Bavarian Alps: Top Attractions, Hotels & Tours

Where are the Bavarian Alps located in Germany?

The Bavarian Alps are a mountain region in southern Germany. The term is actually a bit confusing, because depending on which classification you follow, some sections also extend into Austria.

The Bavarian Alps can generally be divided into seven areas. To give you a better sense of this, we’ve put together an overview map.

For each of the regions, we’ll walk you through our top three attractions in the Bavarian Alps from west to east, including tips for tours and hotels.

Which Alpine region is right for you?

Admittedly, the differences between the individual regions in the Bavarian Alps aren’t that dramatic. After all, they all have beautiful mountains, blue lakes, and green meadows.

That said, you can draw some distinctions between the regions — though of course this only reflects our subjective take. We hope it helps you figure out which area suits you best.

#1 Allgäu – Land of Castles: The Allgäu is famous for the three stunning fairy-tale castles of King Ludwig II.

#2 Ammergau – the Underdog: Ammergau isn’t as well known, and most towns are pretty small, even by rural standards. But that’s exactly what makes the region feel so authentic.

#3 Wetterstein – Extreme Mountain Sports: Germany’s highest mountain, Olympic ski jumps, and one of the most dangerous bobsled runs in the world.

#4 Bavarian Foothills – Lakes Upon Lakes: The foothills with their countless deep-blue lakes make for a fantastic prelude to the Alps.

#5 Karwendel – Off the Beaten Path: This area is generally less touristy and more sparsely populated. Enjoy the peace and quiet in the mountains.

#6 Chiemgau – the Tourist Magnet: In Chiemgau you’ll find some of the most popular attractions in the region, so there’s more going on here.

#7 Berchtesgaden – the Classic: The mountains, exactly as you’d picture them from a postcard — dramatic peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes.

Allgäu Alps

Let’s start with our first region all the way in the west: the Allgäu Alps. You’ve surely heard of the Allgäu before — green meadows, blue mountains, and lots of happy cows. Sounds great already!

Hotels in the Allgäu Alps

Still looking for a place to stay in the Allgäu Alps? We’ve picked out three hotels that combine a great mountain location with a modern country-house style.

Hotel Gams: A beautifully decorated boutique hotel in Oberstdorf. A perfect base for hiking and skiing.

Bio-Hotel Adler: A hotel focused on sustainable tourism — from the building materials to the ingredients in the kitchen, everything here is organic.

Landhotel Schwarzenbach: Massages, saunas, and pure relaxation await you. A wellness hotel with all the bells and whistles.

You’ll find more recommendations in our detailed article on the best wellness hotels in the Allgäu:

12 Special Wellness Hotels in the Allgäu

Our Top 3 Attractions in the Allgäu

What should you absolutely check out when you visit the Allgäu? Here are our favorite highlights in the region.

#1 Neuschwanstein Castle
King Ludwig II’s fairy-tale castle near Füssen is one of the most popular things to see in all of Germany. That doesn’t surprise us at all — the setting is simply breathtaking.

On the other hand, it’s also swarming with tourists like almost nowhere else. 1.5 million visitors come every year to admire the castle.

Our tip: Neuschwanstein isn’t the only beautiful castle in the area. Not quite as famous and, in our opinion, seriously underrated is Linderhof Palace in Ettal.
#2 Kempten

Kempten is the largest city in the Allgäu, though with 70,000 inhabitants it’s still no metropolis. Still, Kempten is an important hub and you’ll likely pass through several times during a vacation in the Allgäu. A stopover is totally worth it!

The town is one of the oldest in all of Germany and its history stretches far back into antiquity. It’s lovely to stroll through the historic lanes or enjoy an iced coffee on the old market square in summer.

Our tip: Every Wednesday morning, a weekly market takes place at Hildegardplatz (in summer) or in the market hall (in winter). It’s incredibly popular, and for good reason: from Käsespätzle and sausages to fresh fruit and vegetables, you’ll find everything. A true paradise for foodies!
#3 Forggensee

Fed by the Lech River, the Allgäu is home to Germany’s largest reservoir: the Forggensee. And it’s so large that you’d probably never guess it isn’t of natural origin.

In summer, you can swim here with views of the surrounding mountains and the royal castles. There’s also a wide range of water sports on offer, from boat tours to kitesurfing.

But even when the lake is drained, a visit is worthwhile. That’s when the old Roman road, the Via Claudia Augusta, becomes visible, running straight across the lake bed. You can also go on hikes along the bottom of the lake.

Tours in the Allgäu Alps

Want to add something extra special to your Allgäu vacation? Then try one of these tours. Whether you’re after an adrenaline rush or a day trip from Munich, there’s sure to be something for you.

Ammergau Alps

Admittedly, the Ammergau probably isn’t the first beautiful part of Bavaria that springs to mind. But that’s actually an advantage — the region isn’t nearly as crowded. There are still plenty of great things to see and do, though. So maybe the Ammergau is exactly the under-the-radar pick you’ve been looking for on your next short trip.

Hotels in the Ammergau Alps

There aren’t many towns in Ammergau, but you certainly don’t have to go without a nice hotel. Here are our picks for where to stay in Ammergau.

Hotel Lartor: A super modern — and perhaps slightly quirky — boutique hotel in Unterammergau with a very exclusive restaurant.

Hotel Maximilian: Traditional country-house style meets modern elegance. From a beer garden to a spa with sauna, everything is on offer here.

Gästehaus Neu: A private guesthouse away from the hustle and bustle, yet still centrally located. A perfect starting point for cycling or hiking.

Our Top 3 Attractions in the Ammergau

Bavaria has many beautiful places — if you’re exploring the Ammergau Alps, you absolutely shouldn’t miss these three spots.

#1 Ettal Abbey

Ettal Abbey is pretty much the top attraction in the region. Not only does it look incredibly imposing, it also has quite a bit of history — the building dates back to the 14th century.

The heart of the large complex is the abbey church, which is impressive from every angle. Inside, you’ll find elaborately crafted stucco work and a ceiling fresco. From the outside, the white building almost seems to glow against the surrounding mountain panorama.

#2 Plansee

The Plansee is already in Austria, but it belongs to the Ammergau Alps, and as we mentioned at the start, the term Bavarian Alps can be a bit confusing. Long story short: the Plansee is so beautiful that we simply had to include it here.

It’s one of the largest lakes in the region, incredibly clear and sitting right in the heart of the surrounding mountains — perfect for a little picnic after a hike or for swimming on hot summer days. You can even sail and dive here.

#3 Alpine Coaster

This attraction combines the tranquility of hiking with a serious adrenaline rush and is also perfect for a family outing. First, you hike a leisurely one and a half hours up to the Kolbensattel hut.

Then you head back down at speeds of up to 25 mph through 73 curves on the Alpine Coaster summer toboggan run. But don’t worry — you can control your speed independently using two brake levers. And the best part: this toboggan run is completely weather-independent.

Hiking Guides for the Ammergau Alps

The Ammergau Alps are less developed for organized tourism than, say, the Allgäu — which means fewer guided tours but a more authentic experience. To make sure you’re well prepared before heading out, here are two great hiking guides worth checking out.

Kompass Hiking Guide: This guide features 50 tours in and around the Ammergau Alps. Information on difficulty levels, elevation profiles, and maps (also available for download) make sure you find the right tour for your fitness level.

Winter Hiking in the Allgäu Alps: In winter, the snow-covered Alps transform into a wonderland. Whether you’re on snowshoes, a sled, or trekking with kids in tow — this guide has the best advice for the Ammergau mountains in the cold season.

Wetterstein Mountains

The name Wetterstein Mountains might not ring a bell, but you definitely know it. This is where the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, is located. And one thing is especially great about this region: skiing, skiing, and more skiing. OK, snowboarding too, of course.

Hotels in the Wetterstein Mountains

In the Wetterstein Mountains, everything revolves around hiking and winter sports. So location plays an important role when choosing your accommodation. These three hotels give you a great base for day trips.

Längenfelder Hof: A 4-star hotel in Grainau in the heart of the mountains with an incredible panoramic view.

Werdenfelserei: Modern elegance meets traditional timber construction. Centrally located in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, yet also in close proximity to the mountains and ski areas.

Biohotel Leutascher Hof: A hotel in the Austrian village of Leutasch. The hotel’s concept revolves primarily around sustainability.

No time for an overnight stay? These tours let you easily combine a city trip with a day trip into the Wetterstein Mountains.

Tour from Munich to the Zugspitze

Our Top 3 Attractions in the Wetterstein Mountains

What would a bavarian alps travel guide be without the Zugspitze or Garmisch-Partenkirchen? Definitely incomplete — and that’s not something we want.

#1 Zugspitze

At 9,718 feet, the Zugspitze is Germany’s highest mountain. Three cable cars in total take you to the summit. At the top, you’re treated to a truly incredible panorama of snow-capped peaks wrapped in a blanket of cotton-candy clouds. Weather permitting, of course.

You certainly won’t be bored in the Zugspitze region: from winter sports to hiking, climbing, and paragliding, you can enjoy virtually every outdoor sport imaginable. Afterward, you’ve definitely earned a stop at one of the mountain huts with their regional specialties.

#2 Partnach Gorge

A natural spectacle that makes every photographer’s heart skip a beat: this gorge with its rushing water cuts through the mountain for over 700 meters and reaches 80 meters in depth.

The gorge is most impressive at sunset, when the sun’s rays dance along the walls and create a truly special atmosphere. In winter, enormous icicles hang from the rocky ceiling.

Our tip: The gorge is only a short walk away. Especially if you’re traveling with kids, a horse-drawn carriage ride makes for a great alternative for getting there. And if you still have energy after the gorge, you can tack on a short hike to the Eckbauer hut.
#3 Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a true mecca for mountain lovers. But beyond the surrounding peaks, the charming old quarter has plenty to offer as well. Narrow lanes lined with boutiques invite you to browse, while cafés and restaurants tempt you with delicious treats.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also known as a venue for winter sports competitions. Just outside of town, for example, are the Olympic ski jumps, which were built back in the 1920s.

A few kilometers further, you’ll find the former bobsled run. Its sharp curves made it one of the most dangerous bobsled tracks in the world. Athletes reached speeds of up to 75 mph on this track. Simply incredible!

Read also: Real insider tips for Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Hiking Guides for the Wetterstein Mountains

Want to head out and explore the mountains on your own? These guides are a great starting point.

Kompass Hiking Guide: This book covers many tours of varying difficulty levels around Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It also includes additional information such as swimming spots, leisure activities for kids, and much more. Very clear and well laid out!

Bruckmann Hiking Guide: The Zugspitze is one of Germany’s most famous mountains. This guide covers hiking trails around Germany’s highest peak — whether you’re planning a leisurely stroll or a strenuous climb.

Karwendel

The Karwendel range has around 125 peaks above 6,500 feet and is simply, in every sense, what a mountain range should be: no cable cars, no tourist crowds, just plenty of peace and nature. If you want an authentic Alpine experience, make sure you keep reading.

Hotels in the Karwendel

Since the Karwendel range is less touristy, the selection of accommodation is also smaller. We’ve already picked out three great hotels for you. Don’t be surprised: one of them is in Austria, as a large portion of the Karwendel extends across the border.

Alpvital: A small hotel with a rustic atmosphere in Klais. Very tasty breakfast with homemade specialties.

Gröbl-Alm: A family-run hotel in Mittenwald in the heart of the mountains. The hotel’s own distillery produces the best schnapps.

Faktorei: Located on the edge of the Karwendel range in Innsbruck. Perfect for anyone who wants a mountain vacation but can’t quite give up city life.

No time for an overnight stay? These tours let you easily combine a city trip with a day trip into the Karwendel range.

Our Top 3 Attractions in the Karwendel

The Karwendel range with its many peaks above 6,500 feet isn’t just for experienced mountaineers. Here are our three favorite Karwendel highlights for visitors of all levels.

#1 Swarovski Crystal Worlds

It sparkles and glitters everywhere: the Swarovski Crystal Worlds is certainly one of the more unusual points of interest we’re showcasing here.

It all began in 1995, conceived by artist André Heller with his concept of “Chambers of Wonder.” The centerpiece of the exhibition is a giant made of crystal, which watches over 17 exhibition rooms where various artists have brought their glittering installations to life.

In short: Crystal Worlds is like a real-life version of Alice in Wonderland. And for kids, there’s also a dedicated play tower.

#2 Brunnstein Hut

The Brunnstein Hut is one of the most popular excursion destinations in the Karwendel range, thanks to how easy it is to reach.

The hike starts at the Brunnsteinhütte parking lot. From there, you climb about 2,070 feet in elevation, passing through forest and along gorges. Once you arrive at the Brunnstein Hut, you’re rewarded with an unparalleled vista of the Wetterstein Mountains across the valley.

Of course, by then you’ll have earned a proper meal from the hut’s traditional Bavarian kitchen. Kids can also let off steam on the playground or admire the animals at the hut.

#3 Achensee

The Achensee is already in Austria, but we simply had to include it here, as it belongs to the Karwendel range the way gondolas belong to Venice.

The Achensee is also affectionately known as the Tyrolean Sea — and for good reason. With its sandy beaches, surfers, and azure-blue water, you really do feel transported to the Mediterranean coast.

But the Achensee isn’t just great for summer swimming. You’ll also find plenty of cycling and hiking trails all around it, and in winter it’s a great place to ski as well.

Hiking Guides for the Karwendel Range

Want to be fully prepared for your vacation in the Karwendel range? These guides are well worth a look.

Rother Hiking Guide: Whether you only have a few hours or plan to spend several days, this guide features 60 tour suggestions for every level. A map with all described hikes, as well as GPS tracks available for download, are also included.

111 Places in Innsbruck That You Must Not Miss: If you’re already in the Karwendel range, it’s well worth making a quick detour to nearby Innsbruck. This guide shows you all the well-known and lesser-known attractions in Innsbruck.

Bavarian Foothills

The foothills are located — who would have guessed — just in front of the Alps. The name is a bit misleading, because there are of course mountains here too, they just stay below 6,500 feet. The Bavarian Foothills are one of the most beautiful regions in Bavaria, and we want to show you why.

Hotels in the Bavarian Foothills

The foothills cover quite a large area, so pay close attention to location when choosing your accommodation. We’ve picked out hotels in three of the larger towns in the foothills.

Landerer Mühle: A very family-friendly property in Lenggries, right in the heart of the foothills. Modern country-house style with lots of wood elements.

Hotel Alpenhof: Located in Bad Tölz, a small town on the northern edge of the foothills. There’s a small wellness area and a pool.

Seehotel Luitpold: A very stylish 4-star hotel right on the Tegernsee. Access to a nearby sauna landscape and wellness oasis.

Our Top 3 Attractions in the Bavarian Foothills

The Bavarian Foothills are full of beautiful places and incredible natural experiences. Here are our favorites.

#1 Bavarian Lake District

We’re cheating a little here. The truth is, there are simply too many beautiful lakes in the Bavarian Foothills for us to choose just one. They all offer an incredible view of the Alps behind them and wonderful hiking opportunities.

To the west is the Walchensee, the largest and deepest of these lakes. A bit further north lies the smaller Kochelsee.

To the east, there’s the Tegernsee, one of the most well-known lakes and a popular day-trip destination in the Munich area. Just a little further on, you’ll come across the Schliersee, which is a real local favorite — at least for those who don’t live nearby.

#2 Wendelstein

The Wendelstein is a mountain of just over 5,900 feet and one of the classic excursion destinations in the region. Since it’s essentially framed by several rivers — the Leitzach and the Inn — there are some very beautiful hiking routes with views of the blue rivers in the valley below.

If you’re short on time, there’s also a cable car and a cog railway that will take you to the summit.

Our tip: While you’re there, be sure to check out the Wendelstein Cave. Temperatures inside stay at just a few degrees year-round, and various bird species nest in the cave.
#3 Sylvenstein Reservoir

In the southern part of the Bavarian Foothills, you can discover a lake with truly unbelievably turquoise-blue water: the Sylvenstein Reservoir. What you’d probably never guess at first glance: this is actually a man-made reservoir.

The Sylvenstein Reservoir has already saved the surrounding villages from many a flood, and it also serves to generate electricity.

A myth has long surrounded the lake. The small village of Fall had to be abandoned to make way for its construction, and rumors still circulate that when the water level is low, you can see the old church steeple of the village rising from the water.

Hiking Guides for the Bavarian Foothills

There are practically a thousand and one hiking routes in the Bavarian Foothills. To help you keep track, here are two wonderful guides.

Hiking for the Soul: This book is part of an entire series of hiking guides covering all of Germany. The author, Katja Wegener, is a true connoisseur, and that’s exactly what she wants to convey: just take a deep breath and let your soul wander while you hike.

Simply Happy Hiking: It doesn’t always have to be about going higher, faster, or more extreme. The routes in this guide are simply meant to be enjoyable, appeal to every fitness level, and offer advice that goes beyond just the hiking route itself.

Chiemgau Alps

The Chiemsee is certainly one of the most popular travel destinations in all of Bavaria and is very well set up for tourism. From a beach vacation with the kids to hiking in the mountains to cultural activities, the Chiemgau Alps region really does have it all.

Hotel Tips for the Chiemgau Alps

Would you prefer to stay in the mountains, right on the lake, or in one of the charming little villages? In Chiemgau, all three options are available — here’s a great hotel for each.

Hotel Möwe: A modern hotel in Prien with direct lakeside access.

Beim Nuihausa: A traditional guesthouse in the resort town of Reit im Winkel with a small wellness area. Free use of a small nearby ski lift.

Alpenhotel Wittelsbach: A very stylishly decorated 4-star hotel in the center of Ruhpolding. Complimentary Chiemgau Card included.

Find even more hotel tips in our detailed article about the best places to stay around the Chiemsee:

12 Special Hotels on the Chiemsee

Our Top 3 Attractions in Chiemgau

The Chiemsee region is one of the classic tourist destinations in Bavaria. Here are three things to do in the Bavarian Alps’ Chiemgau area that you really shouldn’t skip.

#1 Chiemsee

The Chiemsee is certainly one of Bavaria’s most popular day-trip destinations. But that’s no surprise given the panorama of deep-blue water with the mountains behind it.

There’s also plenty to do on the Chiemsee: a boat tour is highly recommended. You can also try various water sports such as sailing or SUP.

Our personal highlight is taking trips to Fraueninsel and Herreninsel. You can easily walk all the way around Fraueninsel, and on Herreninsel you absolutely must see the beautiful Herrenchiemsee Palace.

#2 Kampenwand

“I gangert gern auf d´Kampenwand, wenn i mit meiner Wamp´n kannt!” — how poetic that rhyme is, we’ll leave up to you to decide. One thing is for certain though: climbing the Kampenwand is worth it!

The Kampenwand is one of the most well-known mountains in Chiemgau, standing at 5,476 feet. Its jagged summit is the mountain’s signature feature and a favorite motif among photographers.

If you don’t feel like hiking or don’t have the time, there’s also a gondola that takes you up most of the mountain.

#3 Reit im Winkel

The little town is a great base for exploring, as there are wonderful hiking trails all around Reit im Winkel. On the high plateau of the Winklmoos-Alm, you’ll find not only hiking trails but also great cycling routes and cozy mountain huts to relax in.

Reit im Winkel also has a charming town center with nice shops and lanes to stroll through.

Travel Guides for Chiemgau

Do you always like to have a travel guide in your pocket on vacation? Then we can recommend these two.

Happy Places on the Chiemsee – Go There and Be Happy: 80 tips for day trips around the Chiemsee for true lucky souls. Whether you’re heading into the mountains, on or in the water, or strolling through small towns — this guide has the perfect itinerary for a happy vacation on the “Bavarian Sea.”

111 Places in Chiemgau That You Must Not Miss: The books in this series offer a great overview of well-known and lesser-known spots in a region.

Berchtesgaden Alps

Last but not least: the Berchtesgaden region. This is the easternmost area we’re introducing you to today. In addition to the incredible mountain scenery, Berchtesgaden is known for its spa towns, thanks in large part to the excellent climate.

Hotels in the Berchtesgaden Region

There are many beautiful places around Berchtesgaden — we’ll help you navigate the choices with three great hotel suggestions in the region.

Alpenvilla: A hotel in a rustic alpine style with spacious suites, located right in the center of Berchtesgaden.

Almhotel Grünsteinblick: Incredibly lovingly decorated interiors where modern design meets wood elements. Just a few kilometers from the Königssee.

Hotel Alpenhof: A 4-star hotel with a full range of wellness facilities and a gourmet restaurant in Schönau am Königssee.

We have even more hotel recommendations in our detailed article on the most beautiful places to stay in Berchtesgaden:

11 Special Hotels in Berchtesgaden

No time for an overnight stay? These tours let you easily combine a city trip with a day trip into the Berchtesgaden region.

Our Top 3 Attractions in the Berchtesgaden Region

The Berchtesgaden region is a very well-known vacation destination. That’s due in no small part to the many must-sees you can visit without too much mountain experience. Here are three standout spots in the Berchtesgaden region.

#1 Königssee

The name says it all: the Königssee is a king among Bavaria’s mountain lakes. Despite not being particularly small, its surface is mirror-smooth, reflecting the gigantic mountain panorama surrounding it.

You can only cross the Königssee by boat — there’s no trail around it. But pay attention: at one particular narrow point, your voice echoes a thousandfold thanks to the powerful echo bouncing off the rock faces.

We also have two more pointers for you: make sure to check out the beautiful St. Bartholomew’s Church at the boat’s first stop.

There’s also a second, smaller lake behind the Königssee: the Obersee. Since the path can get a bit muddy, not all the tourist crowds make it all the way to the hut at the end of the trail.

#2 Salt Mine and Salt Lake

The Berchtesgaden salt mine is still active, so during your tour you get a truly unique look at how salt is extracted. A small train takes you underground and through the many caves that wind like a labyrinth through the mine.

Two special highlights await you: you’ll cross the underground mirror lake by small boat. Its name is well deserved — it’s so still that the cave walls are reflected in it.

There are also some wooden slides in the mine — perfect if you’re traveling with kids.

#3 Eagle’s Nest

An incredible view with a very dark history: the Eagle’s Nest perches at 6,017 feet on the mountain of the same name. It was built during the Third Reich and was intended to serve the Nazi dictatorship as a venue for receiving high-ranking guests.

Today the building serves as a restaurant and tours about the history of the structure are offered. You can reach the hut on foot via a scenic hike.

There’s also a bus that runs along the Kehlstein road, which brings you to an elevator that takes you up another 407 feet.

Travel Guides for the Berchtesgaden Region

Want even more advice for the Berchtesgaden region? No problem — how about one of these?

111 Places in the Berchtesgaden Region That You Must Not Miss: This book is part of an entire series of travel guides. Here you’ll learn about all the classic attractions in Berchtesgaden, as well as some insider tips.

Kompass Hiking Guide Berchtesgaden Region: A dedicated hiking guide with 50 tours around Berchtesgaden. It also includes a paper map, and you can download the GPX data for all the tours.