The magnificent Maximilian Trail takes you on a full traverse of the Bavarian Alps, stretching from Lindau all the way to Berchtesgaden. Along the way, you pass famous peaks and alpine ridges, mysterious moorlands, mountain-framed lakes, picturesque villages, and world-renowned castles.
The route is named after King Maximilian II of Bavaria, who traveled this path in 1858 from Lindau to Berchtesgaden. However, he did not cover the journey on foot - he mainly traveled by carriage and horseback, occasionally ascending a summit during his trip. Even today, the landscapes and sights along the trail can still be described as truly regal: dramatic gorges, sweeping mountain panoramas, and opulent castles such as Neuschwanstein and Linderhof create a distinctly royal atmosphere.
Although the trail runs along the northern edge of the Alps - meaning it stays at relatively moderate elevations - it still follows alpine terrain. Some sections are rocky and occasionally exposed. The paths are generally well maintained and, where necessary, secured with fixed ropes. Sure-footedness, a head for heights, and prior experience in mountain hiking are essential for this long-distance trek.
Accommodation options range from mountain huts to valley towns, where you can enjoy more comfort and restock supplies. The route is only suitable during the warmer months, when higher elevations are mostly free of snow and mountain huts are open. With a sun hat and trekking poles instead of a crown and scepter, this journey - ending at the Königssee - still feels like a truly majestic adventure.
