In search of the Swan King

Follow the trail named after the enigmatic ‘Mad’ King Ludwig II, the ‘Swan King’, the eccentric King of Bavaria, who left behind a legacy of extravagant architecture and explore the heart of Bavaria, a land filled with wild forests and fairytale castles, including Schloss Neuschwanstein, Ludwig’s grandest and best-known fantasy folly.

Although not featured in their In Style section, Walks Worldwide’s new 9-day In Search of the Swan King self-guided walking tour meets the criteria as the hotel accommodation offered is pretty special. Tours depart Munich daily between May and October.

From the outset, a short stroll on the ‘Panoramaweg’ sets the tone with delightful views of Neuschwanstein, as well as the Bavarian and Tyrolean Alps. Walking through delightful villages, there are more fairytale castles to enjoy, including Falkenstein, the highest in Germany.

Reaching Füssen, visit Schloss Neuschwanstein itself, the inspiration for Cinderella’s Castle in Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom. For those who have the energy, a stiff hike to the top of Tegelberg (1,730 metres) is rewarded by fine Alpine views.

Moving on, the trail of the Swan King continues upwards to King Ludwig’s old, historic hunting cabin at Bleckenau (1,167 metres) and beyond to the Alpe Jägerhütte (1,435 metres). Descending to another of King Ludwig’s creations, Schloss Linderhof, guests spend the night ‘next door’ in a true Schloss Hotel.

Next, walk along the scenic ‘Via Alpina’, through delightful Bavarian Alpine forests where eagles dare, to the resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. From Garmisch, take a ride up to Zugspitze (2,964 metres), the highest mountain in Germany, for utterly sublime views, cool off in the crystal-clear Eibsee and appreciate the Hansel and Gretel-style Bavarian homes.

For the final day of hiking choose between a challenging walk up, up and up to Schachen Schloss, King Ludwig’s high Alpine castle, or opt for an easier trail and one of Bavaria’s most scenic routes, to the charming Alpine village of Mittenwald in its picture postcard setting.

The tour costs £985 p/p (land only) including transfers, hotel accommodation with breakfast, luggage transfers plus route notes and maps.

For more information and bookings, log on to Walksworldwide.com.