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Arrival and first glimpse of the castles
The drive is just a bit longer than your usual daily stretch, but it's a one-off travel day that's easily manageable with a few stops.
The afternoon at the Alpsee is deliberately kept relaxed, so you can arrive without rushing.
This is where your journey starts. From Nürnberg you'll head south on the A7 towards the Allgäu.
The crystal-clear Alpsee lies right below the two royal castles and is the perfect spot to settle in. A flat lakeside circuit of around an hour takes you along the water, and on hot days you can swim at designated spots. A calm start before the crowds of the coming days.
A peacefully located holiday flat in Schwangau, just a few minutes from the royal castles and a great base for your first three nights. From here you can reach Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau and the Wieskirche without long drives.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau
Time the two castle tours so there's enough buffer between the slots for the walk in between.
A lunch break by the Alpsee makes a good pause between the two tours.
The yellow-painted Schloss Hohenschwangau was King Ludwig II's childhood and summer residence, and feels cosier than its more famous neighbour, Neuschwanstein, across the way. The tour shows off original furnishings and tells the story of the Wittelsbach family. Tickets are only available through the ticket centre in the village, so buy them online in advance.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Ludwig's fairytale castle above the Pöllat Gorge is Germany's most photographed building, and it's worth the crowds. The walk up takes around 30 to 40 minutes, or you can take a horse-drawn carriage or bus instead. For the classic view, it's worth the short detour to the Marienbrücke, if it's open.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Baroque and mountain water
Head to the Wieskirche in the morning, while it's still quiet.
The afternoon is kept deliberately short, for a relaxed evening before you switch bases.
The pilgrimage church of the Scourged Saviour on the Wies is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered the high point of Bavarian Rococo. Plain on the outside, inside it's a feast of colour, stucco and ceiling frescoes. Entry is free, though donations are welcome.
Right below Neuschwanstein, a spectacular walkway leads through the narrow Pöllat Gorge, past roaring water and a waterfall. The path is well secured, but depending on the season and weather it can be closed at times, so check in advance. A rewarding short nature walk away from the castle crowds.
Schloss Linderhof and moving on
Set off early from Schwangau, so Linderhof in the morning and the longer afternoon drive both fit comfortably into the day.
The drive to Oberstdorf is the second-longest of the trip, but manageable with a break.
Linderhof is the smallest but most lavishly furnished of Ludwig II's castles, and the only one he saw completed. The sprawling park, with its water features, Venus Grotto and Moorish Kiosk, is almost as impressive as the castle itself. Allow time for a walk through the gardens.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
A centrally located holiday flat in Oberstdorf as your base for the next three nights. From here you can reach the Nebelhorn, Breitachklamm and the waterfalls with short drives.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Summit views and a walk
Head up early, before clouds often roll in during the afternoon.
A day devoted purely to hiking and mountains, with no long drives — a nicely balanced pace.
The Nebelhornbahn cable car takes you comfortably up to over 2000 metres, where clear weather reveals a vast Alpine panorama said to include more than 400 peaks. From the mountain station, both easier and more demanding paths lead off, such as the scenic route to the summit or descents via the Koblat. Choose a route to suit the weather and your fitness, and bring sturdy shoes.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Water, gorge and cascades
The Scheidegg Waterfalls lie further west and would mean too big a detour today; the Buchenegg Waterfalls fit much better alongside the gorge.
If you'd rather drive less, skip the Buchenegg Waterfalls and spend the afternoon at Oberstdorf's Freibergsee instead.
The Breitachklamm is considered the deepest rocky gorge in Central Europe, and secured paths lead you between towering rock walls alongside the roaring water. The path is partly damp and slippery, so sturdy shoes and a light jacket are a good idea. An impressive natural experience that pairs well with one of the nearby waterfalls.
The Buchenegg Waterfalls near Steibis tumble down in two stages into a turquoise-green pool, a popular spot for cooling off in summer. Access is via a fairly steep woodland path that requires sure footing. A quiet, unspoilt contrast to the busier sights.
One last waterfall and the drive home
The stop at Scheidegg conveniently lies on the way north and rounds off your waterfall wish list nicely.
The drive home is the longest stretch of the day, so plan a break halfway, for example near Memmingen.
Long stretch — allow time for breaks.
The Scheidegg Waterfalls tumble down in two stages through a wooded nature park, and can be explored via a well-laid-out circular path with viewing platforms. A short but worthwhile stop in the Westallgäu to round off the trip by the water. From there, it's back towards Nürnberg.
Return to Nürnberg and the end of your Allgäu round trip.
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