After a fantastic time in Luxembourg – a country we could’ve easily spent another day exploring – our road trip continues to the heart of Germany. Our next stop? Banwaldsee in Bavaria, a scenic 7.5-hour, 580km drive that promises stunning alpine views.
We packed up the car relatively early and hit the road by 10 AM, quickly finding ourselves on a beautiful, winding route to the German border. The transition to the Autobahn was seamless. Our powerful Bavarian-built car feels right at home, effortlessly cruising alongside its majority German cousins on the beautifully smooth, pothole-free tarmac. With the help of some 80’s electronic tunes, heavily leaning towards Kraftwerk, the journey flys by. We pull up into the campsite just before 5:30pm greeted by the breathtaking sight of the German Alps, just a stone’s throw from the Austrian border.
We pitch our tent and marvel at the mountains that tower in the background. As the sun sets it starts to get chilly, hinting at a night in thermals! After setting up camp, we venture out for supplies to a local supermarket attached to a garage and its brilliant. Dinner is a delightful spread of cheese and charcuterie, perfectly paired with a surprisingly pleasant litre of German red wine we’d discovered at the supermarket for just €5. We venture to the shower block before bed and are delighted to discover that the floors are heated and the facilities wouldn’t look out of place at a private health club. Such a pleasant change from the chilly often unsanitary shower blocks we’ve encountered previously. We sleep soundly, refreshed for the adventures ahead.
Füssen & Neuschwanstein: Castles, Cycles, and Bavarian Charm
Waking up to a gorgeous, albeit crisp, morning, we enjoy breakfast in the shadow of the majestic mountains. Our mid-morning plan involves a cycle along dedicated trails connecting our campsite to Füssen, our destination for the day. It’s a leisurely 6km ride through lush meadows, gentle hills, and an explosion of vibrant wildflowers – spring is truly in the air!
As we approach Fussen we’re struck by the breathtaking turquoise ribbon of the River Lech flowing through and beside the town. This glacial river, fed by the melting ice of the Alps, gives Füssen a truly unique and vibrant character.
Upon arriving in Füssen, we’re immediately captivated by its charming Old Town. Cobblestone streets meander past colourful facades, quaint cafes, and artisan shops. We make our way up to the High Castle, an impressive Gothic structure offering panoramic views of the town, the vibrant Lech, and the surrounding Alps. Its courtyard was an architectural marvel that was absolutely enormous. We thoroughly enjoy our walk around town.
From Füssen, we continue our cycle towards one of Germany’s most iconic sights: Neuschwanstein Castle. Ever since I saw the flying car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang glide over it in that classic 70s children’s film, I’d dreamed of seeing it. Perched dramatically against its mountainous backdrop, the castle appeared a lot smaller in real life. We parked our bikes at the base, taking a moment to admire the view amidst the huge throng of tourists. With the car parks heaving and cameras forbidden inside, we opted to appreciate it from afar.
Tegelberg Bahn: Alpine Views and Paragliding Spectacles
Our cycle continues towards the Tegelberg Bahn cable car. It really is a glorious day, despite the lingering chill, so we fuelled up on a German favourite – bratwurst and chips, washed down with some refreshing Bavarian beer. We even raised a toast to Harry Kane’s first trophy success, winning the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich!
We can’t sit around all afternoon so take the cable car that whisked us from the base of Tegelberg mountain to its summit at 1,730 meters (5,676 feet). The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking – a panoramic sweep of alpine peaks, deep green forests, and sparkling lakes below, with a perfect vantage point of Neuschwanstein Castle and the Ammergau Alps. But the real highlight? Watching the paragliders bravely launch from the cliff edge, soaring gracefully into the sky like birds. We could have stayed for hours, mesmerized by their artistry.
Eventually, we headed back down in the cable car, retrieved our bikes, and enjoyed a relaxing cycle home. As the sun set over the lake and the silhouette of the castle faded into the distance, we arrived back at camp feeling tired, happy, and utterly enchanted by this picturesque corner of Bavaria, we’ve had a great day.
Leisurely Sunday in Bavaria: Omelettes, Cycles, and Cowbells
We awake refreshed on Sunday, once again in awe of the stunning scenery outside our tent. Today was dedicated to leisure. Brownie cooked up a lush omelette, and we savoured a late breakfast in the sunshine.
Ready for more exploration, we hopped back on our bikes. We had initially planned to paddleboard on the nearby lake, which collects ice melt from the River Lech and looked inviting from above yesterday. However, the reality was a long cycle to reach the water’s edge, so we decided against it. Instead, we simply embraced the stunning scenery, enjoying a fabulous afternoon cycle.
The distant clang of cowbells and meadows crammed with wildflowers added to the idyllic atmosphere.
We cycle to the local supermarket to restock, then returned to the campsite for more refreshing Bavarian beer. With another travel day ahead tomorrow, we started packing after dinner, accompanied by more German wine. A brief but beautiful stop in Bavaria.
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