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With its gentle moraine mills
and rugged mountains created during the Ice Age, peaceful moor lakes
and rapid mountain streams, and picturesque towns and villages, the
sub-Alpine region of Upper Bavaria is full of natural beauty. This is
especially true of Tölzer Land and the Chiemgau, both of which are true
havens for holiday-makers. For sports enthusiasts there is skiing,
hiking, cycling, and windsurfing in places such as Reit im Winkl and on
Spitzingsee. Culture buffs can visit ancient monasteries and Baroque
churches, among them Frauenchiemsee and Hohenaschau. !Weekend-trippers
have an abundance of excursions to choose from – for example Kloster
Reutberg or Tegernsee – and spa-lovers can recuperate and relax in the
therapeutic Kneipp water treatments offered at spa towns such as Bad
Tölz. From Munich, Tölzer Land and Chiemgau are reached by car via A8
and regional roads B318 and B472; there are also excellent rail and bus
links to the region.
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Around 1130, an Augustine Canons’ seminary was
built on the foundations of an eighth-century Benedictine abbey at
Herrenchiemsee. Renovated in the Baroque style, it closed in 1803.
Ludwig II purchased the island in 1873, built the Neues Schloss, and
converted the seminary into private apartments – the Altes Schloss. An
exhibit in the seminary documents the constitution of the German Federal
Republic, signed and ratified here in 1948.
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The Deutsche Alpenstraße, a panoramic motorway through beautiful landscapes, runs through parts of this region.
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Bad Tölz is a relatively new spa; the iodine-rich natural springs were only discovered in 1946.
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SightsBad Tölz Located
where the Isar River surfaces from an Alpine valley and flows into the
sub-Alpine foothills, Bad Tölz is a popular spa and winter resort. On
the right side of the river lies the picturesque old town, with its
impressive Marktstraße lined with ornate stuccowork façades, mottos, and
frescoes. Alpamare, one of Germany’s largest waterparks, is favoured by
spa guests and fun-seekers alike. A big annual attraction is the
Leonhardifahrt, on 6 November, a procession in honour of St Leonhard,
patron saint of horses. It is one of the largest processions in
traditional costume in Upper Bavaria.
Leonhardifahrt procession in Bad Tölz
Kloster Reutberg Situated
atop a small hill near Bad Tölz, this monastery was founded by the
Sisters of the Franciscan Order in the 17th century. The Baroque abbey
is open to the public. It is also worth a trip for the spectacular view
of the Alps from the monastery’s beer garden. For a pleasant stroll head
to the romantic Kirchsee nearby, a good spot for summer swimming.
Tegernsee Framed
by wooded mountains, Tegernsee is one of the largest mountains lakes in
Upper Bavaria, with an area of 9 sq km (3.5 sq miles) and a length of 6
km (3.5 miles). Its beautiful setting and easy accessibility – it is
only 50 km (30 miles) from Munich – have made the lake one of the most
popular excursion and holiday destinations since the notion of taking
summer breaks began in the 19th century. Tegernsee, Bad Wiessee, and
Rottach-Egern form a picturesque chain of towns on the shores of the
lake and attract visitors in both winter and summer. Bad Wiessee is home
to one of the few casinos in Bavaria.
Schliersee Although
less famous than Tegernsee, Schliersee, on the edge of the Alps, is
just as attractive a lake. Its appeal lies mainly in the beauty of the
surrounding mountains. One of the principal sights in the spa town of
Schliersee is the St Sixtus church, with its 18th-century frescoes by
Johann B Zimmermann. For an attractive country walk, take the 7 km (4
mile) path around the lake.
Town of Schliersee, viewed from the lake
Spitzingsee Wildly
romantic, the Spitzingsee (1,100 m/3,600 ft) attracts mountain hikers
in summer. In winter, skiers enjoy 30 km (19 miles) of groomed ski runs,
serviced by 18 cable cars and ski lifts. This is Germany’s largest
continuous ski region. Lenggries Located
on the Isar River in the Isarwinkel area, Lenggries is a health and
winter resort. It is a perfect departure point for excursions into the
mountains, such as to Brauneck’s summit, which can be reached by foot or
by cable car.
On the Brauneck ridge path near Lenggries
Wendelstein near Bayrischzell From
the summit of the Wendelstein, hikers enjoy one of the most beautiful
views in the region. In good weather, the Großglockner is clearly
visible. There is a weather station and observatory, and
Wettersteinhaus, a traditional mountain inn. Serviced by the oldest
rack-railway (1912) in the Alps, the summit has also been linked by
cable car since 1970.
Chiemsee Popularly
thought of as “Bavaria’s Ocean,” Chiemsee is Bavaria’s largest lake,
with an area of 80 sq km (31 sq miles). Highlights include the islands
Herrenchiemsee, with the Altes- and Neues Schloss , and Frauenchiemsee, with an 18th-century monastery.
Frauenchiemsee monastery on Chiemsee
Lake Chiemsee, known as “Bavaria’s Ocean”
Reit im Winkl This
resort near the Austrian border lies in a snowbelt, and so offers some
of the best skiing in the Bavarian Alps. Excellent ski runs are
maintained near the Winklmoosalm (1,150m/3,800 ft), home of Olympian
skier Rosi Mittermaier. Schloss Hohenaschau Castle
Hohenaschau dates from the 12th century. Renaissance (16th century) and
late Baroque (17th century) additions are the chapel and the charity
house – Prientalmuseum. Aschau Apr & Oct: 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am Thu only; May–Sep: 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am Tue–Fri Guided tours only Adm
Cafés & Restaurants
Gasthof Grünerbräu Rustic Bavarian inn serving draught beer brewed in Bad Tölz. Try Gansjung (goose) or the dumpling dishes. Kloster-Bräustüberl Reutberg Bavarian cuisine complemented by monastery-brewed beer. The glorious view of the Alps is an added bonus. Schlossgaststätte Tegernsee Traditional pork roast and cool beer served on the large terrace of the beer garden, with its fabulous view across the lake. Panoramarestaurant Wallberg Opened
in 1998, the restaurant lies 100 m (330 ft) below Wallberg’s summit
(1,700 m/5,650 ft). Spectacular view of the Alps and Tegernsee. Landgasthof Reindlschmiede Country inn near Bad Tölz. Homemade cakes and Bavarian delicacies. Berggasthof Obere Firstalm Solid Bavarian cuisine at reasonable prices. Winklmoosalm Where
downhill ski prodigy Rosi Mittermaier spent her childhood, hikers can
now enjoy coffee and homemade pastries on a large, sun-drenched patio. Inselhotel Zur Linde This
is a traditional hotel with a 600-year history. It is famous for its
homemade cakes and, of course, excellent Bavarian cuisine. Schlosshotel Herrenchiemsee Bavarian and international cuisine, and a glorious view of the Chiemsee. Gasthof Terofal A
traditional Bavarian hotel and 500-year-old restaurant located in the
centre of Schliersee. Good traditional Bavarian fare. A folklore theatre
is built onto the inn.
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