Long-distance hiking trail stages to Füssen: Maximiliansweg

The Maximiliansweg is a long-distance hiking trail that leads from Lindau on Lake Constance through the Alps to Berchtesgaden. It was named after King Maximilian II, who in the year 1858 He made such a journey in a carriage, but also on horseback. One of the most beautiful parts of the Maximiliansweg is the 15,4 km long Zirmgrat stage, where the hikers walk through the dreamlike Allgäuer Pre-Alpine landscape, past tourist attractions such as the castle ruin Falkenstein and the legendary Alatsee, into the historical old town of Füssen.

The Maximiliansweg, which is on the same route as the European long-distance hiking trail E4 runs, leads from Lindau on Lake Constance through the beautiful Alps to Berchtesgaden. Along its course, sights such as Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau and Linderhof await the hikers. The Bavarian King Maximilian II laid the path 1858 in 5 Weeks by carriage and back on horseback. On the way he also climbed some Alpine mountains. One of the most charming sections of the Maximiliansweg is the Zirmgrat stage, which has a medium demand and can be handled comfortably in one day. The tour delights above all with varied nature impressions and wonderful views over the vast pre-Alpine country. It leads from Pfronten-Meilingen, past the castle ruin Falkenstein, over the Zirmgrat to the romantic Füssen old town. The journey to Pfronten-Meilingen takes place from Füssen on the B310. At the roundabout before Pfronten you follow the third exit and turn around 500 meters left into the König-Ludwig-Weg to Pfronten-Meilingen. Free parking is available here. Back to Pfronten it goes from the Füssen railway and bus station with the bus lines 56 or 71. For the 15,4 km long hiking tour must be planned about five and a half hours. The hike is particularly attractive in spring, as the meadows on the roadside then turn into a colorful sea of color thanks to flowering flowers.

At the car park in Pfronten-Meilingen, the hikers take the Burgweg on the right to climb left to the Schlossbergalm. In this rustic mountain inn, there are delicious Allgäu delicacies that can be enjoyed with a view of the vast pre-Alpine country. The Alm includes a children's playground, where on the right a steep forest path leads towards the castle ruin Falkenstein, which leads on 1268 altitude meters and is thus the highest castle ruin in Germany. The extraordinary hills became the end of the 13. This is a threatening act on behalf of Count Meinhard II. built by Tyrol, which at that time competed with the Bavarian dukes for the Staufererbe. After changing owners in the following centuries, the castle shared the fate of neighboring castles Hohenfreyberg and Eisenberg, which were set on fire by the Tyrolean state government during the Thirty Years' War to prevent them from falling into the hands of the advancing Protestant army intact. Ultimately, the Protestants did not come to the area after a change of direction, so the destruction was senseless. Fairytale King Ludwig II bought the castle ruins in the 80er-Jahren the 19. It was a century to build a castle in the style of Neuschwanstein. Only his unforeseen death 1886 It prevented this plan. Today, the castle ruin Falkenstein is a popular excursion destination, especially because it offers wonderful views over the vast pre-Alpine region.

The descent takes place down to the Mariengrotte and on to a driveway, which one follows towards Zirmgrat. On a forest path it goes over the Zirmgrat – an elongated mountain range – to the Salober-Alm, a rustic mountain hut that pampers its guests with a delicious bread time or warm cottage dishes. From the Salober Alps, a forest trail leads down to the legendary Alatsee, which has gained national fame as the scene of an Allgäu crime. Numerous legends and myths revolve around this water body, which is also called the “bleeding lake” because of a rare layer of purple sulfur bacteria that causes a slight red glimmer of water. The Alatsee is but above all a beautiful mountain lake in the middle of a postcard idylle. From the Alatsee it goes up to the viewpoint Zwei-Seen-Bblick and further over the Hahnenkopfweg to the junction "Unterer Kobelweg". Via this the hikers reach the Baumgarten, at the end of which they walk through an archway into the old town of Füssen. On the left it goes to the Reichenstraße – the Füssener pedestrian zone – at the end of which the Tourist Information is located. In the historic old town of Füssen there is much to discover. Along the narrow, winding streets are numerous ornamental buildings such as Gothic houses and historical churches, which testify to the long tradition of Füssen. Cozy cafés and restaurants invite you to stop here and small and medium-sized shops and boutiques offer everything from regional craftsmanship to designer products. The most interesting sights in the old town are the Benedectin monastery of St. Mang and the Hohe Schloss, which is perched on a hill and is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Bavaria.

The Zirmgrat stage on the Maximiliansweg inspires with a lot of varied holiday impressions. The hikers reach here through a picturesque mountain landscape, enjoy wonderful views over the Allgäuer Königswinkel and can look forward to sightseeing highlights in the old town of Füssen at the end of the tour.