E4 in Germany

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Route

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Pre-alpine variant of the Route

From Lindau, a marked long-distance trail called “Maximiliansweg” crosses the Bavarian Alpine Foreland and continues to Berchtesgaden.
E4 – Germany – Prealps (“Maximilianweg”)

There is a alpine variant of the route in Austria.

Starting Point in Germany

Together with E5 the pathes start close to Hittisau near the Untere Samansbergalpe.

End Point in Germany

Bad Reichenhall

Route of E4 in Germany

Sonthofen, Pfronten, Füssen, Unterammergau, Lenggries, Tegernsee, Schliersee, Fischbachau, Brannenburg, Aschau i. Chiemgau, Ruhpolding, Inzell und Bad Reichenhall.

Length

336 km

Ground path of E-Path

Maximiliansweg, Lindau – Berchtesgaden, 408 km

Responsible organizations

DAV Deutscher Alpenverein

Mail: info@alpenverein.de
Web: https://www.alpenverein.de/

Publications

  • Maximiliansweg
    Andreas Friedrich
    Bayerische Alpen – vom Bodensee zum Königssee. 21 Etappen. Mit GPS-Tracks
    Rother Wanderführer
    Verlag: Bergverlag Rother
    Artikelnr. des Verlages: 4201540

Maps

These map publishers each cover the whole area
DAV
Freytag & Berndt
Kompass

Marking System

Austrian flag (red-white-red) along the way, at crossings yellow route indicator signs with name and path number.

https://www.alpenverein.de/orientierung-auf-bergwegen

Crossing with another E-Path

Runs from the Austrian border to Sonthofen parallel to the E5

Practical

Accommodation

Inns, guesthouses and pensions can be found every half a day in the alpine region. All publications listed above are accurate when it comes to names and contact detail of possible places to stay. In the alpine region, several alpine associations maintain mountain huts where you can eat and sleep during summer. Several mountain huts offer self-supporting accommodation as well, some of them are basic shelters, others are quite comfortable. You can check out the equipment as well as capacity and other important information at: https://www.alpenverein.de/Huetten-Wege-Touren/

You might consider a membership with German’s Alpine Association, as there are significant discounts on accommodation and it includes an insurance package (emergency transport, helicopter transport, etc. …). More information: https://www.alpenverein.de/. Active memberships in any other east-alpine alpine association (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, South Tyrol) are usually accepted as well.

Gear

For an ascent, ankle-high mountain boots with a good profile sole as well as the rest of the alpine basic equipment are a prerequisite for a walk! In addition, sure-footedness and a certain degree of dizziness are required. A good alpine condition is a basic requirement! Depending on the season or the weather, alpine experience with the existing conditions is recommended and possibly additional equipment helpful or necessary! Despite mostly well-marked paths, appropriate map material and some experience with them are recommended.

Mountain huts generally open around May/June and close at the end of summer. You can check their season window at the link given above.

Food

In several decentral villages you won’t find a grocery shop anymore, so you rely on your host from time to time. It is usually no problem to buy sandwiches from the breakfast buffet. Usually you have a chance to get warm food once a day.

Travel

Railway-Stations of Deutsche Bundesbahn and bus stops are in each village you pass on your way.

Author

Helmut Schuster