Münchner Jakobsweg

At a Glance

• Start / Finish: Munich → Lindau on Lake Constance
• Length: 283.4 km
• Elevation gain:↗ 5,540 m / ↘ 5,656 m
• Highest point: about 1,089 m
• Duration: about 13–15 days on foot (often divided into about 11 stages)
• Character: The Pre-Alpine Way of St. James through Pfaffenwinkel and the Allgäu, passing monasteries and lakes

Overview

The Munich Way of St. James leads from Munich across the Upper Bavarian Alpine foothills and the Allgäu region all the way to Lindau on Lake Constance. It begins in the heart of the city at St. James' Church and initially follows the Isar River out of Munich before reaching Lake Starnberg, Andechs Abbey, and Lake Ammer.

The route continues through the Pfaffenwinkel region, with its famous monasteries and Rococo churches—including the Wieskirche (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)—into the Allgäu region via Kempten and on to Lake Constance. It is a relatively new trail, opened in 2003, but it winds its way past historic pilgrimage sites: landscape, faith, and the pre-Alpine panorama all come together here.

Who This Route Is Ideal For—and Who It's Not

This is ideal if you’re looking for a varied, scenic route along the Way of St. James in Germany—featuring lakes, monasteries, Rococo churches, and views of the Alps—that’s easily accessible from Munich and can be completed in two to three weeks. It’s also a great way to get started before embarking on the long journey to Santiago.

This may not be the best option if you're expecting Spain's dense network of pilgrim hostels: In Bavaria, there are hardly any traditional pilgrim hostels; travelers usually stay in guesthouses, inns, and private accommodations—and that's significantly more expensive.

Route & Landscape

Starting at St. James’ Church in Munich, the trail follows the Isar River through Forstenrieder Park to Schäftlarn and on to Lake Starnberg and the town of Starnberg. It then passes through the Maising Gorge to the Andechs pilgrimage monastery and on to Lake Ammer near Dießen.

From there, the trail climbs into the Pfaffenwinkel hills: via Wessobrunn and Rottenbuch to the Wieskirche and on to Steingaden, then to Lechbruck am Lech. Passing over the Auerberg—with its sweeping Alpine panorama—and through Marktoberdorf, the trail reaches the Kempter Forest and Kempten. Passing through the western Allgäu (Weitnau, Lindenberg, Weiler), it finally descends to Lindau on Lake Constance.

Stages, Terrain & Difficulty

At about 283 kilometers, the route can easily be completed in two to three weeks; many pilgrims divide it into about eleven stages. The terrain is pre-Alpine: the first few days around Munich are mostly flat, after which it becomes increasingly hilly with noticeable climbs in the Pfaffenwinkel and Allgäu regions (highest point around 1,089 m). The route is marked throughout with a yellow scallop shell on a blue background.

Wessobrunn, Andechs, and the Wieskirche – Monasteries in the Alpine Foothills

The route deliberately connects places with a long history of religious significance. In Wessobrunn, the The Wessobrunn Prayer, one of the oldest surviving examples of German literature with Christian content. The Andechs Monastery on the “Holy Mountain” above Lake Ammersee is one of Bavaria’s most famous pilgrimage sites. And the Wieskirche near Steingaden is considered a masterpiece of Bavarian Rococo and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights Along the Way

• Andechs Abbey – A pilgrimage monastery on the “Holy Mountain” overlooking Lake Ammersee.
• Lake Starnberg & Lake Ammer – two large Upper Bavarian lakes right along the route.
• Wessobrunn – A monastic town and the birthplace of the Wessobrunn Prayer.
• Wies Church – Rococo pilgrimage church, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Auerberg – A mountain offering sweeping views of the Alps.
• Kempten – one of Germany's oldest cities, located in the Allgäu region.
• Lindau – An island city with a historic harbor on Lake Constance.

How Pilgrims Find Their Way onto This Path

For most people, the Munich Way of St. James is the Start Road: Munich is easily accessible by train and plane from all directions, and you can start your tour right at Marienplatz. If you're staying further west, you can alternatively start at the The Upper Swabian Way of St. James– Both routes lead to Lake Constance.

Once you arrive in Lindau, you'll have three options: the Via Jacobi across Switzerland, its Austrian branch Via Jacobi Bregenz– and for anyone heading to France, the line Lindau – Héricourt.

Continue the pilgrimage?

The Munich Way of St. James ends in Lindau on Lake Constance. From there, the Swiss Lake Constance routes and connecting trails continue into the Way of St. James network of the Via Jacobi, which runs from Konstanz to Geneva across Switzerland and ultimately leads through France toward Santiago. Lindau is also the starting point of our journey Lindau – Héricourt.

Preparation & Practical Information

The best time to visit is from spring through fall; in the Alpine foothills and the Allgäu region, it can get cool and wet even in summer—so it’s worth bringing good rain gear. A pilgrim’s passport is a good idea: You can get one issued at St. James’ Church in Munich. There isn’t a continuous network of hostels like in Spain—plan your accommodations (bed-and-breakfasts, inns, the occasional monastery, and private pilgrim lodgings) well in advance, especially during peak season.

What the journey will cost you

Bavaria tends to be on the expensive side. As a rough estimate, expect to spend €45–80 per day on lodging at a guesthouse or inn, plus meals (as of June 2026). Private pilgrim lodgings, monasteries, and self-catering can help keep costs down.

Getting There

The starting point is Munich, which is well connected to the rail network via its main station.

• Getting to Munich: Deutsche Bahn– Connections and tickets.
• Return trip from Lindau: Deutsche Bahn– Connections from Lindau.