Self-guided walking
5 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 & 2
Flights
available
11.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
In the heart of Bavaria, among the foothills of the Alps, your base for this self-guided walking holiday is the quaint and 'chocolate box' village of Oberammergau. Known for its world-famous Passion Plays, performed every ten years, it is impossibly picturesque; its houses are decorated with elaborate paintings known as Luftmalerei and prettily carved wooden balconies overflow with geraniums. Here, the locals embrace their rich history, where traditional Bavarian dress is often worn in recognition of their heritage and the custom of Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and a generously sized portion of cake) is still an afternoon ritual.
The village is also an absolute Mecca for the walking enthusiast. From exhilarating mountain hikes with amazing views all the way to the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, to relaxed strolls through lush green valleys and wetland nature reserves, Oberammergau's wealth of well-signed paths and easy-to-follow trails make it a great choice for wonderfully varied walking. We provide a choice of both level 1 and level 2 walks for all days, using the highly efficient local public transport system so you can explore further afield - all guests receive a Guest Card that gives free transport on certain local buses. You also have the mountain lifts to take the sting out of more challenging ascents.
Your accommodation for the week is the traditional, family run 3* Hotel Alte Post in the very heart of Oberammergau's village centre. About a mile from the hotel is the WellenBerg leisure complex offering indoor and outdoor swimming - ideal if you fancy a day off from walking.
The itinerary is based on level 2 walks. Easier level 1 notes are also provided for your week. All the walks follow well-signed paths, which are, at times, stony underfoot.
Arrive at your hotel in Oberammergau.
You stay at Hotel Alte Post.
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The Hotel Alte Post is a family run hotel located within the heart of Oberammergau's town centre. Dating back to 1612, it is one of the oldest inns in the town and has been run by the Preisinger family since the end of the 1900s. It is a traditional Bavarian style building, with white washed walls and beautiful frescoes painted on its outside walls.
The rooms are ensuite, comfortable and of a good size and most rooms come with views onto the village.
The hotel's dining areas are rustic yet cosy, with wooden pannelled walls and even an old tiled stove, whilst the newly renovated Kofel Blick café is stunningly modern with a nod to its traditional past.
The hotel's terrace is also perfect for dining, whilst watching the goings on in the village square and admiring the view of the Kofel mountain.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
You start the day with a short (15 mins) ride on the little red train to Bad Kohlgrub. From here, you walk through the rolling Ammer Valley's string of sleepy farming villages - Unterammergau, in particular, has a splendid Rococo church. Then head across the Pulvermoos, a wildlife sanctuary and habitat for 60 bird species including corncrake, dipper, whinchat and even snipe.
Today you take the cable car to the top of the Laber (1685m) for panoramic views of Germany's highest mountain - the Zugspitze (2962m) - and the Austrian Alps beyond. You then wind your way down through cool pine forests to the village of Ettal. After lunch, visit the amazing 14th century former Benedictine monastery, an outstanding example of Bavarian Baroque architecture. Return on an easy path along the pretty valley, passing the Barenhohle cave where there's a figure of the resurrected Christ.
Staffelsee is one of the larger of the many picturesque blue lakes dotted around this part of Bavaria. This beautiful stretch of water offers easy walking along the shoreline with plenty of swimming opportunities. Stop off in the attractive riverside village of Uffing (the boat landing station is the place for lunch and offers magnificent views of the lake backed by mountains). In the afternoon, either relax in the sun on the panorama deck of the little lake cruiser (payable locally), passing hidden coves and the lake's seven islands (one even has its own tiny chapel), or return on foot along the quiet side of the lake.
An unmissable visit to Schloss Linderhof, the gloriously over-the-top Rococo palace built by Mad King Ludwig in 1878, inspired by Louis XIV's chateau in Versailles. There are gorgeous French and Italianate terraced gardens and a golden fountain which erupts once every hour with a 30m plume of water. Return to the hotel along a tranquil path which winds back down the Linder Valley, through the village of Graswang with its beautifully preserved old farmhouses and pretty 17th century frescoed church.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Opera, Munich.
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The Hotel Opera is situated in the Lehel district of Munich, the area has a village feel to it, but is just a 15 minute walk to the main centre of Munich and a 20 minute walk to the Englischer Garten, Munich's huge leafy park.
The hotel has a wonderful Romanesque facade, and the building itself dates back to the 19th century, damaged in the war the building was bought in 1968 by the present owners who took 8 years to painstakingly restore and renovate the building.
Today's hotel is a nice mix of modern and old, with lovely airy rooms and and a relaxing tranquil garden patio. Rooms have all mod cons and some come with balconies, the hotel also owns a couple of superb restaurants close by.
Breakfast is served at your table with a choice of cold meats and cheeses or croissants and fruit and the option to order freshly cooked eggs.
Please call for prices and details
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £148.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
You should allow approx 30 euro per person for the use of the ski lifts for the level 2 walks and 20 euro per person for the level 1 walks. Before June some mountain restaurants and ski lifts are open only at weekends. Please note that airport transfers are subject to at least 2 people (in total) booked on each departure.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Munich airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
5 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 & 2
Flights
available
11.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
