Romantic Road and Bavarian Lakes

This loop tour follows the southern stretch of Germany's Romantic Road from Augsburg to Füssen and back, taking in Bavaria's lakes and King Ludwig's fairytale castles along the way. From the historic Fugger city of Augsburg, riders head to Lake Wörthsee, then on through the Pfaffenwinkel region past Andechs Abbey to the artists' town of Murnau, passing the shores of lakes Ammersee, Riegsee and Staffelsee.

The route continues to the UNESCO-listed Wieskirche before reaching Füssen and Schwangau, home to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. Riders then follow the Lech Cycle Path and part of the old Roman Via Claudia Augusta back through Schongau and Landsberg am Lech, returning to Augsburg via Kaufering, Königsbrunn and Friedberg.

Riding starts with some climbing before flattening out. This is a self-guided tour, with luggage transfer and digital route documents provided throughout.

Highlights:

• Explore Augsburg's Fugger-era old town, including the town hall's Golden Hall and the Fuggerei
• Swim or relax at Bavarian lakes including Wörthsee, Ammersee, Riegsee and Staffelsee
• Visit Andechs Abbey and the UNESCO-listed Wieskirche in the Pfaffenwinkel region
• Take in King Ludwig's Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles at Füssen/Schwangau
• Ride sections of the old Roman Via Claudia Augusta and the Lech Cycle Path
• Finish back in Augsburg, exploring the historic Bayerntor and town hall in Landsberg am Lech en route

Surface and terrain:
Mostly dedicated bike paths, with quiet side roads and longer gravel sections. Some climbing at the start of the tour, flattening out afterwards. Daily distances 37-62 km; average ascent approx. 380 m/day over 6 cycling days.

Suitable for:
Riders with a good level of fitness for the climbing on the opening stages, comfortable with daily distances of 37-62 km and some gravel sections. Rated "Challenging" by Eurobike.