous Benedictine monastery of Ettal is also part of this journey.
The crowning glory of the hiking tour is the park of Linderhof Palace — the world-famous hunting lodge of King Ludwig II, built in the Neo-Rococo style. It is considered to be the fairytale king’s favorite castle, where he spent the most time by far. It is the smallest of Ludwig II’s three palaces and the only one that was completed during his lifetime. Incidentally, it can be visited by appointment. The park is also worth a stroll — in addition to exotic buildings, there is also a Moorish kiosk and a Venus grotto…
Wild and romantic: St. Bartholomä am Königssee
Known as the landmark of Königssee and extremely popular with international photographers, this small church with its striking red domed roof and different shapes is a must-see. Picturesquely situated in the heart of the national park on the small Hirschau peninsula on the western shore in front of the imposing Watzmann east face, there is another special feature. St. Bartholomä can only be reached on foot in summer via a challenging alpine mountain hike lasting several hours. But don’t worry — a visit to the Roman Catholic pilgrimage church is possible all year round from Schönau by electric boat and is a truly unique experience thanks to the fjord-like lake location in the middle of the Berchtesgaden Alps. We also recommend a visit to the former hunting lodge (now Bartholomä Wirt) — since 1912, visitors, hikers and pilgrims have been served regional delicacies under old chestnut trees and in the historic dining rooms. Not only a cultural, but also a real culinary treat at the end for everyone on the cycle tour from Lake Constance to Königssee.