Practical Tips for Visiting Mittenwald in the Bavarian Alps

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Before you head to Mittenwald to explore its charming village and the stunning Bavarian Alps, I’ve got a few practical tips to share. I’ve based these tips on the top attractions and experiences in Mittenwald, so you can be sure they’ll help you get the most out of your trip. Let’s get started!

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A photo inspiration — mountains and the iconic landmarks of Mittenwald, Germany
A photo inspiration — the Bavarian alps and the mural decorated facades of the buildings in Mittenwald, Germany
Bavarian Alps breathtaking views to inspire people to visit Mittenwald, Germany
Bavarian Alps photo inspiration to visit Mittenwald, Germany
Leutasch Gorge photo inspiration to visit Mittenwald, Germany
A photo inspiration — beautiful meadows around Mittenwald, Germany
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Mittenwald, located near the German-Austrian border in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, is easy to reach from Munich or Innsbruck.

  • From Munich, you can drive to Mittenwald in just 1.5 hours, or take a FlixBus, which leaves every two hours and takes about two hours to get there.
  • If you’re coming from Innsbruck, it’s only a 40-minute drive. Prefer public transport? FlixBus offers a 45-minute ride from Innsbruck Südbahnstraße.

Once you’re in Mittenwald, getting around is simple. The village and surrounding Bavarian Alps have an excellent public transportation system, and many attractions are within walking or biking distance. However, if you’re up for adventure and want to explore more remote spots, renting a car could be worth considering.

Mittenwald is a great place to visit all year round, with plenty to see and do.

However, if you want to make the most of it, visiting during the warmer months or summer is your best bet. That’s when you can enjoy top outdoor spots like Karwendel, Leutasch Gorge, and Lautersee. The village and its surroundings are also at their most beautiful during this time. With fewer clouds, the sun shines on Mittenwald’s murals, making them look bright and colorful.

If you like exploring on foot, you’ll love the views from the hummock meadows, especially in spring. The hiking trails to Mittenwald’s mountain huts are also a must-see, particularly in the fall.

How long you stay in Mittenwald depends on things like how many attractions you want to see, how much relaxation you’re after, and whether you plan to explore other spots in the Bavarian Alps. To make the most of your trip, try to avoid repeating experiences.

If you want to see everything Mittenwald has to offer, three days should be enough. This could include an overnight hike and a stay at one of the mountain huts in the area. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Explore the village, learn about violins at the Violin Making Museum, unwind by Lautersee, and stroll around the Hummock Meadows to watch the sunset.
  • Day 2: In the morning, visit Leutasch Gorge and admire the rock formations. In the afternoon, head to Karwendel and start your hike to the mountain huts.
  • Day 3: Hike back to the village in the morning and treat yourself to delicious Bavarian cuisine at one of the local restaurants.

If you’re visiting in the winter, two days should be enough.

  • Day 1: Spend the day exploring the village and the Violin Making Museum, and take in the stunning views at Karwendel.
  • Day 2: Spend the entire day at Dammkar Ski Route, testing your skiing skills and enjoying the snow.

Lastly, if you’re also checking out other spots in the Bavarian Alps, a one-day visit to Mittenwald might be enough since other places offer similar experiences.

For example, if you’re after stunning lake and mountain views, you might prefer Eibsee and Zugspitze in Garmisch-Partenkirchen over Lautersee and Karwendel in Mittenwald.

If you’re short on time and want to explore the central part of the Bavarian Alps, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a great alternative to Mittenwald. These two towns are right next to each other and just a quick train ride away. Knowing their similarities can help you get the most out of your visit.

Here’s a table to quickly compare Mittenwald and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

CategoryMittenwaldGarmisch-Partenkirchen
Town Center/Old TownLüftlmalerei, smaller, has a countryside vibeSee Lüftlmalerei, larger, bustling, with more restaurants, and shops
Famous ForViolinsWinter Olympics
Proximity to the mountainsAccessible from the townIt will require a train ride to reach. Here you can find Zugspitze – the highest mountain in Germany.
Gorge (size)Lautasch Gorge – the longest accessible gorge in the Eastern Limestone AlpsPartnachklamm
LakesLautersee – has beer gardens and a small hotel, picturesque with Karwendel mountains in the backdropEibsee – has a large hotel nearby, has islets, picturesque with the view of Zugspitze
Access1 train ride away from Munich 1 train ride away from Munich
Garmisch-Partenkirchen vs Mittenwald

Learn more about Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

Mittenwald, like Garmisch-Partenkirchen, is located in a prime spot in the Bavarian Alps. It sits right at the border between Germany and Austria.

From Mittenwald, you can head north to see more of Germany or go south to explore Innsbruck and the Tyrolean region.

Before crossing into Tyrol, it’s worth checking out other attractions in southern Germany, where Mittenwald is located. This area includes the beautiful states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, both full of historic cities, charming villages, and breathtaking sights.

For a well-rounded trip to southern Germany, check out the Black Forest, its charming villages, and Stuttgart in Baden-Württemberg.

In Bavaria and Franconia, make sure to visit Munich, Nuremberg, Würzburg, Bamberg, and definitely Rothenburg ob der Tauber. I personally love the architecture of these towns, and they offer a great way to dive into different periods of history.

Finally, if you’re looking for more must-see spots in the Bavarian Alps, don’t miss Neuschwanstein Castle, the iconic fairytale destination in Germany, Oberammergau with its historic passion play tradition, and Berchtesgaden, known for its breathtaking natural beauty.

If you’re not familiar with all the amazing things to do in Mittenwald, my guide to the 10 best activities there will help you plan your trip.

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