BAVARIAN ALPS & SOUTHERN LAKES
The Bavarian Alps and Southern Lakes region is Germany’s fairy tale heartland, a dramatic landscape of soaring, snow-capped peaks and impossibly blue glacial lakes. It’s where millennia of tradition meet modern outdoor adventure.
This region is defined by its pristine natural beauty and deep cultural roots. It’s a land of majestic castles, deep-green forests, and charming villages that embody quintessential German-Austrian alpine culture.
Most Popular Attractions
Alpine Castles & Historic Sites:
Neuschwanstein Castle: King Ludwig II’s iconic, fairy-tale palace, a stunning example of Romanesque Revival architecture perched dramatically on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau.
Hohenschwangau Castle: The childhood residence of King Ludwig II, less famous but equally beautiful, located right next to Neuschwanstein.
Linderhof Palace: King Ludwig II’s smallest and only completed palace, notable for its ornate rococo interiors and beautiful Venus Grotto.
Ettal Abbey: A magnificent Benedictine monastery in the village of Ettal, famous for its grand Baroque architecture and the production of a local liqueur.
Burghausen Castle: The longest castle complex in the world, stretching over a kilometer along a ridge above the Salzach river.
Natural Wonders & Scenic Peaks:
Zugspitze: Germany’s highest mountain, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Alps from the viewing platforms. Accessible by cogwheel train or cable car.
Watzmann: The central massif of the Berchtesgaden Alps, dominating the landscape and offering challenging hiking routes.
Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm): A stunning, deep gorge near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, carved by the Partnach river, offering a dramatic hiking path.
Alpspitze: A distinctive pyramidal mountain near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, known for the “AlpspiX” viewing platform that hangs over a sheer drop.
Jennerbahn: A cable car near Königssee that provides access to panoramic views and high-altitude hiking trails in the Berchtesgaden National Park.
Lakes & Water Activities:
Königssee (King’s Lake): A pristine, fjord-like lake surrounded by steep mountains in Berchtesgaden National Park. Famous for the echo heard from the boat tour and the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomew.
Eibsee: A stunning, emerald-green lake at the foot of the Zugspitze, perfect for kayaking, swimming, and an easy loop walk.
Tegernsee: A large and popular lake known for its beautiful resorts, crystal-clear water, and excellent sailing and swimming.
Chiemsee (Bavarian Sea): Bavaria’s largest lake, featuring two main islands: Herrenchiemsee, with King Ludwig II’s unfinished palace, and Frauenchiemsee, with a historic convent.
Starnberger See: A large lake south of Munich, famous for being the location of the tragic death of King Ludwig II.
Charming Towns & Cultural Hubs:
Garmisch-Partenkirchen: A picturesque twin town and a major winter sports center, known for its painted houses (Lüftlmalerei) and Olympic history.
Oberammergau: A world-famous village known for its Passion Play, performed every ten years, and its houses decorated with elaborate facade paintings.
Mittenwald: A violin-making village with beautifully painted facades and a charming pedestrian zone.
Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden: Often called the most beautiful village in Germany, known for its iconic view of the St. Sebastian Parish Church backed by mountains.
Bad Reichenhall: A historic spa town known for its salt production and scenic location, with a charming Old Town.
Berchtesgaden: A historic market town and the gateway to the Berchtesgaden National Park, with a stunning central square and the former royal palace, Schloss Berchtesgaden.
The Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus): A historic building and former Nazi retreat perched on a mountain ridge above Berchtesgaden, now a restaurant with spectacular views.
Activities & Experiences
Summit the Zugspitze: Take the cogwheel train or cable car to Germany’s highest peak () for breathtaking views across four countries and a high-altitude experience.
Hike the Watzmann in Berchtesgaden: For experienced hikers, tackle one of the trails around the iconic Watzmann mountain, Germany’s second-highest, known for its dramatic rock faces.
Take a Boat Trip on the Königssee: Glide across the emerald green, fjord-like lake to the remote St. Bartholomew’s Church, listening for the famous echo from the steep rock walls.
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle: Explore the world-famous “fairytale castle” commissioned by King Ludwig II, perched dramatically above the village of Hohenschwangau.
Hike through the Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm): Walk along the narrow, misty paths carved into the rock face of this spectacular gorge near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a stunning experience in any season.
Explore the Island Palace on Herrenchiemsee: Take a ferry across Lake Chiemsee to Herrenchiemsee, the “Bavarian Versailles,” another lavish palace built by King Ludwig II.
Go Luge or Tobogganing: Experience a thrilling ride on a summer toboggan run (Sommerrodelbahn) found near many alpine towns like Oberammergau or on a traditional luge run in winter.
Cycle around the Tegernsee or Ammersee: Rent a bike and follow the scenic, flat, paved paths that circle these beautiful southern lakes, stopping for a swim or a break at a lakeside beer garden.
Attend a Passion Play in Oberammergau: If your visit coincides (once every 10 years, next in 2030), experience the world-famous, centuries-old performance.
Tour the Salt Mines in Berchtesgaden (Salzbergwerk): Descend into the historic salt mine by train, slide down wooden chutes, and cross an underground mirror lake.
Paraglide over the Alps: Experience a tandem flight from a peak like the Brauneck or the Kampenwand for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the mountain and lake landscape.
Go Skiing or Snowboarding: Hit the slopes in popular resorts like Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Lenggries, or the Sudelfeld in the winter.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential (for Flexibility): While trains connect the main towns (e.g., Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Berchtesgaden, Rosenheim), a rental car provides the most flexibility for exploring the smaller villages, reaching remote trailheads, and easily hopping between lakes and mountain resorts. Toll stickers (Vignettes) are required for Austrian highways, which you may use for some routes.
Scenic Train Routes: Use the Deutsche Bahn (DB) Regional Trains for a relaxing and scenic journey. The route along the Kochelsee or the line from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers stunning mountain views. Look into the Bayern-Ticket for unlimited regional travel for up to five people in one day.
Local Buses & Cable Cars: Local bus networks (often called RVO) connect train stations to remote villages and trailheads. Always check the timetables, as services can be infrequent, especially on weekends or outside of peak season. Cable cars (Bergbahnen) and cogwheel trains are primary transport to mountain summits and hiking areas.
Parking: In popular towns and near major attractions (like Königssee or Neuschwanstein), parking can be crowded and expensive, especially during high season. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Embrace the “Gemütlichkeit”: This German word translates roughly to coziness, comfort, and good cheer. It’s the core of Bavarian hospitality. You’ll find it in the warm, wood-paneled inns, the traditional dress (Lederhosen and Dirndl), and the relaxed atmosphere of the region.
The “Mittagsruhe” (Midday Rest): Similar to the Spanish siesta, many small shops and local businesses, particularly in smaller villages, observe a quiet time, often from 12 PM to 2 PM or 1 PM to 3 PM. Plan your shopping and errands around this period.
Mountain Hut Etiquette: When hiking, you will inevitably stop at a mountain hut (Alm or Hütte). It is standard to order a meal and a drink. Don’t bring your own food and drinks to consume there. A friendly “Grüß Gott” (a common Bavarian greeting) is a polite way to start a conversation.
The Beer Garden Culture: A Biergarten is a social institution. Find a spot under the chestnut trees, order a liter of local beer (or a Radler—half beer, half lemonade), and enjoy a traditional meal. It’s perfectly acceptable to bring your own food, though not your own drinks.
Hiking Preparation: The weather in the Alps can change rapidly. Always carry layers, rain gear, plenty of water, and suitable footwear, even for easy trails. Inform someone of your route if you’re taking on a challenging hike.
Hidden Gems:
Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden: Often cited as the most photographed church in Germany, the Parish Church of St. Sebastian sits by a stunning mountain river, offering an iconic Bavarian postcard view away from the main tourist hubs.
Ettal Abbey: Near Oberammergau, this magnificent Benedictine monastery is a stunning piece of Baroque architecture. It has its own brewery and distillery, which you can visit.
The Malerwinkel (Painter’s Corner) at Königssee: Instead of going straight to the ferry, take the short, easy hike to this viewpoint for a perfect photo opportunity of the lake and the Watzmann massif.
Kochelsee & Walchensee: These two lakes near each other are less crowded than Chiemsee or Königssee. The deep blue Walchensee is one of the deepest and largest alpine lakes and is a favorite for windsurfing and kite surfing.
Pfarrkirche St. Peter und Paul, Mittenwald: While Mittenwald itself is famous for its painted houses, this vibrant, richly decorated Baroque church is a serene spot often overlooked by visitors focused on the exterior.
Top Restaurants
Gasthaus zur Schranne [$20-$30] – A historic and popular tavern in Garmisch-Partenkirchen known for hearty Bavarian specialties like Schweinebraten (roast pork) and a cozy, authentic atmosphere.
Zum Wildschütz [$20-$35] – An atmospheric and excellent traditional restaurant in Garmisch-Partenkirchen that offers classic Bavarian dishes, including a unique “Bavarian tapas” option to try various local specialties.
Bräustüberl (Garmisch) [$20-$30] – Located in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, this brewery-affiliated restaurant offers standard but well-executed Bavarian pub fare and local beers in a comfortable, intimate setting.
Gasthof Fraundorfer [$20-$35] – A traditional inn in Partenkirchen with a rustic, historical interior and a menu of local favorites, often accompanied by live Bavarian music.
Alpenrose (Mittenwald) [$20-$35] – Once part of a monastery, this restaurant in Mittenwald features traditional Bavarian fare in a beautiful baroque facade, with a focus on seasonal and local dishes.
Gasthof Neuhaus [$20-$35] – A historic, 16th-century restaurant in Berchtesgaden with a charming beer garden, serving authentic Bavarian classics like pork knuckle and duck.
Bräustüberl (Berchtesgaden) [$15-$25] – A historic beer hall in Berchtesgaden, dating back to 1645, offering a true taste of Bavarian cuisine and local beers in a traditional setting.
Tölzer Schießstätte [$20-$30] – Located in Wackersberg (near Bad Tölz), this spot is highly recommended for its traditional Bavarian fare, notably the roast pork with potato dumplings, in a classic shooting-lodge setting.
Brauereigasthof Bürgerbräu [$15-$25] – A historic brewery pub in Bad Reichenhall, a favorite with locals for hearty traditional Bavarian dishes and their in-house brewed beer.
Gasthof zur Weissach [$25-$45] – A traditional Bavarian restaurant in Kreuth near Lake Tegernsee, offering refined takes on classic regional cuisine in an elegant setting.
Hündeleskopfhütte (Pfronten) [$15-$25] – A unique alpine hut (Alm) in the Allgäu region, famous for being the only vegetarian mountain pasture in Bavaria, serving delicious meat-free alpine classics with fresh ingredients.
Alpengasthof Hochlenzer [$15-$25] – Located on the mountainside near Berchtesgaden, this spot offers simple, traditional Bavarian dishes and has a stunning outdoor terrace with panoramic mountain views.
Chiemseer Wirtshaus (Prien am Chiemsee) [$20-$35] – A classic Bavarian guesthouse near Lake Chiemsee, known for its hearty regional food and a beautiful beer garden.
Gaststätte Flößerstube [$15-$25] – A well-regarded, traditional spot in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, known for authentic Bavarian dishes like Bayerische Brezensuppe (pretzel soup) and classic Schnitzels.
ES:SENZ (Grassau, Chiemsee region) [$100-$200] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant (Chef Edip Sigl) near Chiemsee, offering highly creative and refined modern cuisine with a strong regional focus. High-end, but a worthwhile destination for serious foodies.
Restaurant Husar [$40-$70] – Housed in a medieval building in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, this restaurant offers an elevated take on traditional Bavarian cuisine, blending classic dishes with modern techniques.
Pur (Berchtesgaden) [$60-$90] – A modern, high-quality restaurant, often mentioned in fine dining guides, offering creative and sophisticated cuisine in the Berchtesgaden area.
Skytop Restaurant im Gutshof [$30-$50] – A recently re-opened spot on the Obersalzberg mountainside near Berchtesgaden, offering traditional Bavarian dishes with a modern twist and stunning views.
Atelier (Munich) [$150-$300] – A three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Munich (not technically in the Alps, but close enough for a significant excursion) known for Chef Jan Hartwig’s exceptional, highly creative, and contemporary cuisine. A worthwhile splurge for an unparalleled experience.
Duo Tapas (Garmisch-Partenkirchen) [$20-$40] – A great spot in Garmisch-Partenkirchen with a creative approach, offering German and local dishes in the form of “tapas” (smaller portions), allowing guests to sample more items.
Watz Bayerish Pub [$20-$35] – Located at the Berchtesgaden train station, this spot offers Bavarian specialties alongside international dishes in a modern pub atmosphere.
Herzogliches Gasthaus Altes Bad (Kreuth) [$35-$60] – A historic guesthouse on Lake Tegernsee offering a mix of traditional and international dishes in a beautiful, classic setting.
Gardone Restaurant (Kreuth) [$25-$45] – Located in the Tegernsee region, this Italian restaurant focuses on high-quality Italian cuisine, including wood-fired pizza, offering a delicious break from heavy Bavarian fare.
MIZU Sushi Bar (Kreuth) [$40-$70] – The only Japanese restaurant on Lake Tegernsee, offering high-quality sushi, sashimi, and Nikkei-style creations.
BOOM BOOM Restaurant (Bad Wiessee) [$30-$50] – An exotic/Asian-inspired restaurant in the Hotel Bussi Baby near Lake Tegernsee, offering a trendy spot with a different culinary direction.
I Frati (Garmisch-Partenkirchen) [$25-$45] – A highly-regarded Italian restaurant in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, known for authentic Italian cuisine and a warm atmosphere.
L’Osteria al Parco (Berchtesgaden) [$15-$30] – A popular spot in the Berchtesgaden area for casual but delicious Italian food, especially pizza.
Gourmetrestaurant Dichter (Rottach-Egern) [$150-$250] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant at Lake Tegernsee, led by Chef Thomas Kellermann, focusing on exquisite, seasonal, and nature-connected menus with regional ingredients. Reservations essential.
Il Barcaiolo im Seehotel Überfahrt (Rottach-Egern) [$60-$100] – A high-end Italian restaurant located directly on Lake Tegernsee, serving refined Italian cuisine in an elegant lakeside setting.
Fine Dining-Restaurant Senger (Tegernsee) [$80-$130] – An exclusive fine dining experience at the DAS TEGERNSEE hotel, offering refined classics with Mediterranean accents and a stunning view of the lake.
Freihaus Brenner (Bad Wiessee) [$80-$130] – A restaurant commanding fine views high above Bad Wiessee, known for its seasonal specialties and high-quality German cuisine, maintaining a focus on nouvelle cuisine elements.
Fährhütte 14 am Tegernsee (Rottach-Egern) [$40-$70] – A waterside restaurant directly on Lake Tegernsee, known for its delicious lake and country dishes made from regional ingredients, offering stunning views.
Caraleon Hotel Restaurant (Rottach-Egern) [$40-$70] – Offers regional cuisine paired with creativity and a beautiful view of Lake Tegernsee, with menus inspired by the cycle of nature and local sourcing.
Restaurant Café Graflhöhe “Windbeutelbaron” (Schönau am Königssee) [$15-$25] – A must-visit spot near Königssee, famous for its enormous, delicious Windbeutel (cream puffs) served with incredible views of the mountains.
Berggasthof Vorderbrand [$15-$30] – A traditional alpine guest house near Berchtesgaden with an authentic atmosphere and an incredible outdoor terrace offering views surrounded by nature.
Kaiserschmarrn-Alm (Garmisch-Partenkirchen) [$15-$25] – An alpine-style restaurant popular for sweet and savory dishes, particularly the famous Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake), enjoyed with mountain scenery.
Berggasthof Pflegersee [$15-$25] – A traditional mountain guesthouse near Garmisch-Partenkirchen with classic Bavarian food and a beautiful location right on the small Pflegersee lake.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Peaches Cocktailbar: One of the oldest and most well-known bars in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, this lively spot is famous for its cocktails, fancy drinks, and energetic atmosphere, perfect for night owls.
NI BAR (Caro & Selig): The rooftop bar at the Caro & Selig hotel in Tegernsee offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the lake and the Alps. Their signature cocktails often incorporate local ingredients and regional spirits.
EDELWEISS Bar: Located in the Hotel EDELWEISS in the heart of Berchtesgaden, this cozy hotel bar and lobby is a sophisticated meeting place for both guests and locals, offering a wide range of refreshing drinks and cocktails.
MIZU BAR (Bachmair Weissach): This spacious and bright bar in Tegernsee offers a sophisticated, Japanese-inspired atmosphere. Guests can enjoy classic and fresh cocktails with a view of the Bachmair Weissach Park.
Hotel-Bar Wunder Bar (elements Hotel): Found within the elements Hotel in Oberstdorf, this “Wunder Bar” offers an international bar menu, specialty cocktails, and local twists like their Heublumenspritz, making it a great spot for an after-dinner drink.
Lakeside Bar (Seehotel Luitpold): Situated directly at the lake in Tegernsee, this bar is said to serve some of the best cocktails in the Tegernsee valley, offering stunning, unobstructed views of the water.
Zirbel-Stube: Nestled near the Garmisch church in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, this long-standing local favorite offers an inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy draft beer, fine wines, and creative cocktails.
Pub 33: A local pub in Garmisch-Partenkirchen with a traditional feel, offering a diverse selection of German beers, wines, and tasty cocktails, along with hearty snacks.
Bungalow 7: Located in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, this spot is known for its relaxed atmosphere and American-style fare like burgers, but it also provides an extensive selection of cocktails.
PANORAMA Restaurant (Hotel EDELWEISS): While a restaurant in Berchtesgaden, its location on the highest floor offers a unique spot for a relaxed evening drink with a magnificent panoramic view of the Berchtesgaden Alps and the Watzmann mountain.
Joselito Cocktail Bar: Situated in the pedestrian zone of Oberstdorf, this bar and tapas spot offers a Spanish-Mexican flavor and is a recommended place for a mixed drink.
Wuidara Bar & Biergarten (LEEBERGHOF): A bar with a traditional yet modern Alpine flair, located in Bad Wiessee near Tegernsee, perfect for a casual evening drink in a cozy setting.
Ondersch: Located in Oberstdorf, this bar offers a local and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for a casual drink after a day on the slopes or hiking trails.
s’ handwerk: Situated in Sonthofen, close to Oberstdorf, this bar and café offers a cozy, rustic environment for enjoying a range of drinks.
Barfly: A popular bar in the center of Sonthofen, offering a classic pub feel for a relaxed night out.