Deutsche Alpenstraße

The Deutsche Alpenstraße is Germany’s definitive Alpine road, crossing southern Bavaria from Lindau on Lake Constance to Schönau am Königssee. Over roughly 484 kilometres, it strings together a remarkable succession of mountain roads, alpine lakes, valleys and passes rather than relying on one defining climb. For motorcyclists, that makes it a route of sustained variety, with the scenery and riding constantly evolving from west to east.

The road begins in the foothills near Lindau before climbing into the Allgäu and towards Oberjoch, where the landscape becomes distinctly Alpine. From Füssen onwards, the route continues through the Ammergau Alps towards Oberammergau and Ettal before reaching Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The road repeatedly changes rhythm, alternating flowing bends through open valleys with tighter mountain sections and climbs that demand a more deliberate pace.

Beyond Garmisch, the route continues through the Walchensee and Kochelsee region before reaching Bad Tölz and the eastern Bavarian Alps. The character becomes increasingly mountainous around Schliersee, Bayrischzell and the Sudelfeld area, while the final section towards Reit im Winkl, Berchtesgaden and Königssee delivers some of the most dramatic scenery of the entire crossing. It is the combination of variety, road quality and continuous cornering that makes the route so rewarding.

The Deutsche Alpenstraße is less about conquering a single pass and more about experiencing an entire Alpine region from the saddle. Ride it at a pace that lets the landscape and road rhythm unfold, and Bavaria becomes one long motorcycle road.

Weather can change quickly in the Alps, particularly around the higher sections, and summer weekends can bring heavier traffic, cyclists and tourists. The route passes through many towns, so fuel and services are generally easy to find, although remote sections still require sensible planning. Some sections have seasonal or time-dependent motorcycle restrictions, including the Kesselberg and Tatzelwurm areas, so check current regulations before riding. Allow extra time if you want to stop at the lakes, viewpoints and mountain villages along the way.

The Ride Beyond route begins in Lindau on Lake Constance and heads east through the Allgäu, passing Scheidegg before reaching the mountainous roads around Bad Hindelang and Oberjoch. From there it continues through Wertach and Nesselwang towards Pfronten and Füssen, where the landscape transitions from rolling Alpine foothills to more imposing mountain scenery.

From Füssen, the route heads through Steingaden and Saulgrub before reaching Oberammergau and Ettal. The road then climbs over the Ettaler Sattel towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen, marking one of the first major changes in character on the crossing. From Garmisch, the route continues through Wallgau and the Walchensee region before descending towards Kochel and continuing to Bad Tölz.

The eastern half becomes increasingly varied as the route heads through the Tegernsee and Schliersee regions towards Bayrischzell and the Sudelfeld area. From there it continues through Oberaudorf and the Chiemgau, eventually reaching Reit im Winkl before turning towards the Berchtesgaden Alps. The final kilometres lead through the mountains around Ramsau and Berchtesgaden to Schönau am Königssee.

The strength of the Deutsche Alpenstraße is its continuity: there is no need to wait for one famous section because the character keeps changing throughout the ride. Take the time to ride the complete crossing, and the journey from Bavaria’s western edge to Königssee becomes the real highlight.