5 Charming Towns & 15 Top Attractions in the Bavarian Alps
Take a look at this mini gallery to see the stunning beauty of the Bavarian Alps and explore the towns and attractions you can find there.
Before we get into the top attractions in the Bavarian Alps, don’t forget—WanderInEurope has FREE Bavarian Alps itineraries for you!
Berchtesgaden
One of Germany’s most stunning locations isn’t in the heart of the country but in the southeast corner: Berchtesgaden.
I often compare it to Switzerland’s Lauterbrunnen or Jungfrau region, especially because of the Watzmann Range’s three peaks, which resemble Switzerland’s Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Berchtesgaden offers an unforgettable experience.
There’s something special about extremes, which you’ll see as we explore the highlights of this beautiful area. Known for its salt mine and the pristine Konigssee (King’s Lake), Berchtesgaden is a town full of natural wonders. It’s the gateway to Germany’s tallest waterfalls, a charming chapel by the lake, and a WWII scenic landmark.
Nestled in the extreme southeast of Germany, Berchtesgaden is almost entirely surrounded by Austria, with its only connection to the rest of Germany extending north toward Munich. Interestingly, it’s actually closer to the Austrian city of Salzburg than to Munich, just a 30-minute drive away.
If you visit Berchtesgaden, make sure to experience these three things:
- cruising on the crystal-clear waters of Konigssee,
- enjoying the epic view of the Bavarian Alps from Eagle’s Nest, and
- exploring the spectacular tunnels in the Salt Mine.
You can visit Konigssee and Eagle’s Nest in one day, but to truly enjoy the area, plan for 2 to 3 days, as there are many more beautiful places to explore.
Here are the top attractions in and around Berchtesgaden.
Konigssee, often called the King’s Lake, is considered Germany’s most breathtaking lake. Its beauty is undeniable, and it’s also one of the country’s cleanest bodies of water. The lake’s serene waves and reflective surface create a sight that could captivate you for hours. At times, a gentle mist adds to its magical atmosphere, leaving you in a state of pure bliss.
But there’s more. You might have seen photos on social media of a picturesque peninsula on Konigssee, home to the charming pilgrimage church of Saint Bartholomew. The church will mesmerize you even more than you expect.
A visit to Konigssee also gives you access to other stunning attractions in Berchtesgaden, such as the Ice Kapelle, Obersee, and the Röthbach Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Germany. So, a trip to Konigssee is more than just a visit to the lake—it’s a chance to experience these incredible natural wonders too.
Visiting information: koenigssee.de
Berchtesgaden has many scenic viewpoints, but none are as famous as the Eagle’s Nest. This historic site was once a meeting place for the Nazis. The name “Eagle’s Nest” came from a rare diplomatic meeting with French ambassador André François-Poncet.
Situated on the ridge of the Hoher Goll mountain range, the Eagle’s Nest stands 1,834 meters (6,017 feet) above sea level. From here, you can take in the stunning view as the Bavarian Alps gradually transition into flatlands. On a clear day, you can even see Konigssee and Salzburg in the distance.
The Eagle’s Nest also features a restaurant, allowing you to enjoy a meal with a breathtaking view. To enhance your experience, historical tours are available to help you learn more about this remarkable site.
Visiting information: kehlsteinhaus.de
Berchtesgaden offers unforgettable experiences, whether you’re atop the mountains, gliding across the lake, or exploring underground.
If you’re looking for something unique in the Bavarian Alps, the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine is a must-see. The tour blends fun activities, fascinating salt exhibits, and a look at the technology used to extract salt from the Alps. Laser shows, slides through tunnels, trains, and elevators reveal the 500-year-old salt mining culture.
While this activity might be more suited to kids, young adults might not find it as thrilling. However, if you’re still up for more, focus on the stunning, jaw-dropping vistas of the Bavarian Alps. Some of these viewpoints require a hike, but they are absolutely worth it.
Visit Berchtesgaden on a clear day, and your camera will be working overtime.
Visiting information: salzbergwerk.de
Mittenwald
Do you enjoy wandering without a set destination while traveling? If so, Mittenwald in the Bavarian Alps might be the perfect spot for you. Tucked near the mountains and decorated with Lüftlmalerei in its town center, Mittenwald is perfect for simply wandering.
Picture yourself walking down a street lined with colorful buildings, their walls painted with intricate Lüftlmalerei, all while snowy mountain peaks tower above. It feels like stepping into a fairytale. That’s the magic of Mittenwald.
So, where is Mittenwald exactly? Located in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, at the foot of the Karwendel mountain range, it’s so close to the German-Austrian border that a short hike will take you straight into Austria.
Here are a few activities you’ll love if you visit Mittenwald:
- Dammkar Skiroute – Skiing on Germany’s longest ski route.
- Leutasch Gorge – Exploring a gorge steeped in local folklore.
- Hummock Meadows – Wandering through stunning, scenic meadows.
Wondering how long to stay in Mittenwald? If you’re looking to ski, take a quick hike, explore the town, and visit Buckelwiesen and Leutasch Gorge, a 1- to 2-day stay should be enough. But if you want to visit the charming mountain huts and explore more of Karwendel on foot, consider staying longer.
Mittenwald also offers unique events like the Mittenwalder Musiksommer and the Bringing in Sheep/Goats/Cattle festival—perfect for those who want to experience local culture up close. These events might be just the reason to time your visit.
Here are the top attractions in and around Mittenwald.
While Mittenwald may not have the dramatic views of Berchtesgaden, it is home to the thrilling Dammkar Ski Route, one of Germany’s most exciting ski experiences. With some of the best slopes in the Alps, it’s a paradise for off-piste skiers.
The Dammkar Ski Route stretches over 7 kilometers, dropping 1,300 meters from Karwendel to Mittenwald. Along the way, you’ll find a mix of firm powder and slushy mogul fields—perfect for those who love a challenge.
But before you hit the slopes, there’s plenty to explore. The top station of the Karwendelbahn cable car, your gateway to Dammkar, is designed like a giant telescope, offering breathtaking views of the valley below. Right next to it, there’s an easy hiking trail with panoramic views of the Northern Limestone Alps’ cirques.
And don’t miss the restaurant at the top. Enjoy a meal or a beer on the sunny terrace while taking in the stunning panorama.
Visiting information: karwendelbahn.de
Near Mittenwald, you’ll find the Leutasch Gorge, a must-visit spot known for its impressive length—it’s the longest accessible gorge in the Eastern Limestone Alps. The gorge is often called the “spirit gorge” due to local legends that say it’s home to goblins and other supernatural creatures.
As you walk through, you’ll get a chance to conquer your fear of heights. Steel mesh pathways suspended above the gorge provide views of the ground far below. These pathways, attached to the limestone walls, lead you to some of the most stunning spots in the gorge, where you’ll see narrow rivers, mountain views between massive rocks, and more.
You will need at least two hours to visit every part of Leutasch gorge:
- Klammgeistweg – the place where you will learn the gorge’s myths, geology, and ecology.
- Koboldpfad – More exciting and trilling pathways
- Wasserfallsteig – The gem at the end of the gorge, a gorgeous waterfalls 23 meters high.
Visiting information: seefeld.com
Mittenwald’s Hummock Meadows, or Buckelwiesen, is a rare and stunning sight in the Bavarian Alps. The meadow is dotted with thousands of bumps and mounds, creating a whimsical, almost otherworldly landscape. During golden hour, when the sun is low, the interplay of light and shadow makes the features stand out even more.
These meadows are scattered across Mittenwald. One lies north of Lautersee, near a charming chapel, and another is located next to the Kranzberg Gipfel-Hütte. While it’s possible to drive to these spots, exploring them on foot or by bike offers a more personal experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the picturesque German countryside along the way.
The Hummock Meadows are carefully maintained by local farmers, and their efforts have earned recognition, including a conservation diploma from the European Heritage Europa Nostra Awards.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Let’s focus on Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the largest town in the Bavarian Alps. This town is rich in history, having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1936 — a moment that also marked the forced unification of Garmisch and Partenkirchen under Adolf Hitler’s regime.
Today, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, or GaPa as it’s often called, is a top destination in the Bavarian Alps. It offers a variety of activities for visitors, from peaceful lakes and towering peaks to hiking trails, shopping, charming streets, and delicious Bavarian cuisine. GaPa truly has everything you could want, making it the ultimate destination in the region.
That’s not to say other towns in the Alps aren’t worth visiting, but Garmisch-Partenkirchen stands out with its many vantage points for breathtaking views. One of the best spots is Alpspix, an observation deck that extends from a cliff near Alpspitze. From here, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the town nestled in the valley, surrounded by mountains and lush fields.
Of all the towns in the Bavarian Alps, Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers the most diverse range of activities. For a detailed guide on all the attractions and things to do, check out my article on GaPa (link below). But if I had to narrow it down, here are my top three picks:
- Zugspitze
- Eibsee
- Olympia-Skistadion Ski Jump
Not sure how long to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen? Since the town is fairly small but packed with things to see and do, 2 to 3 days is usually a good amount of time. This gives you plenty of time to check out the main attractions.
But if you’re hoping to hike, visit the beautiful lakes, explore nearby villages, and take in the amazing views around town, you might find yourself wishing you had a bit more time. Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s beauty and charm will probably make you want to stay even longer.
Here are the top attractions in and around Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, or GaPa, is the gateway to Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain. Standing at 2,962 meters (9,717 feet) above sea level, Zugspitze offers one of the best views in the Alps. From the top, you can see panoramic views stretching across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. On clear days, the sight even extends to the mountain ranges of northern Italy.
Like many famous peaks in the Alps, Zugspitze is accessible by cable car. While the ride isn’t free, it saves you the hike to the summit. The cable car ride itself is an adventure, as it passes over the world’s highest steelwork pylon, standing 127 meters tall. It also holds the record for the world’s greatest height difference for a cable car, at 1,945 meters. In just a few minutes, you’ll be soaring more than twice the height of the world’s tallest building!
Once at the top, the breathtaking views aren’t the only thing to enjoy. You’ll also find Germany’s highest beer garden, where you can take in the stunning mountain scenery while enjoying a cold drink and a snack.
Visiting information: zugspitze.de
Near Eibsee, a lake in Grainau, you’ll find a cable car station that takes you to the summit of Zugspitze. But before you make the ascent, spend some time exploring the lake itself.
Eibsee offers some of the best views of the Bavarian Alps, and it’s easily accessible from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The lake is a photographer’s dream. On calm days, the water becomes a giant mirror, reflecting Zugspitze and the surrounding peaks, creating a stunning scene that’s perfect for your Instagram feed.
Eibsee also has a mystical side. When mist rolls in, the lake transforms into a magical, almost otherworldly sight. Once the mist clears, you can rent kayaks and boats from nearby shops. Paddle through the crystal-clear water and visit the tiny islets scattered across the lake.
If you come during the off-season, you’ll find the area peaceful and serene. If you’re looking for a relaxing escape or a moment of tranquility, Eibsee is a must-see on your Bavarian Alps itinerary.
Visiting Information: eibsee.de
While I’m not a big Olympics fan, the Olympia-Skistadion Sprungschanze in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is definitely worth a visit. It’s a unique spot, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a ski-jumper soaring through the air during your trip to GaPa!
I’ve never seen ski-jumping live, but watching videos of athletes performing on YouTube always leaves me amazed. The stadium is open to the public when there are no events happening. If you want to get up close, you can register and ask for permission at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen tourism office.
Besides the ski jump, Garmisch-Partenkirchen also has the Olympic Bobsleigh Run, where athletes used to race at speeds up to 140 kph! However, the run is no longer open to the public, as efforts are underway to preserve this historic landmark.
Visiting information: gapa-tourismus.de
Oberammergau
Oberammergau, tucked away in the Bavarian Alps, offers a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find in any other town in the region. While it may not have towering mountains, stunning lakes, or dramatic gorges, its rich culture and traditions make it stand out.
Known worldwide, especially in the Christian West, Oberammergau is famous for its Passion Play. This event has a fascinating history, originating over 400 years ago when the villagers made a promise to God to perform the play every ten years if they were spared from a plague. Miraculously, they were spared. What’s even more remarkable is that the villagers have kept this promise for centuries.
The Passion Play features more than 2,000 locals who take part in reenacting the Passion of Christ—a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll be lucky to witness.
But if your visit doesn’t line up with the play, don’t worry. The town still has plenty to offer, from the intricate Lüftlmalerei to the peaceful countryside views that will leave you in awe. Oberammergau’s tradition of wood carving is also something to explore.
Even when the Passion Play isn’t on, the town offers an abundance of attractions worth discovering. Here are a few to check out if you decide to stay in Oberammergau:
- Alpine Coaster
- Ettal Abbey
- Linderhof Palace
Ettal Abbey and Linderhof Palace are definitely worth visiting and make for great side trips from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. However, they are even closer and more easily accessible from Oberammergau. We’ll dive into each of these attractions in more detail soon, but first, let’s answer an important question: how much time should you spend in Oberammergau?
A single day is enough to experience all the highlights of the village. In one day, you can explore the town, admire the stunning Lüftlmalerei, watch the Passion Play (if it’s the 10th year), and even ride the alpine coaster. If you plan to visit Ettal Abbey and Linderhof Palace as well, you’ll need to set aside an extra day.
Here are the top attractions in and around Oberammergau.
While many think Oberammergau is only worth visiting during the Passion Play’s premiere, there’s a great reason to come even when it’s not happening.
The world’s longest weatherproof toboggan run with magnetic brakes is right here in Oberammergau! This thrilling ride spans 2,600 meters, starting from a mountain near the town and dropping 400 meters in altitude.
As you race down, you’ll navigate 73 alpine coaster turns, 9 jumps, and 7 waves, all while reaching speeds of 40 kph.
Oberammergau is full of surprises, and this exciting adventure is one of them. On a clear day, the views from the coaster are nothing short of stunning.
Visiting information: kolbensattel.de
Ettal, a charming village south of Oberammergau, is home to two stunning landmarks of the Bavarian Alps: Ettal Abbey and Linderhof Palace. Both are just a short 20-minute drive from Oberammergau.
Ettal Abbey, the closer of the two, is a 14th-century Benedictine monastery that includes a brewery, hotel, and dairy. The Abbey features an impressive dome, beautifully decorated with mesmerizing frescoes.
These captivating paintings are so detailed, you could easily lose track of time staring at them! But watch out—looking up for too long might give you a stiff neck. Just a little joke!
Visiting information: klosterhotel-ettal.de
Linderhof Palace is located just 15 to 20 minutes west of Ettal Abbey, not far from Oberammergau. It’s one of the three palaces commissioned by King Ludwig II and is the only one he lived to see completed.
The palace’s interiors are stunning, with a lavish rococo design, though photography inside is not allowed.
The palace is surrounded by a beautiful garden that blends baroque and renaissance architectural styles. As you stroll through the garden, the elegant decorations, vibrant plants, and statues will make you feel like you’re walking among royalty.
While the palace itself is small, it’s surrounded by several other attractions, each offering a different cultural or architectural experience. These include the Venus Grotto, Hunding’s Hut, Gurnemanz Hermitage, Moorish Kiosk, and Moroccan House, each reflecting unique influences.
Visiting information: schlosslinderhof.de
Hohenschwangau
Hohenschwangau, the home of King Ludwig II, is a must-see destination in the Bavarian Alps. Once a small village in the Schwangau municipality, it grew into a lively area after the construction and rise in popularity of Neuschwanstein Castle in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, around 2 million tourists visit Hohenschwangau annually. Located on the northern edge of the Alps, it offers stunning views and the chance to explore fairytale castles atop the hills.
Key highlights include Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, and Alpsee.
Wondering how long to stay? A single day is usually enough, and if you’re coming from nearby cities, a day tour is doable, especially if your main focus is the castles.
To make the most of your visit, aim to see the castles early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more magical experience.
Here are the top attractions in and around Hohenschwangau.
Neuschwanstein Castle is the main draw for millions of visitors to Hohenschwangau. This fairytale-like castle was created by “the fairytale king,” Ludwig II, who sadly died before seeing it completed.
As noted by Discovery.com, “While Ludwig’s story doesn’t have a happy ending, his castles inspired a man known for crafting happy endings: Walt Disney. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle was inspired by Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein, as was Cinderella’s Castle.” Neuschwanstein has sparked the imagination of not just one person, but countless others.
Over the years, the castle has received endless praise, and it’s easy to see why—it’s a real castle built by a real king. To truly appreciate its beauty, be sure to take the 30-minute tour (tickets can sell out quickly during the summer).
The real highlight, though, are the viewpoints of Neuschwanstein Castle, where you can take in its stunning scale and breathtaking surroundings. For those of us not from Europe, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Visiting information: hohenschwangau.de
On the other side of the village stands Hohenschwangau Castle, once the home of King Ludwig II. Perched on a small hill and painted yellow, the castle is visible from the balcony of Neuschwanstein Castle.
Originally built in the 12th century, Hohenschwangau Castle has been destroyed, rebuilt, and renovated many times over the years. The final renovations were done by King Maximilian II, Ludwig’s father.
Though not as grand as Neuschwanstein, the castle’s interiors are captivating, filled with paintings that tell a rich tapestry of stories. While trees may block your view of Neuschwanstein from the outside, the castle’s gardens offer a stunning view of Lake Alpsee.
Visiting information: hohenschwangau.de
Alpsee is the perfect spot if you want to capture both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles in one shot. You can rent a boat for the best view or enjoy a peaceful hike around the lake.
While you explore, you might spot graceful wild swans gliding across the sparkling water. The lake has a circular path for a relaxing walk, but if you’re up for more, there are longer trails for the adventurous.
No matter how you choose to explore, Alpsee offers a calming escape, a peaceful break from the usual crowds.
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Tip: If you’re flying in to visit the Bavarian Alps, the best cities to start your journey are Munich, Innsbruck, or Salzburg. These cities are the closest to the Alps and also offer great experiences to kick off your trip. For more details, check out my practical guide to planning a trip to the Bavarian Alps.
Lastly, Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Mittenwald, and Berchtesgaden are five of WanderInEurope’s top 10 bucket list destinations in Southern Germany. You can find the other five in a separate article here:
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