Historic towns, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage define the Romantic Road. This cycling tour takes you along its southern stretch—from Augsburg to Füssen and back again. You’ll ride through lush meadows, tranquil villages, and sparkling lakes that shimmer in the sunlight from a distance. Whether it’s Lake Ammersee, Lake Riegsee, or Lake Lech—you get to choose your favorite! Cultural treasures and beer await you with the Benedictine monks in Andechs, while art lovers will appreciate the charm of Murnau. Upon reaching Füssen, a visit to King Ludwig’s two fairy-tale castles is an absolute must. Time flies on two wheels, and soon the historic Fugger city comes back into view, inviting you for one final exploration.
Let's start in Augsburg! The Fugger merchant family made the city a centre of trade and enjoyment hundreds of years ago. The architecture around the old town, the Fuggerei, the town hall and much more still hint at the unique past.
Next, the beautiful Wörthsee awaits your visit and afterwards you pass the Andechs Abbey on your way to the artist town of Murnau. From organic farms to a brewery - a stop at the Benedictine monks is always worthwhile. From now on, it's one after the other: the Wieskirche, a rococo jewel with its 36-metre-high tower, and finally Füssen/Schwangau with the breathtaking Neuschwanstein Castle. No wonder the Romantic Road is called that. Via Schongau and Landsberg am Lech, the journey finally returns to Augsburg.
Highlights
- The Fugger city of Augsburg is the third largest city in Bavaria and has a lot to offer: In the centre of the old town you should definitely visit the town hall with the Golden Hall and nearby the Perlachturm, the Weberhaus and the cathedral. The beer garden at the old city wall "Lueginsland" and the Mediterranean-style Damenhof are great places to stop.
- Wonderful swimming opportunities in the lakes: Wörthsee, Ammersee, Staffelsee, Riegsee - the glittering treasures of the journey invite you to swim, relax and of course have fun and action. Rent a pedal boat or, in the case of Lake Wörth, an original Venetian gondola!
- King Ludwig's fairytale castles: Neuschwanstein Castle was built from the remains of two castles in 1869 and is still considered the fairytale castle par excellence. Directly opposite is the equally worthwhile Hohenschwangau Castle - take a look at the royal residences, the castle kitchen and stroll through the castle garden.
- The wild and romantic river Lech: From Vorarlberg through Tyrol and in Bavaria to the Danube - by the way, the Celts called the river “der Steinige” or "the stony one", which can still be traced today at the Schötterbänken. In Landsberg, you have the opportunity to observe the power of the river, which is still used to generate electricity, on the bridges.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Augsburg
- Day 2: From Augsburg to Lake Wörthsee | approx. 39 mi (62 km)
- Day 3: From Lake Wörthsee to Murnau | approx. 38 mi (61 km)
- Day 4: From Murnau to Füssen/ Schwangau | approx. 39 mi (62 km)
- Day 5: From Füssen/ Schwangau to Schongau | approx. 25 mi (41 km)
- Day 6: From Schongau to Landsberg am Lech | approx. 23 mi (37 km)
- Day 7: From Landsberg am Lech – Augsburg | approx. 27 mi (44 km)
- Day 8: Departure or Extension
All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork. In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Augsburg
Augsburg enchants with its historic old town, which you can explore at your leisure after arrival. The legacy of the Fugger merchant family surrounds you—whether in the impressive Renaissance buildings, the richly decorated churches, or the historic administrative offices.
The first stage leads you over lush meadows and through traditional Bavarian villages, heading initially toward Lake Ammersee. Sunny lakeside terraces and shaded beer gardens along the way offer perfect spots to rest. Your day’s destination is the idyllic Lake Wörth, whose shores invite you to relax and take a swim.
Day 3: From Lake Wörthsee to Murnau | approx. 38 mi, moderate
Today, you’ll pedal along the scenic shores of Lake Wörth and Lake Pilsen on your way to Andechs Abbey. This region, known as Pfaffenwinkel, is named for its many churches and monasteries. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages adorned with flowers and soak in peaceful, idyllic landscapes. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the beautiful swimming spots at Lake Ammersee, Lake Riegsee, and Lake Staffel!
Day 4: From Murnau to Füssen/Schwangau | approx. 39 mi, challenging
Beautiful pastures and alpine charm accompany you on the way to Füssen and Schwangau. Along the route, you’ll visit the world-famous Wies Church, a masterpiece of Bavarian Rococo and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once you arrive, the fairy-tale castles of King Ludwig—Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein—are absolute must-sees in your overnight town.
Day 5: From Füssen/Schwangau to Schongau | approx. 25 mi, moderate
Today, you’ll leave Füssen along the Lech Cycle Path, passing the shimmering blue waters of Lake Forggensee. The mountains behind you will gradually fade as you enjoy a rest stop with stunning views at Lake Lech. From there, you’ll continue along the Via Claudia Augusta to reach your destination for the day, Schongau.
Day 6: From Schongau to Landsberg am Lech | approx. 23 mi, moderate
In Schongau, a former Bavarian border fortress, a visit to the city walls is highly recommended. The climb rewards you with stunning views over the Lech Valley. On your way to Landsberg, there’s plenty to see—from the Romanesque vaulted basilica in Altenstadt and the Roman Museum in Epfach to the baroque pilgrimage church in Vilgertshofen.
Day 7: From Landsberg am Lech to Augsburg | approx. 27 mi, moderate
Savor the atmosphere of Landsberg am Lech’s wild and romantic river valley, and take time to visit the Gothic Bayerntor and the historic town hall. On this final stage, you’ll follow the best-preserved section of the Via Claudia Augusta, passing through charming towns like Kaufering, Königsbrunn, and the ducal city of Friedberg. Soon, the Fugger city of Augsburg comes back into view, home to the famous Fuggerei dating back to 1516. The cityscape is shaped by numerous architectural monuments spanning many eras.
Day 8: Departure or extension
- Total Distance: approx. 191 mi (307 km)
- Daily Distance: approx. 23–39 mi (37–62 km)
- Route information: You’ll mainly cycle along dedicated bike paths, with occasional stretches on quiet side roads. At the start of your tour, you’ll encounter some climbs, so a good level of fitness is recommended. The routes are mostly paved, with longer sections on gravel paths.
- This tour is available between 10.04. - 03.10.2027
- Starts every Saturday and Sunday
