Monday 22 May 2017

Meersberg to Schwangau - 116 miles

Another bright sunny and warm morning saw us once again taking our time getting ready. Once all the chores were done we set off, the plan today to follow the Deutsche Alpenstrasse, which we did the other way about 3 years ago.

First stage was down the lake to Landau which is the start/end point for the Alpenstrasse but we had quite a time trying to find it, briefly entering Austria before Bren managed to navigate us back to join the route a few miles east of Landau. But then it was simply a matter of following the B308 with occasional directions along the way, though you do have to watch out for them. Also there are quite a few roadworks and on a couple of occasions we found ourselves off-route before Bren got us back on track again.

Passing through Immendstat we spotted an Aldi so turned in for some shopping and lunch. Now very hot and the van quickly warmed up so our departure saw the air-conditioning brought into use for a while. Then we came across a complete road closure without any (to us dumb English) any warning. TomTom was not a lot of help so Bren sorted a way round and we eventually picked up signs for Fussen, which was near our destination, eventually rejoining the Alpenstrasse which ends/starts at Fussen.

We do recommend that it is worth the time to try out the Deutsche Alpenstrasse. Generally very good roads through picturesque countryside, a little twisty and hilly in places, passing through attractive towns and villages. Along the way you're treated to views of the Austrian Tyrol, in fact you're never far from the border.

It was our intention, as we were passing, to visit the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, having failed twice on our earlier visit. To this end we headed for the campsite/stellplatz we used then, on the lakeside of Bannwaldsee. We took a side trip through the village near the schloss to check out the parking because it's too far to walk, although we could take the bus. In the end we decided to drive down early tomorrow in an attempt to miss the tourist buses so headed for the stellplatz and settled in – receptionist immediately knew we'd been before. Computers! The site fee came as a bit of a shock but the proximity to a major attraction obviously affects the price.

Schlosse Neuschwanstein

Schlosse Hohenschwangen

Had a brief chat with a Brit couple then relaxed in the sun until teatime.

Where we stayed

Camping Bannwaldsee, Munchner Strasse 151 – stellplatz at entrance. N47º35.514' E10º46.380'

Approx 20 marked pitches on gravel hardstanding away from lake. Water and electric to all pitches, service area at entrance. Toilets, showers included in price. Bar, restaurant on site. Free WiFi.

Approx 5km to Hohenschwangau for shuttle buses to the castles. Local bus stops outside site.

€21.80, electricity and dog €2.50 each extra, (prices seasonal).