The German Alpine Road
The German Alpine Road is one of the most spectacular scenic routes in Germany. It runs from Lake Constance to Lake Königssee, connecting about 450 kilometers of Bavarian hospitality with alpine scenery and cultural highlights. For convertible drivers, it is an invitation to enjoy: winding mountain roads, panoramic routes with wide views, and picturesque towns alternate in perfect rhythm.
Whether you are traveling in a convertible or a roadster – this tour is made for a multi-day convertible trip. The route is ideally suited for a pleasurable road trip with plenty of time for spontaneous stops, culinary experiences, and short hikes.
Route Overview: Three Stages through Southern Bavaria
For relaxed planning, the German Alpine Road can be divided into three meaningful stages. Each of them offers a balanced combination of driving fun, sights, and enjoyment. We focus on three to four of the most popular places that provide you with a particularly intense impression of the region.
First Stage: From Lindau to Füssen
The starting point of the tour is Lindau on Lake Constance. The old town is charmingly located on an island and is known for its harbor with a lighthouse and lion statue. The southern flair and the view over the lake with the backdrop of the Alps make the beginning of this convertible route particularly impressive.
From there, it goes over the hilly Allgäu to Oberstaufen. The well-known spa town offers both wellness and alpine activities and is surrounded by small passes where driving a convertible is a real joy. The roads are varied, the landscape open and wide – perfect conditions for relaxed cruising.
The goal of the first stage is Füssen, a charming town with a medieval center and direct access to Forggensee. Just a few kilometers away is Neuschwanstein Castle, probably the most famous castle in Germany. The drive to the castle, passing by meadows and lakes, is a highlight of any convertible journey.
Second Stage: From Füssen to Bad Tölz
The second stage starts with a true classic: Oberammergau. The town is known for its Lüftl murals, the Passion Play, and traditional woodcarving. The roads in and around Oberammergau wind through wooded valleys and regularly offer wide views of the Alpine world.
Not far away is Garmisch-Partenkirchen. As a winter sports center with the Zugspitze right at the doorstep, the town also offers numerous opportunities for relaxation in the summer. Particularly attractive is the road over Grainau towards Mittenwald – a dream for convertible travelers who love curves and scenery alike.
Finally, the route leads to Bad Tölz, a charming spa town on the Isar River with a Baroque old town. A leisurely walk along the market street in the late afternoon is particularly recommended when the light becomes warm and the mountain backdrop is bathed in soft gold.
Third Stage: From Bad Tölz to Lake Königssee
The last stage begins at Lake Tegernsee, one of the most famous lakes in Bavaria. Here, nature, upscale cuisine, and Bavarian coziness come together in a small space. Whether for a coffee break in Rottach-Egern or a circumnavigation of the lake – Tegernsee invites you to linger.
After that, it continues to the picture-book village of Reit im Winkl. The town is idyllically situated among meadows, forests, and mountains. The roads there are varied and quiet, ideal for relaxed convertible driving with the top down. The Alps are close at hand, and the stillness is impressive.
At the end of the tour, Berchtesgaden awaits with its famous neighbor, Lake Königssee. In Schönau am Königssee, the journey ends with a unique natural experience. The steep walls of the Watzmann massif are reflected in the deep green water – a fitting conclusion to an incomparable convertible tour.
Tips for Your Convertible Tour Along the German Alpine Road
Plan for a total of at least three to four days to really enjoy the region. Those with more time can incorporate additional detours or explore individual places more intensively. Many communities have charming hotels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals – especially in the off-season, spontaneous bookings are usually possible.
The weather in the Alps can change quickly. A light jacket, sunblock, and a rain cover should always be in your luggage. A camera is also worth bringing, as the motifs along the German Alpine Road are numerous and often unexpectedly picturesque.
Avoid peak times on popular sections, especially on weekends. Those who start early or travel in quieter months enjoy the best conditions. And don’t forget: It’s better to stop more often, get out, and enjoy - because that’s exactly what a convertible trip is for.
In the Convertible on the German Alpine Road
The German Alpine Road offers everything that makes for an unforgettable convertible route: grand landscapes, cultural treasures, and consistently high levels of driving pleasure. Those traveling in a convertible or roadster will be rewarded with lasting impressions along this route. Whether at Lake Constance, in the Allgäu, or at Lake Königssee – each stage has its own character and makes this convertible road trip an experience worth repeating.
