Exploring The Bavarian Alps: A Nature Lover's Paradise

The Bavarian Alps, located in the southernmost part of Germany, are home to some of the country's most beautiful destinations. The region offers a unique blend of culture, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. Here are some of the must-see attractions in the Bavarian Alps:

- Neuschwanstein Castle: This enchanting castle, built by King Ludwig II, is the most photographed building in Germany and one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. It served as the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle.

- Hohenschwangau Castle: This sun-yellow castle was the childhood residence of King Ludwig II and where he spent his summers until his death in 1886. His father, King Maximilian II, built the castle on the ruins of the 12th-century Schwangau fortress.

- Garmisch-Partenkirchen: This town, host of the 1936 Winter Olympics, offers a range of activities such as serene lakes, towering peaks, hiking trails, and charming streets. It also serves as a gateway to Zugspitze, Germany's tallest mountain.

- Eagle's Nest: Perched at 1834 meters above sea level, Eagle's Nest was built as a mountaintop retreat for Hitler. It offers breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps, with sights extending into four countries on clear days.

- Berchtesgaden: This town, surrounded by the Watzmann Range, is often likened to Switzerland's Lauterbrunnen or Jungfrau region. It boasts natural wonders such as Lake Konigssee, Germany's tallest waterfalls, and charming chapels.

- Mittenwald: Adorned with Lüftlmalerei throughout its town center, Mittenwald is a charming alpine town at the foot of the Karwendel mountain range. It is known for its violins and offers attractions such as the Dammkar Ski Route and Leutasch Gorge.

- Oberammergau: Globally renowned for its Passion Play, performed once every ten years, Oberammergau offers a unique cultural experience. The village is also known for its beautiful Lüftlmalerei and wood carving tradition.

- Ettal Abbey: This 14th-century Benedictine monastery, located in Ettal, features a sugary rococo basilica and houses a brewery, hotel, and dairy.

- Linderhof Palace: This palace, commissioned by King Ludwig II, is known for its sumptuous interiors and beautiful gardens that blend architectural styles.

- Zugspitze: As Germany's highest peak, Zugspitze offers panoramic views of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and even northern Italy on clear days. It is accessible by cable car and is a popular destination for hikers and skiers.

Neuschwanstein Castle

The castle stands above the narrow gorge of the Pöllat stream, east of the Alpsee and Schwansee lakes, close to the mouth of the Lech into Forggensee. It is located in the municipality of Schwangau, above the village of Hohenschwangau, which is also the location of Hohenschwangau Castle. The closest larger town is Füssen.

Neuschwanstein embodies the contemporaneous architectural fashion known as castle Romanticism and King Ludwig II's enthusiasm for the operas of composer Richard Wagner. The building design was drafted by stage designer Christian Jank and realised by architect Eduard Riedel. The palace can also be regarded as typical of 19th-century architecture, with the shapes of Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine architecture and art mingled in an eclectic fashion.

The palace complex is entered through the symmetrical Gatehouse, which is flanked by two stair towers. The passage through the Gatehouse, crowned with the royal coat of arms of Bavaria, leads directly into the courtyard. The courtyard has two levels, with the southern end open, imparting a view of the surrounding mountain scenery. The most striking structure of the upper court level is the Rectangular Tower, which, like most of the court buildings, serves a decorative purpose.

Today, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most-visited castles in the world, with more than 61 million visitors since it opened to the public. It is accessible by car, train, or bus, and visitors can purchase tickets online or at the Ticket Center Hohenschwangau. The castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour, and photography is not allowed inside.

Hohenschwangau Castle

History

Between 1440 and 1521, the Lords of the castle had to sell their fief to the Wittelsbach dukes of Bavaria but continued to occupy it as Burgraves. In 1521, they became owners again, only to sell their land in 1535 to a wealthy Augsburg merchant named Johann Paumgartner. Paumgartner had the lower castle reconstructed by Italian architect Lucio di Spazzi, who had previously worked on the Hofburg in Innsbruck. The exterior walls and towers were retained, while the inner parts were rebuilt until 1547, following a floor plan that still exists today.

In 1549, Paumgartner, who had been elevated to the rank of baron, died, and his sons sold the castle to Maximilian I, Elector of Bavaria. The Wittelsbachs used the castle for bear hunting or as a retreat for agnatic princes. In 1743, it was plundered by Austrian troops, and in 1803, the county of Schwangau officially became part of the Electorate of Bavaria. King Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria sold the castle in 1820, but in 1832, his grandson, Maximilian II, then the crown prince, repurchased it.

Architecture and Design

The reconstruction of Hohenschwangau Castle began in February 1833 and continued until 1837, with additions made up to 1855. The architect in charge, Domenico Quaglio, was responsible for the neogothic style of the exterior design. Over 90 wall paintings by artists such as Lorenzo Quaglio and Michael Neher adorn the castle's interior, depicting the history of Schwangau and medieval German romances such as Parzival and the story of Lohengrin, the Knight of the Swan. These stories later inspired Richard Wagner's operas 'Lohengrin' and 'Parsifal,' which were sponsored by Ludwig II, who had grown up with these tales at Hohenschwangau.

Visiting Hohenschwangau Castle

The castle is easily accessible, located about a 10-20 minute walk from the tourist centre. There is also a car park available in the main village, although it is relatively expensive at €10 per day. Additionally, there are eateries and souvenir shops in the village.

Lake Eibsee

There are various activities to enjoy at Lake Eibsee, including hiking, swimming, and water sports such as paddle boats, rowing boats, and stand-up paddle boarding. The 7.5-kilometre hiking trail around the lake offers stunning views and leads to some amazing spots for photos. The trail is easily accessible and takes about two hours to complete. It is recommended to walk counterclockwise, as the most amazing spots with the islands being close are in the first half of the hike.

You can get to Lake Eibsee by public transport or car. The Eibsee bus departs from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and goes through Grainau. From Garmisch-Partenkirchen, it takes about 45 minutes, and the ticket costs between 1.70 and 4.90 euros. There are parking lots available at the lake, but they fill up quickly, so it is recommended to arrive early or come later in the day.

Zugspitze

There are three normal routes to the summit of Zugspitze: one from the Höllental valley to the northeast, another from the Reintal valley to the southeast, and the third from the west over the Austrian Cirque. The first recorded ascent of the Zugspitze was achieved on 27 August 1820, by Lieutenant Josef Naus, along with mountain guide Johann Georg Tauschl and Naus' survey assistant, Maier. Today, hiking to the top from the base takes between one and two days, or just a few hours for the very fit.

The Zugspitze is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering skiing, snowboarding, and hiking opportunities. It can be easily accessed from Munich, making it a great choice for newcomers to Bavaria. The journey typically involves taking a train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, followed by a cogwheel train ride to the Zugspitze. Along the way, there is an option to stop at Eibsee Station and take a giant gondola to the peak, or continue on the cogwheel train to the Zugspitze glacier valley. The summit features a mountain hut, a weather station, and breathtaking Alpine vistas.

Altstadt (Old Town) Mittenwald

Exploring Altstadt (Old Town) Mittenwald

Mittenwald's Altstadt, or Old Town, is a delight to explore. You'll find a small downtown area filled with decorated and painted houses, along with a pedestrian street offering a variety of tourist shops. The town is surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, with the majestic peaks of Germany and Austria providing a stunning backdrop. The old town itself is like something out of a postcard, with colourful buildings and a charming atmosphere.

Attractions and Activities

Mittenwald offers a range of attractions and activities to suit different interests. Here are some suggestions:

• St. Peter und Paul Church – This impressive church, located in the heart of the old town, is a must-see. Its intricate Baroque architecture and detailed interior are sure to leave you in awe.
• Geigenbaumuseum – Mittenwald is known for its violin-making tradition, and the Geigenbaumuseum offers insights into this centuries-old craft.
• Hiking Trails and Gorges – Mittenwald is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails and gorges, such as the Leutaschklamm/Geisterklamm gorge, offering stunning natural scenery and folklore stories.
• Hummock Meadows – These unique meadows, scattered throughout Mittenwald, feature thousands of lumps and bumps, creating a whimsical landscape that is meticulously maintained by local farmers.
• Dammkar Skiroute – For skiing enthusiasts, the Dammkar Ski Route is a thrilling adventure. It's one of Germany's longest ski routes, offering a 7-kilometer descent from Karwendel to Mittenwald.
• Karwendelbahn Cable Car – Take a ride on the Karwendelbahn cable car to enjoy breathtaking views of the valley and the Northern Limestone Alps from the top station. Don't miss the easy hiking trail and the restaurant with a sunny terrace.

Dining and Accommodation Options

Mittenwald boasts a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional Bavarian cuisine to international fare. Here are some restaurants to consider:

• Die Alpenrose – A cosy restaurant offering German fare.
• Zum Alten Rathaus – A charming spot for a meal.
• Cafe Haller – For a quick bite or a coffee break.
• Fasl-Beck – Baeckerei Zunterer – A bakery with delicious treats.
• Bio Gasthof Post – A popular choice for dining.

For accommodation, consider the following options near Altstadt (Old Town) Mittenwald:

• Alpenrose Traditionsgasthof – A traditional guesthouse just a stone's throw away.
• Post Hotel Mittenwald – A short walk from the old town.
• Haus Schutz Johann – A cosy option nearby.

Transportation and Location

Mittenwald is conveniently located in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, making it an ideal base for exploring the region. It is easily accessible by train, with the Mittenwald train station just a short walk from the old town. The town is also within close proximity to other popular destinations, such as Innsbruck and Seefeld in Austria, as well as Mad King Ludwig II's castles.

Frequently asked questions