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The Austrian border of Germany is a region that fully connects with natural beauty. Berchtesgaden, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Schwangau were the places that I had the chance to visit so far.
Next was Mittenwald…
I don’t know how I could have come up to Garmisch and missed to get this lovely place, but of course I visited at the first opportunity!
At the foot of the Karwandel Mountains, Mittenwald is definitely breath taking, with its Bavarian style, the colourfully painted houses; colourful flowers hanging from the balconies; its lush nature and numerous hiking routes.
Colourful buildings
The exterior of almost every house in the tiny city centre is decorated with colourful paintings. These decorations actually tell stories from the Bible, guided tours are organized for those who want to learn the details. You can explore each building admiringly and spend hours taking pictures.
World’s number one violins come from Mittenwald
Mittenwald was also a world-renowned violin production centre. Although it is not known exactly how the violin production came here, it is thought that it started because of the perfect environment and climate conditions of Karwendel Mountains for growing trees suitable for violin production. There are countless violin producers, courses for violin making and a violin museum in this little place.
Mittenwald is a great opportunity for gastronomy enthusiasts
Located on the border of Germany and Austria, this city is also a great place to try the cuisine of this region. You can try a variety of beers from the hundreds of breweries in Bavaria and taste both German and Austrian cuisine.
Amazing nature of Mittenwald
When it comes to natural beauty, the Alps are already flowing waters, but this place is really, really beautiful. There are countless hiking routes, as well as a unique natural formation here.
Geisterklamm
The star here is the Geister Gorge. I’ve visited countless gorges, but I’ve never seen such an impressive route arrangement. Definitely the best canyon hiking route I’ve ever seen so far, with a trekking platform set up on the mountain slopes so high from the river running down.
There is also a spectacular the view bridge combining the two slopes of the canyon, with the Karwendel Mountains behind it.
A visit to the waterfall
Before entering the canyon, you have a chance to choose a separate route for the waterfall. When you enter here the sound of the waterfall welcomes you and the air getting cooler with every step makes you feel the cold of the snow water coming from the Alps.
Countless activities
There is no limit to the activities you can do here. You can choose one or more of the dozens of hiking routes I mentioned at the beginning, take the cable car to the Karwendel Mountains or arrange short trips to the hidden Lauter and Ferchen lakes between the mountains. The centre of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also about a 20-minute drive away.
Lautersee
Lautersee ,ie Lauter Lake, is another natural wonder, about half an hour walk from the centre of Mittenwald. I didn’t want to leave Mittenwald without seeing this place, and on the last day I hit the road early in the morning. It was definitely worth it to get up at 6:00 in the morning.
But if you intend see these lakes, I strongly recommend you to come here in the afternoon before the sunset. I’m sure the sun, which sets the Kawendel Mountains into great colors at dusk, will create a wonderful view here.
Unfortunately I couldn’t do this visit was due to the insane rain in the previous days. But still glad that I did even early in the morning.
Ferchensee
Ferchen Lake is a 45-minute walk away from Lauter Lake. Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to go here, I was supposed to be at the hotel before our check out time 🙂 But the pictures look quite nice.
It is not possible to reach these lakes by car. There is a vehicle path, but it is only available to vehicles with special permission. Therefore, you need to reach by bus or by foot.
To get there by bus, you have to take the buses departing from the main train station. You can check their time on the website here.
My advice is to go on foot. Although the road is slightly climbing, I think it is quite pleasant. You can also see Leinbach Falls using a different route on your way back 😉
Last but not least…
I think Mittenwald is definitely a must-see place. You can stay in this area, or take a day trip to see the region’s outstanding beauties. If you want to combine a trip to Munich with a little nature getaway, Mittenwald is definitely the place for you…
