I sometimes fashion myself a writer, and I try to do my best to paint my beloved Germany in a favorable light. But, when famous writers like Goethe talk about a town like Mittenwald in Upper Bavaria; I feel just a tad bit out of my league.
Let’s just say that I’m a bit overwhelmed by the beauty of it all.
Yeah, that’s it! That’s my story and I’ll stick to it. ;-)
What can you possibly say about a town with the majestic Alps hovering high above you (and Austria just on the other side)? What can you say about a town where you can have a lifetime of fun in either winter or summer? What can you say about a town that’s painted with the most beautiful frescoes?
A bit overwhelmed, perhaps? ;-)
Seriously, Mittenwald is one of the most beautiful Bavarian towns I have ever seen. Found near the posh Garmisch-Partenkirchen, this town of less than 8,000 people is a delight for all the senses.
Start with the ears. Mittenwald is famous for its string instruments, so come see how they make violins (cellos, etc) at the Violin Museum. There’s also a summer music concert series from May to October every year.
For the eyes you’ve got the most elaborately painted houses. These frescoes are renowned, with guided tours every summer will highlight them all. Tours start every two hours at 10am on Thursdays, just so you know.
These tours are in addition to the free English-speaking tours every Tuesday from July to September.
Your smelling sense will no doubt love all the flowered meadows. Can you smell the Alpine roses, lavender, and sunflowers? Nice, isn’t it?
What senses do we have left? Oh yeah, touch. I’m going to go with snow for this one. Mittenwald is just as fun this time of year as any other, so let your hands feel the snow as you make a bunch of snowballs.
Want more of the white stuff? Take the Karwendel Cable Car up the mountain where you’ll find a true winter wonderland. It’s also wonderful in the summer where you’ll find quite a few hiking paths.
Like what Mittenwald’s got so far? Yeah? Then you’ll really love it when I tell you about the mountainbiking trails, regular cycling paths (bicycles are available for rent) Nordic Walking tracks, the tennis, cycling, kayaking, swimming, miniature golfing, horseback riding, and beach volleyball.
All this has made me quite tired. I think I’ll go sit by either the Lautersee or the Ferchensee lake. But, if you don’t feel like just sitting by the lakes catching some sun, you can swim or row boat ’til the cows come home.
I haven’t even gotten to the festivals yet. The Alpine Festival is at the end of July, the Bozner Market (think Lederhosen) is in August, and there’s a fantastic Christmas Market in December; which will cover you for the sense of taste — as all sorts of Bavarian specialties are cooked up to eat and beer to drink.
Life doesn’t get much better than what you’ll find right here in Mittenwald — you couldn’t ask for anything better.
