German Alpine Road
Germany
The Deutsche Alpenstraße from Lake Constance to Berchtesgaden, through the Allgäu dairy country, Neuschwanstein Castle above its mountain lake, the Zugspitze (Germany's highest peak at 2,962m), the Bavarian alpine lakes of Walchensee and Chiemsee, and the Eagle's Nest above Berchtesgaden. Germany's most spectacular mountain drive.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Lindau
A medieval island town on Lake Constance, with a Bavarian lion and lighthouse guarding its harbour. Switzerland and Austria are both visible across the Bodensee.
- Oberstdorf
Germany's southernmost town, deep in the Allgäu Alps, surrounded by dairy meadows and peaks topping 2,500m. The Nebelhorn cable car reaches 2,224m above the valley.
- Neuschwanstein
Ludwig II's fantasy Romanesque castle begun in 1869, set above the Alpsee lake. He died mysteriously in 1886 before it was finished; it inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle.
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The German winter-sports capital beneath the Zugspitze (2,962m), host of the 1936 Winter Olympics. The rack railway to Germany's highest summit departs from town.
- Walchensee
A deep turquoise alpine lake at 802m, one of Bavaria's most beautiful, with the Herzogstand (1,731m) rising directly above its northern shore. The water is remarkably clear.
- Chiemsee
Bavaria's largest lake, home to Herrenchiemsee island palace, Ludwig II's unfinished copy of Versailles. The Alps form a full panoramic backdrop on clear days.
- Berchtesgaden
The Eagle's Nest perches at 1,834m above the Nazi Obersalzberg complex; the Konigssee fjord-lake below runs electric-only boats under sheer cliff walls.
Where to Eat
- Restaurant MaximilianBavarian
Traditional Bavarian dishes served in a cozy alpine setting with mountain views.
- Gasthof FraundorferGerman
Authentic German cuisine accompanied by live traditional music in a historic inn.
- Fischer am SeeSeafood
Freshly caught fish specialties enjoyed on a terrace overlooking Lake Walchensee.
- Seehof am ChiemseeInternational
Diverse menu with lakefront dining offering panoramic views of Chiemsee.
Things to Do
- Nebelhornbahn Cable CarScenic Viewpoint
Ride to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the Allgäu Alps.
- Partnach GorgeNature
Walk through a dramatic gorge with waterfalls and towering rock walls.
- Walchensee MuseumMuseum
Explore the history and culture of the Walchensee region in this lakeside museum.
- Herrenchiemsee PalaceHistoric Site
Visit King Ludwig II's opulent palace inspired by Versailles, located on an island in Chiemsee.