The Bodensee–Königssee-Radweg travels east from Lindau on Lake Constance to Königssee in the Berchtesgaden region. The route’s own guide, published by Bayerische Fernwege e.V., brings together the Allgäu and Upper Bavaria in a journey shaped by lakes, Alpine foothills and historic towns.
From Lindau through the Allgäu
The journey begins on Lindau’s island, where the historic centre makes an atmospheric introduction to Lake Constance. From the lake, the route heads into the hilly Allgäu foothills. The official itinerary passes the Großer Alpsee and continues through Immenstadt and Sonthofen towards Oy-Mittelberg and Nesselwang.
Füssen brings a change of focus from lakes and villages to royal history. The route continues towards Schwangau, associated with the castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, and the Wieskirche before reaching Wildsteig. Allow room in the itinerary for stops: the attractions are part of the appeal, even when visiting them means spending time away from the saddle.
Lakes and towns across Upper Bavaria
Beyond Wildsteig, the route passes Bad Kohlgrub and the Altenauer Moos and Murnauer Moos nature reserves. Murnau am Staffelsee offers a pedestrian centre and a connection to the art of the Blue Rider movement. The journey continues towards Kochelsee, Benediktbeuern and Bad Tölz, whose historic market street is a natural place to pause.
Tegernsee and Schliersee introduce another sequence of lakes before Bad Feilnbach. After crossing the Inn, the itinerary goes through Neubeuern and towards Aschau im Chiemgau. Bernau provides access to the Chiemsee area; the route guide suggests a boat trip and time on Herreninsel or Fraueninsel as possible additions to a cycling holiday.
The approach to Königssee
The eastern part passes Grassau and Traunstein before heading towards Bad Reichenhall. From there the Berchtesgaden tourism guide describes the route through Bayerisch Gmain and Bischofswiesen to Berchtesgaden. The town’s historic centre and salt mine offer reasons to stop before the final approach.
The route then follows the Königsseer Ache towards its namesake lake. St. Bartholomä is a landmark on Königssee; Berchtesgaden tourism notes that the church is reached by boat, so a visit should be planned separately from the ride.
Planning the ride
Bayerische Fernwege e.V. says the route is signed in both directions and presents nine regional stages that riders can combine or shorten according to their fitness and interests. Its website also links to route information, closures and diversions; check these before setting out rather than assuming every section is open.
The ADFC describes a mixture of paved and water-bound surfaces, with some gravel or sand, and says much of the route is traffic-free. There is nevertheless road riding to consider: the Berchtesgaden tourism guide warns that the shared walking and cycling path ends at Stanggaß and cyclists continue on the St 2097 road towards Berchtesgaden. The route website lists accommodation along the way, including guesthouses, hotels and campsites.