Meals on wheels – Ludwig’s on foot

This week, Germany opened a new 'robot restaurant' - Baggers in Nuremberg. Freshly prepared (by a human), meals are ordered from touch-screen TV’s, then run all the way from the kitchen, high up in the roof, down to colour coded tables, via high speed helter-skelter-type tracks.

Michael Mack, restaurant owner wanted to come up with a complete new system ‘one that would be more efficient and more comfortable’. From one German with a vision to another – King Ludwig's legacy is intertwined with the history of art and architecture, including the construction of several extravagant fantasy castles.

Discover the enchanted King Ludwig’s Way during Walks Worldwide’s self-guided 9-day tour offering an alternative, non-strenuous approach to historic Germany - supersonic bratwurst or fantasy frankfurter anyone? Daily departures from Munich, May to October 2008.

The ‘Swan King’, the ‘Mad King’, the ‘Dream King’ - King Ludwig is synonymous with Germany, as are the famous fairytale castles of Bavaria. What better way to discover this historically grand and culturally rich region than by following the long distance path named after this enigmatic ruler? From Munich, guests are transferred to Diessen and the heart of 'Fairytale' land.

The route begins from the shores of Lake Starnberg, where the King met his end under mysterious circumstances. Follow King Ludwig’s Way path, through numerous villages including Wessobrun, world-renowned for its convent, passing spectacular monastic churches including the UNESCO heritage site of Zimmermann's Church of Wies en route. Ascend to Hohenpeissenberg (988m), for panoramic views of 80 nearby summits before descending to the willow-enclosed, turquoise River Ammer and the impressive wooded canyon of Ammerschulcht.

Continue to Rottenbuch with its beautiful 12th century monastery before reaching Wildsteig, an area of high moors and magnificent forest, renowned throughout Bavaria for its wilderness, wildlife and folklore - the land of Grimms' Fairy Tales! Arrive at the Bridge of Maria, and dramatic climax to the walk - Neuschwanstein Castle. Created by King Ludwig as a 'fantasy in stone' he succeeded in building what is arguably the world's most famous castle.

Continue on foot to the town of Fuessen and the end of the journey, before transferring back to Munich and conclusion to the tour. This non-strenuous route follows mostly lowland paths, and is achievable for most average walkers with no more than 12-15 miles a day.

The tour costs £595 p/p (land only) including transfers, hotel and guesthouse accommodation with breakfast, luggage transfers plus route notes and maps.

For more information, visit Walksworldwide.com.