A Bummel through the Bavarian Alps

Day 1:

Arrival. Transfer from Munich airport by minibus or train to our base hotel in Lenggries.

Day 2:

Lenggries. The village straddles the River Isar which flows south to north through a broad glaciated valley. On the west side, the Brauneck rears up to 1555m and is home to Lenggries’ extensive network of ski runs. A gondola lift operates from the village outskirts to the summit, where a spectacular (but safe) ridge walk provides uninterrupted views of the high Alps to the south. Six miles north of Lenggries lies Bad Tölz, an historic spa town with a charming cobbled main street. Frequent bus and train connections make Bad Tölz an easy excursion.

Day 3:

Lenggries to Rottach-Egern. The route heads east passing Lenggries’ castle, Schloss Hohenberg, on the outer fringes of the village. The track winds its way through lush pine forests, gently gaining height as it climbs to the summit of a small saddle. Looking back affords occasional glimpses of the Isar Valley below and the magnificent Brauneck Range beyond. The descent to Lake Tegern is truly spectacular, a narrow strip of azure nestling in a basin, surrounded by towering peaks. The lakeside resorts are some of the most elegant in Bavaria, a consequence of their great natural beauty and their proximity to Munich. 10 miles (16.09 kilometers).

Day 4:

Rottach-Egern. Lying at the southern end of Lake Tegern, Rottach-Egern is two villages that have grown together. The Wallberg to the south-east of Rottach-Egern is served by a gondola lift, which carries passengers to within 45 minutes’ walk of the summit. The jagged snow-capped peaks of Austria form the southern horizon from this viewpoint. For those not tempted by mountain top vistas, the village is bestowed with an interesting array of shops, cafés and restaurants, and the lake beckons with boat trips, beaches and swimming.

Day 5:

Rottach-Egern to Spitzingsee. The morning begins with a relaxing stroll along the Rottach Valley before branching up a steeper tributary into the heart of the Brecherspitz Range. A few gentle ups and downs lead to the final saddle; the Freudenreichsattel (meaning joyful saddle). The descent to Lake Spitzing is certainly a joy to behold. The small lake has a truly spectacular setting, encircled by high peaks, and the views as you walk down to the shore are unsurpassable. 8 miles (12.87 kilometers).

Day 6:

Spitzingsee. The lake is 1084m above sea level and lies at the end of a steep dead-end road. The small village hugs the south-eastern shore and serves the needs of those lucky walkers and skiers who have discovered its treasures. Gondola lifts climb to peaks on two sides of the lake, with dramatic panoramas from both vantage points. A bountiful choice of day walks, both from the lakeside and the tops of the gondola lifts, will leave you vowing to return.

Day 7:

Spitzingsee to Bayrischzell. Superlatives will continue to trip off the tongue as the route continues eastwards, circling round the lower slopes of The Rotwand (meaning Red Wall), before joining a pretty valley descent into Bayrischzell. For experienced walkers, close inspection of a map will reveal several alternative routes over accessible mountain peaks. 10 miles (16.09 kilometers).

Day 8:

Bayrischzell. Bavaria is certainly amply blessed with pretty alpine villages, but Bayrischzell shines forth as one of the most beautiful. The resort is surrounded by wonderful walking country. To the north, the Wendelstein Mountain rises to 1838m. For the strong of limb there are several routes up the mountain, but for those wishing to enjoy the view without the exertion, the ascent can be made by cable car or rack and pinion railway. East of the village lie the gentle lower slopes of the Grosse Traithen (1852m). A network of paths lead up this partially wooded hillside, which is Bayrischzell’s ski area in the winter. Several mountain Gasthofs are also here for refreshments.

Day 9:

Today we say: "Auf Wiedersehen". We will transfer you direct from Bayrischzell to Munich airport by train or minibus and look forward to welcoming you back again next year.