The best routes in the Bavarian Alps

Munich and Bavaria are classic destinations on German tourist itineraries. You know it well. If you are a lover of romance you like to walk in the footsteps of Ludwig II of Bavaria, that extravagant king, and you certainly already know the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the very one that is said to have inspired the one in Sleeping Beauty. Well, this castle is located in the Bavarian Alps.

The ridges of the Bavarian Alps form the border between Germany and austria. The German side, with its slopes sloping to the north, receives all the incursions of rain or snow from the north. The landscapes are green in summer, and relatively snowy in winter, even at low altitudes, thanks to this climatic peculiarity. It is therefore a very popular mountain destination because you find very alpine conditions there.

And the landscapes? Magnificent.

THEAllgäu and Ammergau, land of castles and peaks

The Allgäu Alps, far to the west, loom on the horizon from Oberstdorf. Mineral barriers rising above a plain that couldn't be flatter. Oberstdorf is an idyllic village for a relaxing holiday in contact with nature. From Oberstdorf you have access to the beautiful Kleinwalsertal, an Austrian enclave in German territory with a proud Alpine appearance all dressed in its forest finery.

A little further east, here is another region, in which Neuschwanstein Castle stands proudly. In the Ammergau Alps, you will choose the hikes that, starting from Füssen, will allow you to discover this wooded region at the foot of the mountains, and another of Louis II's castles, Linderhof, which awaits you in its green setting. Füssen is a very pretty little medieval town with very colorful facades and topped with a very picturesque castle. A leap in time. And in space too, because Austria is very close here.

A short hop further east, and here is the Zugspitze, the highest German peak, which peaks at 2962m above sea level. If you intend to visit the summit by cable car and discover the view of the Tyrolean Alps or the plains south of Munich, hurry to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the famous ski resort with a typical Bavarian city center. Not far from there, a cultural stop is essential in Oberammergau, with its fully decorated house facades. It is easy from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to reach the Tyrolin Seefeld and Innsbruck.

The Alps south of Munich

The closest mountains to Munich are those surrounding the magnificent Tegernsee, and you feel completely disoriented in Bayrischzell, an amazing little village, where it is easy to practice all winter sports, only 1h30 from Munich by train. Easy to access, and so far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Not far from the Tegernsee, just after the border, hides the Achensee, a small mountain lake, a hidden pearl of Tyrol.

Finally, towards Salzburg, and after passing the large Chiemsee lake and its islet chosen by Louis II to build his small equivalent of the Palace of Versailles (the Herrenchiemsee), we find ourselves in the Berchtesgaden national park.

Berchtesgaden National Park and its incredibly beautiful lake

You stay in Berchtesgaden to discover its peaks and marvel at Lake Königsee. The pearl of the Bavarian Alps.

The Bavarian Alps are remarkably beautiful both in summer and winter. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts should not hesitate to glide along the torrents deep in the forests; almost every mountain village has its own loop of varying length. Alpine skiing enthusiasts have ski areas in every valley. No need to worry!

Bavarian culture and traditions on the menu

The Bavarian Alps have kept all their traditional charm, in the very preserved architecture, in the careful gastronomy, in the very lively village festivals. But Nature also contributes to the beauty of the places by wooded valleys where flow torrents that are born in mountains of a wild beauty, as well as by a multitude of lakes that embellish your stay with a few refreshing breaks.

Munich is never far away, and it is highly recommended to go there for a visit, or even to stay a few days. A true city of art and history, it has managed to preserve its soul despite the destruction of the Second World War that so affected other German cities.

From here you can easily reach all the sites of the Bavarian Alps, very often by train, or continue your discovery as far as Salzburg, a magnificent Austrian baroque city.

This accessibility of the Bavarian Alps, from cities like Stuttgart, Munich and Salzburg, allows you to plan a stay mixing culture and nature. So why deprive yourself?

Things to do in the Bavarian Alps

The visit of the castle of Neuschwanstein
The visit of the castle of Linderhof
A stroll through the alleys of Oberammergau to discover the decorated facades houses
The climb to the Zugspitze, the highest point in Germany from Garmisch-Partenkirchen
An excursion to the lake of Konigsee, which looks like a Norwegian fjord, and why not take the walk to the Obersee…
Discover the surroundings of Berchtesgaden
A stay at ski in Garmisch Partenkirchen
Depending on where you are staying, plan a trip to Innsbruck or to Salzburg
A cultural break at Munich

Discovering the Bavarian Alps on video

The best webcams in the Bavarian Alps

(click on the name of the village)

Fussen : where the Bavarian plateau meets the Alps, even more visible on this other Webcam
Garmisch-Partenkirchen : the village seen from the mountain
Garmisch-Partenkirchen: the Zugspitze seen from the village centre
Tegernsee : the lake seen from the heights of Bayrischzell
Konigsee: the lake in its mountain setting
Berchtesgaden: the village and the Bavarian Alps
Oberstdorf: the magnificent landscape of the Allgäu.