By Vicky · Published Apr. 29th, 2024
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Check out our list of the best walks along the Romantic Road in Germany, with maps, photos, detailed route descriptions and insider tips. Most of these walks are either directly on the Romantic Road or a few minutes drive away.
List of the Best Walks along the German Romantic Road
These walks along the Romantic Road are ordered from shortest to longest. Click on the links for detailed route information, or continue reading for brief descriptions of each hike.
- Schwansee Lake Walk – 4.5 km, 20 m climb
- Burg Neuhaus Short Walk – 6 km, 140 m climb
- Alpsee Lake Walk – 6.5 km, 120 m climb
- Lechsee Loop Walk – 8.5 km, 30 m climb
- Auerberg Alps Panorama Walk – 9.5 km, 335 m climb
- Ries Crater Hike – 10 km, 180 m climb
- Castles to Füssen Loop Walk – 10.3 km, 310 m climb
- Castle Ruins Walk – 13.5 km, 350 m climb
- Albsteig Stage 1 – 18 km, 310 m climb
- Säuling Peak Hike – 18.5 km, 1420 m climb
- Kenzenhütte Loop Day Walk – 22.5 km, 730 m climb
- Neuschwanstein to Linderhof Hike -26 km, 1775 m climb
1. Schwansee Lake Walk
Walk details: 4.5 km, 20 m climb, easy.
The easy walk around Lake Schwansee is a pleasant stroll from the car park at the nearby castles. From the lake, there are views of the castles, forest, and mountains.
Tips: You can swim in the lake in summer! Read more about the walk or our guide to the Neuschwanstein Castle area.
2. Burg Neuhaus Short Walk
Walk details: 6 km, 140 m climb, easy.
The walk to Burg Neuhaus has some lovely views on a hilly part of the Romantic Road near Bad Mergentheim.
Tips: This section of the Romantic Road is the nicest drive, and although the towns along it are quite small, each has its charm, with Wertheim being the most interesting. Read more about the walk.
3. Alpsee Lake Walk
Walk details: 6.5 km, 120 m climb, easy.
This walk heads from the car parks at the castles around a lovely Alpine Lake. On the walk, you have great views of the castles plus the towering Bavarian peaks above.
Tips: You can swim in the lake in summer, or rent little boats. Read more about the walk.
4. Lechsee Loop Walk
Walk details: 8.5 km, 30 m climb, easy.
The walk around the Lechsee loop has easy trails, fantastic views of the Alps, many waterbirds and plenty of scenic benches.
Tips: Bring binoculars to see the birds, your swimming stuff to take a dip, or hang out at the lakeside Biergarten. Read more.
5. Auerberg Alps Panorama Walk
Walk details: 9.5 km, 335 m climb, easy to moderate.
On this walk not far from the Romantic Road, you head up a small hill with a chapel at the top, from which you can see a fantastic panorama of the Alps. It definitely a hike with amazing views for not too much effort.
Tips: Don’t forget to climb up the church tower at the top for an amazing panorama of the Alps. Read more about the walk.
6. Ries Crater Hike
Walk details: 10 km, 180 m climb, easy to moderate.
This hike is one of the best in the Ries Crater, with several points of interest including geology, Roman ruins, caves and viewpoints.
Tips: The Nördlinger Ries Crater was formed by a meteorite impact roughly 15 million years ago. Head to the Ries Crater Museum in Nördlingen to learn more about it! Read more about the walk.
7. Castles to Füssen Loop Walk
Walk details: 10.3 km, 310 m climb, moderate.
The walk from the Neuschwanstein Castle to Füssen and back is a lovely loop through beautiful forests, into the historic town then up to a great viewpoint and down to walk along an alpine lake.
Tips: You can swim in the lake on this walk, and spend some time walking around Füssen at the far end. Read more about the walk.
8. Castle Ruins Walk
Walk details: 13.5 km, 350 m climb, moderate.
This walk on the edge of the Ries Crater, near Nördlingen, visits two castle ruins, an old battle site and lovely rocky open areas.
Tips: There are no refreshments on this walk, so take all your own food and water. Read more.
9. Albsteig Stage 1
Walk details: 18 km, 310 m climb, moderate.
The Albsteig is a 350 km hiking route through the Schwabische Alps. Stage 1 heads from Donauwörth to Harburg, both delightful towns. You can return via a 12-minute train journey.
Tips: The route ends at magnificent Harburg Castle, where you can spend 1-2 hours looking around. Read more about the walk.
10. Säuling Peak Hike
Walk details: 18.5 km, 1420 m climb, difficult.
The hike up Säuling Peak is well worth the effort, with fantastic views at the top. This route leads over the peak from Germany to Austria, with a short bus back.
Tips: There’s a small bit of easy scrambling near the top, secured by ropes in most places. You can swim near the end of the walk, before taking a 30-minute bus ride (roughly €5, cash only) back to the beginning. Read more about the hike.
11. Kenzenhütte Loop Day Walk
Walk details: 22.5 km, 730 m climb, moderate.
The hike to Kenzenhütte from Halbech near Füssen is a lovely, easy walk mainly along tracks that is possible at any time of year. You’re rewarded by a lovely mountain hut with delicious food at the far end.
Tips: The Kenzenhütte is open from May until mid/end October and serves food and drinks (cash only). You can also stay overnight. Read more about the hike.
12. Neuschwanstein to Linderhof Hike
Walk details: 26 km, 1775 m climb, moderate to difficult.
This is a two-day hike from Neuschwanstein Castle over the mountains to Schloss Linderhof. Stay overnight at Kenzenhütte mountain hut, and arrive at Schloss Linderhof in time to explore the castle before returning via public transport.
Tips: Book the hut in advance (Saturdays in summer can be sold out far in advance). Hiking poles* are recommended for this hike and you need a sheet sleeping bag* for the hut. Read more about the hike.
Guidebooks to explore more of Germany
If you enjoyed the Best Walks along the Romantic Road in Germany, see our Germany Guide for many more hikes.
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