One of Bavaria's most renowned pilgrimage sites and also among its oldest monasteries, Andechs Monastery benevolently overlooks the town from its hilltop perch. This medieval architectural gem is replete with precious religious relics and offers a glimpse into Bavaria's culture and art. The monastery is famous for its beers as well; visiting hours may vary for the cellar.
Freilichtmuseum Glentleiten situated in the heart of Großweil is one of the largest open-air museums in the Bavarian region. This museum features historic buildings from the rural Bavarian region that were restored and refurbished to educate the generation of today regarding the rural lifestyle of earlier times. Many alpine buildings and attractions like the whetstone making site, saws, mills and blacksmith shops inside Freilichtmuseum Glentleiten are worth exploring. Visiting this museum is a must for those keen on learning about the history of the past generations.
A stunning spot of turquoise dominates the alpine landscape wedged between the Heimgarten and Herzogstand mountains. This is the stellar Walchensee, one of Germany's largest and deepest lakes. Endowed with spectacular natural beauty, the lake forms the habitat of various native flora and fauna, including crayfish and other migratory birds. With ample opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and other water sports, Walchensee is a must-visit attraction along the German Alpine Route.
The Linderhof Palace, nestled in the western corner of Ettal, is the smallest castle to have been constructed by King Ludwig II. The tour of the palace gives visitors a glimpse into the opulent life that King Ludwig II led. From various chambers, dining rooms, grottos, and the King's favorite Hall of Mirrors, the ornate castle and its breathtaking expanse gives an up and close peek into the royal life. In winter when the castle is covered in snow, it resembles a spectacular, magical snow globe. While the castle is the smallest in size among all three palaces commissioned by King Ludwig II, it is also one of the most beautiful and exquisite royal complexes.
Among the largest of its kind, Ettal Abbey is an active Benedictine abbey. Though it was established by Emperor Ludwig in 1330, it is the Baroque designs of the architect Enrico Zuccalli after 1744 that laid the foundation for the beautiful structure that stands today. Featuring a stunning façade, the monastery is regarded as one of the most prominent sacred destinations in the area. Visitors can visit the bookstore to peruse the titles on display, stroll through the picturesque monastery garden, or explore the distillery that produces the famous Ettaler Kloster Liqueur. Guided tours of the complex are also offered.
Wank Mountain is a mountain near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Standing tall at an imposing height of 1780 meters (5840 feet), the mountain is a popular hiking destination during summer. Hikers and adventure enthusiasts scaling its peak are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps that adorn the landscape of the region. During winter, Wank Mountain becomes a splendid winter sports destination. Take a hike up the scenic trail and admire the surrounding regions, or you hitch a ride on the Wankbahn, a cable car that allows visitors to traverse the natural wonder. The summit is also home to an observation tower and a restaurant.
Gudiberg is one of the four famous ski destinations at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This alpine ski route is considered to be one of the tough ski challenges and is a competitive ground during Alpine World Ski Championships and the Olympic Winter Games. It is here that the popular Olympic hill is situated.
The 19th-century Burg Schwaneck now acts as an education center in Schwaneck. Overlooked by the Kreisjugendring München-Lan, this medieval youth center and accommodation also holds events, seminars, school-group visits and holiday tours for up to 130 people. Currently is being used as a temporary shelter for unaccompanied minors.
The Franziskanerkloster St. Anton (Pilgrimage Church of St Anthony) was built between the years 1708 and 1738 in the Rococo style. The 1738 addition features a cupola that can be seen from across the town. The cupola or onion dome features a beautiful fresco by Johann Evangelist Holzer. The walk up to the church allows visitors to appreciate the panorama below, and the views of the mountains peeking through the trees is enchanting. The park surrounding the Franziskanerkloster St. Anton is perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
This small museum is dedicated to the peppermint in Germany and its history.
One of the many beautiful churches of Bavaria, the church of St.Nikolaus is a must-visit religious and historical landmark in the town of Bernbeuren. Built in the year 1723, the church's interiors are characterized by an awe-inspiring high altar and side altars, embellished in gilded carvings and stucco work. The frescoed ceilings are another remarkable highlight.