There are plenty of picturesque Bavarian clichés that “Zuagroaste” (newcomers to Bavaria) have in mind: kitschy postcards, idyllic landscapes, heavy-duty leather pants and crucifixes. Those stereotypes are only intensified by characters such as Bavaria’s fairy-tale king Ludwig II, or local comedians Karl Valentin and Liesl Karlstadt. Ludwig was a living legend and there are numerous stories around his mysterious and still unsolved death. He was born on August 25, 1845 in Schloss Nymphenburg, a magnificent castle in the Munich neighbourhood with the same name, and drowned in Lake Starnberg on June 13, 1886.
The magnificent buildings that he endowed Bavaria with are world-famous. Neuschwanstein Castle, Herrenchiemsee Castle, dubbed the Bavarian Versailles, Linderhof Castle and the king’s hunting lodge at Schachen are just a few examples of 19th-century architecture. An endless stream of visitors admires each year the fabulous buildings that are maintained by Bavaria’s Castle, Lake and Park administration.
Besides the architectural landmarks, the Bavarian countryside is a feast for the eyes – rolling hills rise from the foothills of the Alps to heights of almost 3,000 meters. The Zugspitze, Germany’s highest and arguably most famous mountain near Grainau and Lake Eibsee, reaches 2,962 meters. One can ascend to the summit either slowly by cog railway, an experience not to be missed, or else by gondola. If you’re willing to spend the night on the mountain, you can of course also hike on foot. The mountain panorama offers views deep into Austria, Switzerland and the Italian Dolomites on a clear day. In winter, the glacier is open to the snowy pleasures of winter sports, and in the rest of the year the entire area from Garmisch to Mittenwald is a popular hiking and climbing area.
On the return to Munich, a trip to Walchensee and Kochelsee lakes is worth the while. The water of Walchensee drives a hydroelectric power plant and releases into Kochelsee. Kochel itself is a quaint town with a very special highlight: The Franz Marc Museum. The museum invites viewers to take a trip back in time to the turn of the 20th century. It exhibits works of one of Germany’s most famous painters.
A trip to Lake Starnberg to enjoy the culinary delights at one of the restaurants that line its shores can top off an exciting day in the Bavarian mountains south of Munich. A delicious speciality of the lake is fresh whitefish.
Three other equally inviting lakes are embedded into the Alps south of Munich. One can stroll, mountain bike along Tegernsee, Schliersee and Spitzingsee. A visit to the Bräustüberl brewery in Tegernsee village is a must. The unfiltered dark beer with a typical Bavarian pork roast is the perfect ending of a dream day.
by Dietmar Stanka
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