König-Ludwig-Weg, 4. Etappe: Hohenpeißenberg - Rottenbuch

Restaurants: Hohenpeißenberg, Rottenbuch

Accommodation in Hohenpeißenberg:
Gästehaus am Rathaus, Hauptstr. 55, Tel. 08805/ 954547
Gästehaus Schneider, Alpenblickstr. 25, Tel. 08805/1333
Haus Alpenpanorama, Alpenblickstr. 34, Tel. 08805/1290
Haus Ammertal, Schendrich-Wörth 36, Tel. 08803/4399
Haus Killisperger, Alpenblickstr. 26, Tel. 08805/8250
Rigi Alm (Pension), Unterbau 72, Tel. 08805/255
Haus Erika, Alpenblickstr. 3, Tel. 08805/2065485

Accommodation in Rottenbuch:
Campingplatz am Richterbichl, Solder 1, Tel. 08867/1500
Ferienwohnung Donderer, von-Heeren-Str. 1, Tel. 08867/266
Gästehaus Heiland, Weihanger 34, Tel. 08867/1364
Gästehaus Schratt, Ziegelfeld 4, Tel. 08867/707

The last section of this day's stage runs between Peiting and Rottenbuch through the magnificent Ammer Gorge, which is also known as the Grand Canyon of Upper Bavaria. The Ammerleite is one of the last wild beech forests in Upper Bavaria. This wildness is the reason why the Ammerleite has been a natural forest reserve since 2016. Natural forest reserves are the ecological crown jewels in the state forest. In them, nature has absolute priority and the forest is left to its own devices. Anyone walking along the path below the edge of the slope must be sure-footed. You can marvel at old beech trees at the end of their lives, the likes of which are rarely seen in commercial forests. There are also elms, sycamores, ash trees and the occasional wild cherry. The path here leads over 460 steps, footbridges and small bridges and is a unique experience - although you have to be careful and, if possible, should not walk alone. The path through the gorge is not too long, but you shouldn't aim for more than 2km/h. For those who cannot go any further due to possible problems, there are "emergency exits" that lead to the nearby, but higher, main road. After the Ammerschlucht gorge, the route leads across the Schweinsberger Wiesen meadows to the former monastery village of Rottenbuch. From there, you can take the bus back to Peiting.

Note: The Ammer Gorge is not accessible in wet weather and strong winds, as the risk of wind breakage and the slippery surface make this impossible. There is a signposted alternative route from the Kalkofensteg via Böbing to Rottenbuch.

Hiking without luggage

King service - just enjoy, no ballast. Your luggage will be transported to the hotel reserved for you by the tour operator. You can discover the magnificent Bavarian Alpine foothills without a care in the world. The King Ludwig Trail is offered in four variants with 6-9 overnight stays, the LechErlebnisWeg with 6 overnight stays. The package deals with accommodation, luggage transportation and hiking maps can be booked at:

• Feuer und Eis Touristik GmbHTM, Südliche Hauptstrasse 33, 83700 Rottach-Egern, Tel. 08022-66364-0, [email protected], www.feuer-eis-touristik.de/wanderreise-koenig-ludwig-weg
• Alpenland-Touristik, Postfach 101313, 86833 Landsberg a. Lech, Tel. 08191-308620, Fax 08191-4913, www.alpenlandtouristik.de, [email protected]

Info addresses

Verkehrsverein e.V. Hohenpeißenberg, Alpenblickstraße 34, 82383 Hohenpeißenberg, Tel. 08805/1290, www.hohenpeissenberg.de

Tourist Information Rottenbuch, Klosterhof 42, 82401 Rottenbuch, Tel. 08867/911018, [email protected], www.rottenbuch-boebing.de

The main route leads through the forest down into the Ammertal valley and to the romantic wooden bridge (Kalkofensteg) at the beginning of the gorge. Passing sinter terraces, you have to climb back up into the Ammerleite and follow the slope with alternating ups and downs until the trail finally accompanies the river. Climbing once again, you leave the Ammer gorge and reach Rottenbuch with a view of the Ammergau mountains. You enter the former monastery grounds through an archway.

Rottenbuch was also founded as a monastery (11th century). After a devastating fire in 1322, the monastery and church were rebuilt, with the floor plan of the former Romanesque cruciform basilica with its free-standing bell tower being preserved. In the 18th century, the church was redesigned in the Baroque style, also by the famous Wessobrunn master builders, fresco painters and plasterers of the time. The altars are the work of Franz Xaver Schmädl from Weiheim. The few remaining convent buildings have been restored and the town hall is housed in the northern group of buildings.