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Self-Guided Walking in Bavaria

Germany
1 reviews
Available Departures: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

8 days from

US$1,185

without flights
View Dates & Prices
Walk & Trek
Self-Guided
MODERATE MODERATE

Explore the mountains and castles of the Bavarian alps on foot on this one week holiday

Trip Code: SGBT
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Self-Guided Walking in Bavaria

Highlights
  • Visit the magnificent castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein
  • Enjoy walks through contrasting landscapes of alpine mountains and lowland environments
  • Immerse yourself into the historic town of Fussen at the end of Germany’s Romantic Road
  • Centre-based in a 3* hotel, with the option to upgrade to 4* spa hotel if desired
At a Glance
  • Self-Guided
  • 6 days walking
  • Max altitude 1630m
  • Daily departures available
  • Join In / End in Fussen
Accommodation & Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 7 nights Hotel
Overview

Discover true Bavaria. A land of fairytale castles and breath taking alpine scenery fit for royalty on the border of the majestic Austrian Tirol; full of soaring peaks and glistening lakes. This one week self-guided walking holiday is the perfect balance between sightseeing and walking in spectacular alpine mountains, and with a choice of walks most days you can make your holiday as demanding or relaxing as you choose. You will be based in the historic town of Fussen for the week, allowing you to absorb the culture and enjoy the fantastic alpine hospitality.


Over the week you will have the opportunity to discover the fabled castles built by ‘mad’ King Ludwig II, nestled at the end of Germany’s Romantic Road. Your walks will take you to both the towering palaces of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, and to the ruins of Falkenstein for a spectacular view. You will also visit Pfronten from where your walks will take you amongst the high peaks of Bavaria and through meadows and valleys to sleepy villages. Staying the week in one comfortable 3* hotel base in the heart of Fussen, you have plenty of flexibility to make your holiday your own and take your choice of walks on each day, or perhaps even rest the boots for a day of sightseeing and local exploration.

Is this holiday for you?

This holiday is perfect if you are looking to combine the charm and intrigue of King Ludwig II’s land of fantasy Bavarian castles with some great mountain walking in the Allgau Alps. On average, you will walk around 13km and 4-5 hours each day, with moderate ascents of up to 790m in a day. On most days, you will have the option to extend or to shorten your walk, so you can decide on the level …

This holiday is perfect if you are looking to combine the charm and intrigue of King Ludwig II’s land of fantasy Bavarian castles with some great mountain walking in the Allgau Alps. On average, you will walk around 13km and 4-5 hours each day, with moderate ascents of up to 790m in a day. On most days, you will have the option to extend or to shorten your walk, so you can decide on the level of hiking to suit your preferences. The walks follow forest roads and good mountain paths, with the occasional stony section, and routes are generally marked with directional signs. Having a basic knowledge of map reading and navigation will stand you in good stead on this holiday.

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Why KE?

This unique holiday combines the fairytale castles of Germany’s Romantic Road with the fantastic mountains of the Allgau Alps in just one week. Centre-based and with the option to extend or shorten your walks on most days, you set the pace for your own holiday.

Optional upgrade to 4* spa hotel available.

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Itinerary

Download Trip Notes

Arrive at your hotel in Fussen. Famed for its royal inhabitant King Ludwig II, Fussen sits nestled under the alps at the southern end of the popular Romantic Road route, home to Ludwig's Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. Depending on your time of arrival, you may wish to take a stroll into the old town where life spills into the streets in the summer months with locals enjoying the outdoor cafes. Enjoying this lovely town, it won't take long for you to understand why King Ludwig II choose this beautiful part of Bavaria to build his royal residences.

Accommodation

Hotel
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Your day begins with a short bus transfer to the little village of Hohenschwangau where you can explore 'mad' King Ludwig II of Bavaria's extravagant castles. The castles have featured in many films including musical favourite Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and it is said that Neuschwanstein was the inspiration for both Disney's Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty castles. When you have finished exploring the magnificent castles you have the option to take a walk through the lush meadows to Fussen. Your route will take you across the famous Marienbrucke Bridge with its daring 92m arch above the Pollat Gorge for fantastic views. THE CASTLES: If you would like to incorporate a visit to the castles today we recommend booking your tickets in advance. Hohenschwangau is the oldest of the castles with references to a fortress dating back to the 12th century. The castle as it stands today is based on a redesign by King Ludwig II's father, King Maximilian II, who rebuilt the castle in the 19th century. It was here where Ludwig spent his childhood, with views over Alpensee and the spectacular valley. Dubbed as 'mad' King Ludwig II he was an eccentric character, who was said to have told his governess "I want to remain an eternal mystery to myself and others" and so built a fantasy world around himself. The neighbouring castle of Neuschwanstein was commissioned by King Ludwig II in 1869, but died before his full vision was completed in 1892.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

160 M

Descent

350 M

Time

4 hours

Distance

12 KM
Hide Details

Today provides a lovely walk from Pfronten to Fussen via a spectacular traverse along the Austrian-German border and the tranquil lake of Alatsee. Taking the local bus to Pfronten in the morning, your route begins with an ascent to the ruins of Falkenstein castle, passing Mary's Grotto along the way. The ruins of Falkenstein were set to be King Ludwig II's third fairytale castle before he died; and at a height of 1,268m it would certainly have been another castle with an enviable view. Today, there is hotel built next to the ruins which makes for a lovely spot for a refreshment break before continuing on your way. Accompanied by beautiful views into both Germany and Austria, your route descends along the ridge through forests of pine and spruce to reach the small lake of Alatsee, nestled within the surrounding hills. It is the perfect spot to stop, relax and soak in the beautiful Bavarian landscape. Returning to your hotel base in Fussen, enjoy a hearty meal at a restaurant of your choice before turning in for the night.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

620 M

Descent

650 M

Time

4-5 hours

Distance

13 KM
Hide Details

Your walk today begins from the charming town of Pfronten. This low-level level route takes you through rural agricultural landscapes, peat bogs and typically quaint Bavarian villages. Along the way there is the possibility to visit the ruins of Hohenfreiberg and Eisenberg castles which dominate the landscape, both previously strongholds for the surrounding area. Set upon a huge rock foundation the castles provide a good vantage point to see the surrounding area before returning to Pfronten and enjoying a refreshing beer. You might even like to sample one of the restaurants here in Pfronten before taking the bus back to Fussen to retire for the night.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

270 M

Descent

270 M

Time

4-5 hours

Distance

15 KM
Hide Details

This morning, take the bus to Pfronten from where your walk will commence. You have a beautiful hike in store today, to ascend one of the most well known peaks in the area: the Edelsberg. A steady climb will take you through wooded pastures, along scenic becks and past pretty waterfalls, before gaining the ridge of the Kappelkopfl from where the views start to open up. Another push will take you to the high point today, the summit of Edelsberg at 1630m, from where you can take a breather and drink in the awesome 360 degree panorama as a reward for your efforts. Commencing your descent, you will walk through tranquil forest to reach the charming village of Rofleuten before culminating your day's loop walk back in Pfronten.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

790 M

Descent

790 M

Time

5-6 hours

Distance

15 KM
Hide Details

Tuck into a hearty breakfast before taking the bus from Fussen to the ski resort of Buching, nestled at the base of the Jagdberg massif. Today's walk takes you across the verdant flanks of the mountain range, accompanied by wonderful views over the Lech valley. The Lech is a tributary of the great Danube, flowing through the mountains of the Austrian Tyrol and the Allgau Alps before eventually meeting the Danube. This stunning turquoise waterway is considered to be one of the last wild rivers in central Europe, carving its course naturally through entrancing alpine landscapes. Undulating your way through the lush mountain pastures, you will come across some inviting mountain chalets where you might like to enjoy a refreshing drink and perhaps a snack while basking in the mountainous surrounds, before completing your descent to Hohenschwangau.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

790 M

Descent

770 M

Time

5 hours

Distance

13 KM
Hide Details

After your mountain days the last couple of days, today's walk is a more gentle lowland affair. Your route from Steingaden will take you through landscapes unique to this geographical area, formed in the last ice age where vast blocks of ice created depressions that filled with water when the ice melted. Wetland areas such as this plays host to a wealth of fascinating flora and fauna, such as butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies; and squidgy carpets of sphagnum moss and carnivorous sundews. Wet and healthy peat bogs also trap carbon from the atmosphere, so you can see why this is such an important and valuable environment. The little hamlet of Wies can be found at the mid-point of your walk. Here you can pay a visit to its UNESCO-listed Baroque church, a popular destination over the centuries for pilgrimages from Germany, Austria, Bohemia and even Italy, and home to a fine example of Rococo art and architecture.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

170 M

Descent

170 M

Time

3 hours

Distance

10 KM
Hide Details

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and perhaps take a final stroll around Fussen before making your onward journey.

Meals

B
Hide Details
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The Route
Point Point
Trek

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • All accommodation as described
  • Meals as described in the Meal Plan
  • Self-guided information pack containing your map and route notes
  • Fussen guest card for free local travel
  • Tourist taxes

  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to/from Fussen
  • Visas (if applicable)
  • Some meals as described in the Meal Plan
  • Personal equipment
  • Cable car tickets
  • Entrance fees
  • Any additional activities/excursions indicated as optional

Each self-guided holiday comes with comprehensive route notes and a map or pocket guidebook of the area you are exploring. The route notes contain information about the places you will visit and the local transport you might need, along with the detailed route notes for your daily walks or cycle rides. We even include some tips for the best places to stop for lunch.

You can expect to receive your Self-Guided Pack containing your route notes, a map or guidebook, and all your relevant documents, no later than 3 weeks before your holiday start-date. We will send your documents using a signed-for courier so that you can track your package and know that it is safely on its way to you. For bookings of more than 4 people we will send an additional Self-Guided Pack. If you do not need this additional pack please inform our Sales Team. Your pack will be sent to the lead booker, so please remind them to pack it before setting off.

Should your self-guided trip be part of a longer adventure requiring you to leave home more than three weeks before your holiday start-date, please inform our Sales Team so that we can make alternative delivery arrangements.

Our Self-Guided Holidays are perfect for your next family holiday and are suitable for children of all ages.

Our partner hotels and accommodations are able to provide cots for young children, and some offer family rooms. We can also arrange hire of children’s bikes and tag along bikes for most of our self-guided cycling trips and with trips such as Lake Constance and the Danube offering routes on designated cycle paths you can rest assured in keeping your family safe.

As a parent we trust that you know your own child’s capabilities, so please read the itinerary details to ensure the distances covered each day are suitable for your family. If this is a first time walking holiday for your family, a centre based trip is a fantastic option as it allows you to easily opt out of a days walking if a day of building sand castles, swimming in the pool or visiting museums is calling instead.

Please discuss this further with our sales team who will be happy to assist in picking the best trip for your family.

This trip starts at your hotel in Fussen. All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a land only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. The nearest airport for this trip is Munich Airport with many departures from regional UK airports.

If you are flying into Munich Airport it is possible to take a train or a shuttle bus to Munich Central Train Station from where you can take a train to Fussen. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours. For more information visit www.rome2rio.com

The trip ends in Fussen. If you are flying from Munich Airport you can take the train to Munich Central Train Station followed by the train or shuttle bus to Munich Airport.

This trip is on a bed and breakfast basis to allow you the most flexibility during your holiday.

Water from the taps is perfectly drinkable on this holiday - please use this to fill your personal bottles for your daily activities. We do not encourage the purchase of single-use plastic bottles.

Bavarian cuisine is closely connected to that of its neighbouring countries and built on staple ingredients such as beets and potatoes, crops which thrive in the Bavarian climate. The menu can often be meat heavy with dishes such as schweinshaxe and knodel (roasted pork knuckle with potato dumplings), weisswurst (white veal sausage) popular choices. One of our favourite lunch options is brezn with obatzda (pretzel with Bavarian cheese), it is a local delicacy and yummy too!

Austrian cuisine is symbolic of the former crownlands of the monarchy and its multi-cultural history with Hungarians, Bohemians, Slovaks, Poles, Croatians and immigrants from the Dalmatia, Subcarpathia, Bukovina and Carnola all bringing their favourite recipes with them as they came to Vienna. The best of the best have become fully integrated into the Austrian menu and even crossed the border into Bavaria. Take the Apfelstrudel for example which originally came from Turkey after being adopted by Hungary. Who would have thought this national dish was actually Turkish?

Alpine hospitality is second to none and on this trip, you are sure for a warm welcome in our carefully selected hotel, hand-picked for its fantastic location and character.

We have chosen to use the family run 3* Hotel zum Hechten as your base for this holiday. Centrally located in the old town of Fussen, this traditional hotel is rich in history and offers up-to-date rooms, a hearty breakfast buffet, a well-regarded restaurant, as well as a wellness and spa area (spa access is at additional cost, payable locally), ideal for relaxing at the end of a day's walking.

Rooms are on a double or twin basis, with Austrian style twin beds as is traditional in this area (two beds within one bed frame and separate bedding). Complimentary WiFi is available throughout.

It is possible to arrange additional nights accommodation if you would like to enjoy this magnificent region a little longer. Please speak to one of our sales team for further details.

WHY NOT TREAT YOURSELF TO A HOTEL UPGRADE?
On this trip we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to upgrade your accommodation to the 4* Hotel Sonne in Fussen. Perfect if you are looking to treat yourself for a special occasion, or simply prefer to travel with a little more luxury. This boutique spa hotel located in the heart of Fussen old town boasts a contemporary décor and offers complimentary access to a large Moroccan themed wellness centre, with sauna, steam room and relaxation area, and massage treatments available to book separately. Offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere together with a high standard of service, upgrading your accommodation is a fantastic way to enjoy your holiday in style. Rooms here are also offered on a double or "Austrian twin" basis, with complimentary WiFi available throughout. Please speak with one of our sales team for further details.

Please note that hotels are subject to availability and an alternative of a similar standard may be offered.

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack. Luggage with wheels is useful for this holiday.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

Severe Allergies

Please inform our KE Sales and support team of any severe allergies you may have before travel. We will always do our best to help but we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on our KE trips. We advise that you always carry your own treatment for the allergy with you such as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' if required.  We also recommend that you discuss this with your accommodation on arrival so that they can better assist you.

The advantage of a self-guided walking holiday is that you decide the pace however getting some additional exercise before coming on an active holiday makes a lot of sense. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable your walks will be. You should be comfortable with walking 4 to 6 hours for consecutive days with ascents up to 800m per day.

Bavaria lies in the continental climate zones providing distinct seasons including snowy winters and pleasant, sunny summers perfect for getting outside and adventuring. Between May and September the days are generally sunny and temperatures reach a warming 20-30 degrees.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

  • Hiking boots with good grip soles

  • Functional base layer

  • T-shirts

  • Hat

  • Windproof jacket

  • Fleece / extra layer

  • Long/short hiking trousers

  • Hiking socks

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Waterproof trousers

  • Rucksack (approx. 20 l)

  • Small first aid kit inside your rucksack

  • Sunscreen

  • Water bottle or hydration pack

  • Camera (batteries/memory card)

  • Mobile Phone (ensure your data package covers your destination)

  • Power bank

  • Waterproof phone cover

  • Sun glasses

  • Personal wash kit

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping to avoid the use of plastic bags

  • Tupperware for picnics

  • Walking poles

  • Headtorch & spare batteries

  • Your self-guided route notes

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

Reviews

4 out of 5 from 1 review

hiking, castles, beer and wurst ★★★★

This holiday is for those looking for hiking adventure mixed with small-town German charm. The hiking can be as hard or easy as you like on most days (you can take a cable car as wanted/needed). MAKE SURE you reserve your castle tours as soon as possible when you know you are going on this holiday. And finally, end each day of hiking by enjoying comfortable hospitality and traditional German food.

By Sara from Clark | 08 August 2019

Neuschwanstein, GrosseSchlicke

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By Sara from Clark | 08 August 2019
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Traveller Reviews
4 out of 5 from 2 review
Leave a Review
hiking, castles, beer and wurst
★ ★ ★ ★

This holiday is for those looking for hiking adventure mixed with small-town German charm. The hiking can be as hard or easy as you like on most days (you can take a cable car as wanted/needed). MAKE SURE you reserve your castle tours as soon as possible when you know you are going on this holiday. And finally, end each day of hiking by enjoying comfortable hospitality and traditional German food.

By Sara from Clark | 08 August 2019
Neuschwanstein, GrosseSchlicke

Review Image
Review Image
By Sara from Clark | 08 August 2019
View Dates & Prices

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More Information

Land Only Information

Please note our 'from price' listed is based on 4 persons on double/twin occupancy in 3* hotel accommodation, however we can quote for any number of travellers, including solo travellers, contact our sales team for a quote.

All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. You may even wish to make this holiday part of a bigger adventure or pair it with one of our other holidays. We can arrange additional nights accommodation before or after your self-guided trip, ask our sales team to find out more about this.

Our sales team will also be happy to provide you a quote for scheduled flights or alternatively you may wish to book your own flights with a low cost carrier from your nearest regional airport.

Please DO NOT book your flights before you have received your booking confirmation and your deposit has been taken.

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BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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