Group Tour Operator and DMC for the Bavaria, Germany

Arrive Oberammergau

Arrive in Germany and travel to Oberammergau. This charming village, nestled in the lush Bavarian countryside, is famous for its painted houses and its wood sculptures.

Laber Mountain Cable Car

This morning, take the cable car from Oberammergau, up to the top of the Laber Mountain (payable locally). There, you will be treated to magnificent panoramic views. From the station at the top, follow the path to Ettaler Manndl. This impressive rock formation is crowned with a cross. Experienced climbers can use the chains to ascend, or less experienced hikers can avoid this challenging part of the route by taking the path around the Ettaler Manndl.

From here, you can either proceed along the descending path to lake Soila. Follow a forest path and eventually you’ll loop back into Oberammergau where you can spend the afternoon at leisure, getting to know this lovely village (approx 3.5 hrs). Alternately, you can retrace your steps slightly and rejoin the path to Ettal. The path winds through pine forests to this village, featuring a Benedictine Monastery. Stop for lunch in the village, perhaps visit the monastery, then head back to Oberammergau through the valley (approx 4.5 hours).

Linderhof

Today, explore the only one of mad King Ludwig’s palaces to have been completed! Travel by bus or, if you prefer we can arrange a transfer, to this beautiful palace. Although the smallest of his palaces, it is ostentatious and boasts spectacular chandelier-filled rooms. Take a guided tour to see the opulent furnishing of the rooms, including the Hall of Mirrors, the Peacock Throne and an artificial grotto with a wave-making machine.

When you’ve finished exploring the palace gardens, walk through the Castle Park following signs for the ‘Kohlbachweg’ and the village of ‘Graswang’. The path descends through forests, past a small fish pond and Graswang. Walking alongside a lively creek, you will reach Weidmoos, a nature reserve. During the latter part of the walk, follow the river Ammer back into Oberammergau.

Pürschling Mountain and Grind Mill Gorge

Begin today flying over the beautiful Bavarian landscape. The Kolben chair lift will whisk you up over Oberammergau (payable locally). At the top, having taken some time to admire the view, follow the signs for ‘Pürschling-Mountain’. This road is initially fairly even, until after a couple of kilometres it becomes steep. After just over a kilometre of steep terrain, you’ll reach the August-Schuster Haus where you can stop for refreshments.

You then descend through forests as you approach the Schliefmühl Gorge (Grind Mill Gorge). First, you’ll pass St Joseph’s Chapel which is decorated with frescos and then you’ll pass a succession of waterfalls. You will also come across the former workplaces of the whetstone makers of the region – the grinding mills. The inhabitants of Unterammergau mined in the mountains for these stones, used until the last century to sharpen blades such as knives and scythes. It’s a gentle walk from Unterammergau back to Oberammergau. Alternately, use the local bus to return.

Incredible Castles or Munich Day Trip

Have a day off from walking to day to discover some of the area’s other highlights. Perhaps head to Füssen to visit the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. This fairytale castle, the inspiration for Disney’s sleeping beauty castle, sits at the top of a hill on a rocky outcrop overlooking beautiful scenery.

Alternately, we can arrange an excursion to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. The city has a compact centre full of cobbled streets, beautiful buildings and historical significance. Perhaps begin your visit with a walking tour to learn more about the beautiful buildings around you.

Old Men’s Path and Hörnle Alm

From Oberammergau, walk along the Altherrenweg (Old Men’s Path) as you move on towards the Romanshöhe. This path offers fantastic views over Oberammergau and the surrounding area. The route rises gently along the meadow slopes and becomes steeper as it leads up to our first summit – the Stierkopf at 1535 metres. Continue  on to your second summit, the nearby Hinteres Hörnle. This mountain is renowned for its fantastic 360-degree panoramic views, which reach as far as the Alpine foothills and Munich to the North. Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, is clearly visible to the South. Descend through attractive mountain forest towards Unterammergau. The oldest church in the Ammer Valley, the Kappel, lies on your route and is well worth a visit before proceeding back to Oberammergau via the Pulvermoos nature reserve.

Depart

The time has come to leave beautiful Bavaria and begin your homeward journey.