Driving the German Alpine Road: Deutsche Alpenstrasse.

The oldest touring road in Germany, the origins of the German Alpine Road can be traced back to 1858. Bavarian King Maximillian II travelled much of the route and published a historical log of his journey in 1879. In the 30’s, the German Touring Club began making plans to construct what would become the modern Deutsche Alpenstrasse and one of the most beautiful touring roads in the world.

Photo by: fujipe/Fotolia

For some other fantastic drives, check out our best driving roads in Europe.

What is the German Alpine Road route?

Whilst the full route can be found below, this serves as a rough guide to the German Alpine Road route.

The route starts in Lindau and finishes in Königssee. It passes through Scheidegg, Lindenberg, Bad Hindelang, Oberjoch, Wertach, Nesselwang, Weißbach, Füssen, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Gmund, Oberaudorf, Aschau, Bernau am Chiemsee, Weißbach, and Berchtesgaden.

You can buy the official road map here.

German Alpine Road Trip

Start: Lindau
Finish: Königssee
Distance: 456km officially – but where’s the harm in a diversion or two?

Lindau

Photo by: Jiggsons/Fotolia

Lindau is a town and island on Lake Constance. A popular tourist destination, it’s home to some fantastic gardens and is famous for its gorgeous architecture. Some of the highlights include the harbour lighthouse and Bavarian lion sculpture, the Rathous, and the churches of St Peter and St Stephan.

1. Start in the Chelles-Allee on the island of Lindau and head out of town
2. Follow the signs towards the B31 & A96
3. Follow the B31/B308 and continue towards Lindenberg and follow directions to Sonthofen
4. At Sonthofen, take the B308 towards Bad Hindelang
5. Shortly after Oberjoch continue onto the B310
6. By the village of Wertach, turn right onto the OA8 (later the OAL1) towards Nesselwang
7. Turn right onto the B309 and follow it through Nesselwang to Weißbach
8. In Weißbach, turn left onto the B310 towards Forggensee
9. Take the B16 towards Füssen and then the B17 to Steingaden
10. Follow signs towards Wildsteig
11. Turn right onto the B23 towards Bad Bayersoien and continue to Oberau
12. Turn right onto the B2 and continue to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Photo by: Wolfilser/Fotolia

Famous for skiing and ski jumping, the main summer attractions at Garmisch revolve around the Zugspitze. Germany’s highest mountain becomes a hotbed for hiking during the warmer months but if you don’t feel like walking up it, you can take the mountain railway most of the way before finishing with the cable car.  The Hausbergbahn Gondola is another highlight for tourists as it connects the town with the Kreuzwanklbahn which finishes on the 1.500m high Kreuzwankln. The views are stunning and well worth the trip.

13. Turn right onto the B11 towards Krün and Wallgau
14. After Benediktbeuern, continue with the B11 before joining the B472
15. Follow the B472 to Bad Tölz and turn right onto the B13
16. Follow the B13 to the Sylvenstein Dam
17. Take the B307 through Rottach Egern
18. Turn right onto the St2076 before Gmund on Lake Tegernsee

Gmund

For the nautical minded Lake Tegernsee is home to some fantastic sailing should you wish to hit the water. Otherwise, there’s a huge network of hiking and cycling trails to explore. There are also two 18-hole golf courses in the immediate area if you’re not after anything too strenuous.

Also worth a visit is Tegernsee Abbey. This former Benedictine monastery is now home to an excellent brewery, Braustuberl Tegernsee.

19. In Hausham take the B307 towards Schliersee
20. Turn right onto the RO52 towards Oberaudorf after passing through Bayerischzell
21. Follow the signs to Flintsbach
22. Then turn right onto the St2359 in Weidach
23. Just before Rohrdorf (after Neubeuern) turn right onto the RO26 (becomes RO5) towards Frasdorf
24. Follow the signs to Aschau
25. In Aschau, head towards Bernau am Chiemsee
26. In Bernau am Chiemsee, turn right onto the B305 and drive through Marquartstein
27. In Reit im Winkl remain on the B305 and head through Ruhpolding and Inzell, to Weißbach a.d. Alpenstraße
28. After Weißbach, continue on the B305 towards Schneizlreuth and then onto Berchtesgaden via Ramsau

Berchtesgaden

Photo by: JFL Photography/Fotolia

Championed by Adolf Hitler in the 1920’s, Berchtesgaden is a lovely town in a wonderful setting. The main tourist attraction is The Eagle’s Nest atop the Kehlstein Mountain. Check the opening times before heading over as they can be erratic.

29. Follow the signs to Königssee

Königssee

Photo by: Max.T/Fotolia

Make sure you’ve got your camera because Germany’s highest lake is home to some truly gorgeous scenery. Head out on a cruise of the lake and discover the Echo Wall or take a stroll along the shore to the Malerwinkel, a spectacular view point.

If you’re considering a road trip, why not get a quote for car hire in Germany now?

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