Stops You’ll Love Along the German Alpine Road

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What is the Deutsche Alpenstrasse?

This road is a 450-kilometre scenic route stretching across southern Germany, connecting Lake Königssee in the east to Lake Constance in the west. It’s the oldest holiday route in the country.

While the drive can technically be completed in a day, I suggest allowing 4–5 days or more to see as much as you can.

You’ll be treated to some of the most stunning views of the German Alps you can imagine. The Deutsche Alpenstrasse route winds its way through and over high mountain passes along the Austrian border giving you the chance to explore charming Bavarian villages, historic castles, and sparkling lakes too.

Timing your trip is key. I visited in springtime and it was ideal for blooming wildflowers and bright greenery, summer offers long daylight hours for exploring, autumn brings vibrant fall colours but can be rainy, and winter turns the landscape into a snowy wonderland. Keep in mind that some parts of the road may be icy in winter.

Highlights of the German Alpine Road

For our itinerary, I chose three home bases: the starting point, a halfway stop, and our final destination. This approach gave our journey a relaxed and unhurried pace, allowing us to truly soak in each location. Each of these bases offered its own unique charm and character, making the experience all the more memorable.

Starting Point: Berchtesgaden

I chose to stay in Ruhpolding, a charming village near Berchtesgaden National Park, Lake Chiemsee, and Salzburg, Austria. Sports enthusiasts might recognize its name—Ruhpolding has hosted the World Biathlon Championships four times. Nestled in the German Alps, its beauty is indescribable.

This starting point is easily accessible from Munich, it’s about 155 kilometres (around two hours). As you head south from Munich, the scenery transforms. The city fades into the serene Bavarian countryside, where rolling hills give way to majestic mountains, and the air feels refreshingly crisp and cool.

I stayed in a 1-bedroom traditional alpine chalet with a private balcony and mountain view (see above photo). The hosts couldn’t be any more welcoming, leaving me fresh eggs in the morning and chocolates at night. I highly recommend staying here.

Recommended Places to Visit

Berchtesgaden National Park

A visit to Berchtesgaden National Park is an absolute must. Spanning 210 square kilometres, it has some of the region’s most stunning natural landscapes.

Hikers will find plenty of trails to explore, but the park’s beauty is accessible to everyone. The highlight is Königssee, an emerald-green lake surrounded by dramatic alpine peaks. Accessible only by electric ferry, the serene boat ride makes two stops: St. Bartholomew’s Church, a picturesque landmark, and Salet.

Berchtesgaden Old Town

The charming town of Berchtesgaden is found beneath the towering Watzmann mountains and is brimming with old-world charm.

Berchtesgaden features landmarks like the Old Salt Works and the Royal Palace and the town square is perfect for soaking up the atmosphere while enjoying hearty Bavarian cuisine. I dined at Gasthof Neuhaus, a cozy spot near the market square, where traditional dishes like schnitzel and sausages are a must-try.

Bad Reichenhall

Bad Reichenhall is a charming spa town that I fell in love with. Known for its salt production and rejuvenating spa treatments, I spent a relaxing afternoon here but wish it was longer. This is a true gem.

Walk along the main street, lined with historic buildings and quaint shops. Grab an ice cream and visit the nearby beautiful gardens.

Inzell

We made a quick stop in Inzell, a charming town famous for outdoor activities. In winter, it’s a hub for downhill skiing and ice rinks in the surrounding mountains, while summer brings hiking, cycling, and swimming in crystal-clear lakes.

We grabbed a small bite at a cafe in the historic town square and took a peek inside the beautiful St. Michael’s Church.

Salzburg

Why not visit Salzburg, Austria’s charming city of music and culture for the day?

Just a 40-minute drive from Berchtesgaden, Salzburg is a cultural gem full of landmarks like the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg Cathedral, and Mirabell Palace and Gardens.

Mid-Way Point: German Alps in Garmisch Partnerkirchen

Heading west from Berchtesgaden toward Garmisch Partnerkirchen is one of the most memorable stretches of the German Alpine Road.

The journey takes you through winding roads surrounded by some of Germany’s most incredible landscapes. Along this section, you’ll cross three spectacular mountain passes, offering panoramic views of the Griessneralm, Wochenbrunneralm, and Kitzbühlerhorn.

The route also passes through picturesque towns like Reit im Winkl and Bad Tölz, each with its own unique charm and worth a quick stop to explore.

As you near Garmisch, the scenery becomes even more dramatic, with towering peaks and distant glaciers coming into view. Garmisch marks the midpoint of the Alpine Road and our second home base.

The travel time from Berchtesgaden to Garmisch is about 2.5 hours and is almost 200 km in distance.

Recommended Places to Visit

Garmisch Partenkirchen

Historically, Garmisch and Partenkirchen were two separate towns, now merged into one, though you can still spot subtle differences as you explore them both.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a larger town with plenty of amenities, including accommodations, restaurants, and shops. That said, the real charm lies in the Old Town. I recommend wandering the cobblestone streets, admiring the traditional Bavarian architecture.

Take time to browse the quaint shops filled with local handicrafts. I picked up some lovely wooden Christmas ornaments here that now decorate my tree each year. For a meal, stop by an old-world tavern to enjoy hearty Bavarian dishes or indulge in the afternoon tradition of kaffee und kuchen (coffee and cake) at one of the cozy cafés.

In Garmisch, explore Frühlingsstraße and the pedestrian-friendly stretch from Marienplatz to Richard-Strauss-Platz. In Partenkirchen, don’t miss Ludwigstraße, where murals (Lüftlmalereien) tell the stories of past inhabitants.

Zugspitze

Ah, Zugspitze, the crown jewel of the Bavarian Alps! Rising to an impressive 2,962 meters, it’s the highest peak in Germany and an absolute must-see.

Reaching the summit is an adventure, and the reward is nothing short of breathtaking—panoramic views of endless mountain ranges, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and postcard-perfect valleys. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring glaciers that add to the magic.

One of my favourite moments was sitting at the outdoor restaurant at the peak, beer in hand, soaking in the incredible view. It’s an experience I’ll never forget!

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a delightful city that completely surprised me (for the good!).

Its streets are lined with colourful buildings and cozy cafés, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. From the iconic Golden Roof to the grand Imperial Palace, Innsbruck is filled with historic landmarks that transport you to another time.

The Old Town may be compact, but it overflows with charm, making it the perfect spot to wander and soak up the unique vibe of this Alpine gem.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the options are endless—skiing, hiking, or simply taking in the stunning Alpine views. There’s truly something for everyone here as you will find out in my one day Innsbruck itinerary.

Mittenwald

Mittenwald, often called the “Village of a Thousand Violins,” is a typical town known for its long history of violin making and stunning Alpine landscape as its backdrop.

Walk through the charming streets to admire beautifully painted houses and if you’re a music fan visit the Geigenbaumuseum to learn about the town’s musical heritage.

Take a walk along the Isar River or ride the Karwendelbahn cable car for views of the surrounding peaks. For a cozy break, stop at Café Obermarkt in the heart of town, where you can enjoy delicious coffee and cake with a view of Mittenwald’s historic square.

Oberammergau

Oberammergau is a charming Bavarian town known for its woodcarving traditions and the world-famous Passion Play, held every decade.

It won’t take you long to visit here, but be sure to wander through its streets, as there are some amazing Lüftlmalerei—painted murals depicting biblical scenes and local folklore.

Don’t miss a visit to Pilatushaus, where you can see artisans at work and browse unique handmade crafts, that’s where I picked up more Christmas wooden ornaments that adorn my tree every year.

If you have time, take a short hike to the nearby Ettal Abbey, a stunning Benedictine monastery nestled in the mountains.

Ending Point: Leaving Germany Alps to Lake Constance

Leaving the Bavarian Alps behind, my road trip continued west and brought me to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. Having visited before, this time it was a quick drive-by to admire its fairytale Disney-inspired silhouette perched high above the valley.

Nearby Füssen, with its cobbled streets and charming atmosphere, made for a delightful brief stop. I will want to return here and spend a bit more time.

As I left Füssen, the dramatic peaks of the Alps faded into rolling hills and green valleys, and I was struck by the dramatic shift in the landscape. The air grew warmer and carried a hint of sea breezes, while vineyards and orchards began to dot the countryside.

Approaching Lake Constance, the scenery transformed again—colourful harbors, and a sunny, laid-back vibe made it feel like a different world entirely.

Finally, I reached the perfect holiday spot of Lake Constance, a inviting end to my incredible road trip in Germany. I stayed, and higly recommend, in Konstanz (or Constance) at the RIVA boutique hotel. This luxury waterfront property offers 5-star dining, spa and wellness and a gorgeous rooftop pool. 

Final Thoughts

Hopefully my trip of a lifetime has inspired your next trip to Germany. I loved it so much, I’ve considered doing it again.

Before you go, I’ve got another exciting German road trip that led me to nine incredible places that are UNESCO-listed destinations starting and ending in Berlin. This was created when I lived in Berlin for three months, but have adapted it as a great 10 to 14-day trip. Be sure to check it out too!