German Alpine Road (or Deutsche Alpenstrasse) is the oldest touring routes in the Germany, traversing the most spectacular scenery of the Bavarian Alps. This picturesque motorcycling route winds its way for some 450 kilometres from Lindau on Lake Constance to Schönau on Lake Königssee.
A multitude of crystal clear lakes, fairytale castles and mountain peaks line the German Alpine Road. Complementing the sights is the Bavarian hospitality that will ensure that you are well fed and rested on your ride (probably a little too much so). If you have a bit of extra time, then the area is renowned for outdoor activities such as rafting, watersports, paragliding, cycling, hiking and climbing.
Planning your Ride on the German Alpine Road
The German Alpine Road is 280 miles (450 km) long from Lindau on Lake Constance to Schönau on Lake Königssee. We would recommend taking 3-4 days for the ride to allow you to enjoy the sights along the way. Motorcycle-friendly accommodation is plentiful along the route, but it can book up over the peak of summer (August-September), so make sure you get in early if travelling
Interesting sights on the route
The ride itself is spectacular, but here are a few stops worth making on the German Alpine Road:
Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze
King Ludwig’s royal castles near Füssen,
Ettal Abbey
Benediktbeuern Abbey
Lake Chiemsee,
UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wieskirche Pilgrimage Church
Berchtesgaden Apline National Park
What is the best time of year to travel the route?
Alps are at their best in early spring or late autumn. No cyclists, no caravans and no tourist rush. We do recommend the ‘late May – June’ and ‘September – early October’, which is when you will find most of the European riders coming to do the route with less traffic. Note: During winter, entire sections of this road are sometimes closed off due to snow.
Other considerations for riding the German Alpine Road
Fuel is not an issue on this route. Some filling stations are also only open during the day, though many of these still offer automated refuelling outside of their business hours with the use of a credit card. Food and accommodation are also plentiful, but will be very busy in July-September.
Photo credit: Pixabay
Photo credit: Pixabay Photo credit: sanfamedia.com / CC BY Photo credit: Mr Hicks46 / CC BY
