Mittenwald Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Mittenwald, Germany with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more!


Introduction to Mittenwald

Mittenwald, a small town in Bavaria, Germany, is a picturesque alpine village that’s nestled in the valley as well as surrounded by tall mountains. The town is located near the Austrian border and has a rich cultural history with plenty of natural and historical attractions. Mittenwald is known for its world-renowned violin-making traditions and for being gateway to the Karwendel Alpine Park, making it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

List of Places to Visit in Mittenwald

During your visit to Mittenwald, you can explore a variety of natural and historical attractions. Here’s a list of some of the must-visit places in Mittenwald.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mittenwald Violin Museum: This museum is dedicated to the town’s proud tradition of violin-making and showcases the history of the violin-making industry in Mittenwald, including the tools, techniques, and instruments used.

  • St. Peter and Paul Church: This church, located in the heart of Mittenwald, is a popular tourist attraction due to its Baroque architecture and the famous frescoes that adorn the ceiling dating back to the 18th century.

  • Geigenbaumuseum: This museum takes you on a journey through the history of Mittenwald’s violin-making trade and showcases an impressive collection of violins and other stringed instruments.

Natural Attractions of Mittenwald: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Karwendel Alpine Park: This beautiful park features over 700 kilometers of hiking and biking trails, including the famous Mittenwald-Elmau-Rundweg, which offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys.

  • Lautersee: Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, this idyllic lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and even fishing.

  • Kranzberg Mountain: This popular peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and it’s a great place to go for a hike, bike, or picnic.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mittenwald

Mittenwald has a wealth of hiking and biking trails that you can explore during your visit. Here are a few of the best routes to try out:

  • Mittenwald-Elmau-Rundweg: This 13-kilometer trail takes you through picturesque alpine pastures and forests, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Kranzberg Mountain Trail: This trail takes you to the top of Kranzberg Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Karwendel Alps.

  • Leutascher Geisterklamm Trail: This trail follows the river through the beautiful Leutasch Gorge and leads to a series of waterfalls that are truly awe-inspiring.

Best Things to Do in Mittenwald: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking and biking in Mittenwald, you can also do a variety of other activities. Here are a few of the top things to do in Mittenwald:

  • Take a guided bike tour of the Karwendel Alps.
  • Visit Mittenwald Violin Museum to learn about the town’s history of violin-making.
  • Explore the Geigenbaumuseum’s collection of stringed instruments.
  • Take a scenic walk around the town’s historic center to admire the Baroque architecture.
  • Enjoy a scenic train ride to Innsbruck, the capital city of Austria, which is only an hour away from Mittenwald.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mittenwald

For travelers looking to spend a week in Mittenwald, here’s an itinerary that you can follow:

Day 1: Arrive in Mittenwald and explore the town’s historic center.

Day 2: Take a guided bike tour of the Karwendel Alps.

Day 3: Visit the Mittenwald Violin Museum and the Geigenbaumuseum.

Day 4: Hike the Mittenwald-Elmau-Rundweg and enjoy a picnic in the mountains.

Day 5: Take a scenic walk around the town’s historic center to admire the Baroque architecture.

Day 6: Swim, kayak, and fish in Lautersee.

Day 7: Enjoy a scenic train ride to Innsbruck and explore the city’s historic old town.

Food and Drink Scene of Mittenwald

Mittenwald has a rich culinary tradition, and there are plenty of delicious local dishes and beverages to try during your visit.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Leberknödelsuppe: A traditional Bavarian soup made from liver dumplings.

  • Schweinshaxe: A roasted pork knuckle that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

  • Kaiserschmarrn: A sweet dish made from fluffy shredded pancakes topped with fruit, nuts, and whipped cream.

Local Beverages

  • Bier: Bavarian beer is famous around the world and is a must-try when in Mittenwald.

  • Obstler: A popular fruit brandy made with cherries, plums, apples, or pears.

Where to Stay in Mittenwald: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel or a budget-friendly hostel, Mittenwald has a variety of accommodation options to choose from. Here are a few of the best places to stay in Mittenwald:

  • Hotel Bichlerhof: A luxurious hotel set in beautiful Alpine surroundings with a spa, restaurant as well as offers great views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Gästehaus Franziska: A budget-friendly guesthouse with a central location close to the town’s historic center.

  • Alpenhotel Rieger: A family-friendly hotel that’s located in the center of Mittenwald and offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant that serves delicious local food.

What to Buy in Mittenwald: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking to bring back a souvenir that’s unique to Mittenwald, here are a few suggestions:

  • Violin: High-quality violins, violas, and cellos are made in Mittenwald and are known throughout the world for their superior craftsmanship.

  • Lüftlmalerei Paintings: These intricate and colorful paintings can be found on many of the town’s historic buildings and are a great way to bring a piece of Mittenwald’s culture back home with you.

Local Culture and Customs of Mittenwald

Mittenwald has a rich cultural heritage and plenty of traditions and customs that you can learn about during your visit. Here are a few of the most interesting ones:

  • Violin-making: As mentioned before, Mittenwald has a centuries-old tradition of violin-making that’s still alive and well today.

  • Lüftlmalerei Painting: This colorful style of fresco painting can be found on many of the town’s historic buildings and is a unique aspect of Mittenwald’s culture.

  • Bavarian Dress: Traditional Bavarian clothing is still worn on special occasions and festivals, and it’s worth attending one of these events to see the costumes up close.

Best Time to Visit Mittenwald

Mittenwald is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the best time to visit Mittenwald:

  • Summer (June-August): The weather is warm, and the hiking and biking trails are open, making it a great time to explore the outdoors.

  • Fall (September-November): The fall foliage is spectacular in Mittenwald, making it a great time to visit for photography enthusiasts.

  • Winter (December-February): Mittenwald is a popular destination for winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice-skating.

  • Spring (March-May): The flowers and trees start to bloom in spring, and the temperature is mild, making it a great time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mittenwald

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Mittenwald:

Do:

  • Respect local customs and etiquette.

  • Try local food and beverages.

  • Take care of the natural environment and clean up after yourself.

Don’t:

  • Be loud and disruptive in public.

  • Take pictures of people without their permission.

  • Wear inappropriate clothing or swimwear in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mittenwald

Mittenwald is a very safe destination, with low crime rates. However, it’s always a good idea to keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Health in Mittenwald

Mittenwald has a good healthcare system, with plenty of clinics and hospitals for emergency medical care. However, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses just in case.

Getting to Mittenwald: Transportation Options and Logistics

Mittenwald is easily accessible by a variety of transportation options:

  • Air: The nearest airport to Mittenwald is Innsbruck Airport, which is only an hour’s drive away.

  • Bus: Mittenwald has a bus station that’s located in the heart of the town, with regular services to nearby towns and cities.

  • Train: Mittenwald has a train station that’s located in the center of the town, with regular services to Munich and Innsbruck.

How to Get Around in Mittenwald

Mittenwald is a small town, and most of the main attractions are within walking distance. However, you can also hire a bike, car, or take the local bus to explore the surrounding areas and attractions.

Where to Go Next from Mittenwald: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Germany or Austria, here are a few nearby destinations and excursions that you can take:

  • Innsbruck, Austria: The capital city of Austria is only an hour away from Mittenwald, and it’s famous for its cultural heritage, baroque architecture, and Alpine scenery.

  • Munich, Germany: The capital city of Bavaria is only a couple of hours away from Mittenwald, and it’s famous for its beer gardens, traditional cuisine, and historic landmarks.

  • Garmisch-Partenkirchen: This popular ski resort town is only a 20-minute drive away from Mittenwald, and it’s a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Mittenwald, with its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and outdoor adventure opportunities, is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to explore the very best of Bavaria. Whether you’re hiking through the Karwendel Alps, admiring the Lüftlmalerei paintings, or trying delicious local cuisine, Mittenwald has something for everyone. Book your trip today and discover the magic of Mittenwald for yourself!

Interior of the parish church St. Peter and Paul, frescoes by Matthäus Grüner Interior of the parish church St. Peter and Paul, frescoes by Matthäus Grüner