While Penzberg’s history dates to the end of the 13th century the town is more (in)famous for the shocking atrocities that occurred here in April 1945.
On April 28, 1945 the SS Werwolfkompanie killed 16 people suspected of being “resistance fighters.” The mayor of the town was shot for simply wanting to surrender to the Allies to spare his town any significant damage.
A memorial stands in town to those killed in Penzberg in what is remembered as Penzberger Mordnacht. And the City Museum has much to offer for a deeper understanding of its urban history.
That’s not to say that the town hasn’t gotten past the sinister days of the Nazis and the Second World War because Penzberg has many wonderful things to see and do.
Since Penzberg is in Upper Bavaria — so named because of its elevation not its location — the countryside is simply idyllic. There’s plenty to do here to get outside and enjoy life, though the best weather months are usually August and September.
For something a bit off the wall, try Penzberg’s paragliding school for a real birds-eye view of the Lederhosen Land. But if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground the Barefoot Path is a 1.2 km trail in the surrounding forest and the Osterseen, a nature preserve and family recreational area.
Penzberg’s Wellenbad is a completely relaxing finish to your stay here. Its outdoor pool (open seasonally) even has an artificial wave machine in this first rate spa. It’s your very own chlorine clean ocean in the mountains!
Relax in one of the many massage chairs or sit in one of the color coded saunas (orange, magenta, green, blue, or white) all designed to heal and promote health in specific areas of the body. Or, just sit and have a drink in the spa’s beer garden.
Now, that’s relaxing, isn’t it? :-)
