Germany's oldest touring route, from Lake Constance past royal palaces and alpine lakes to Berchtesgaden. That is what German Alpine Road promises, and it delivers. At about 280 miles (451 km), it is a drive best taken slowly, over 4–6 days, with time to pull over whenever the view demands it on the way from Lindau to Berchtesgaden.
Open this route in XCRSNSetting out from Lindau
Start early, with a full tank and a loose plan. Lindau is where the road begins, and the first miles set the rhythm for everything that follows.
The first big moment is Neuschwanstein and Linderhof palaces. Give it the time it deserves; it is why many people make this trip at all.
Along the way
The road strings together Füssen, Oberammergau, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Tegernsee. Each one makes a natural break, and Garmisch-Partenkirchen sits close to the middle if you want to split the drive with a night's sleep.
Do not miss Zugspitze summit.
Arriving in Berchtesgaden
Save energy for the final stretch: Lake Königssee boat trip is still ahead.
By the end you will have seen Neuschwanstein and Linderhof palaces, Zugspitze summit and Lake Königssee boat trip, and you will understand why German Alpine Road belongs on any list of great drives.
When to go and how to pace it
The best time to drive it is May–October. Plan on 4–6 days so the drive never feels rushed.
Austrian motorway vignettes are needed if you shortcut through Tyrol.
XCRSN prices fuel for every leg in the local currency, finds stops along the way and books overnights near each town.
