You can make Munich to Lech in about 3.5 hours, but the people who love this drive never do it in one straight shot. At around 165 miles on A95, B179 and S16, it is short enough to start after breakfast and long enough to earn a night somewhere memorable close to the park gates.
Open this route in XCRSNLeaving Munich
Aim to clear Munich before the morning rush, or after it, never in it. Fill the tank on the edge of town where prices usually drop, set the playlist, and settle in for the first 79 miles to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
The headline stop on this route is Zugspitze views. Leave real time for it; it sets the tone for the whole trip.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen sits about 79 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Nearby, Fern Pass is worth the short detour if the day is going well.
St. Anton am Arlberg, the last stretch
St. Anton am Arlberg sits about 152 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Rolling into Lech
The final 13 miles always go faster than you expect. Save a little energy for Flexen Pass into Lech-Zürs; it is a fitting finish.
By the end you will have seen Zugspitze views, Fern Pass and Flexen Pass into Lech-Zürs, and you will understand why this corridor is a classic.
When to go and how to pace it
One night is the sweet spot. St. Anton or Lech, Austria is where most people stay, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Check live gas prices along A95, B179 and S16 before you go; they can swing a lot from one state or county to the next. XCRSN prices every leg for your exact car.
