Trip code: W07OB 4.7 (48 reviews)
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 & 2
59.0Kg CO2e
Explore a variety of well-signed paths, ranging from exhilarating mountain hikes with breathtaking views of Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, to leisurely strolls through lush green valleys and serene wetland nature reserves. Enjoy lakeside walks and swimming at scenic Staffelsee, and explore the 14th-century Benedictine monastery, a Bavarian Baroque masterpiece. Don't miss Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration behind Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty's Castle, on your free day.
Our walking holiday offers a choice of level 1 and level 2 walks, catering to varying preferences and fitness levels. Utilise the efficient local public transport system with our included Guest Card, granting free transportation on selected buses and trains. For challenging ascents, take advantage of convenient mountain lifts, making your hiking experience hassle-free and enjoyable
During your stay, indulge in delightful Bavarian traditions, savouring the custom of Kaffee und Kuchen, an afternoon ritual involving coffee and generous slices of cake. Treat yourself to exquisite Bavarian desserts like Agnes Bernauer torte, a luscious almond meringue cake filled with coffee buttercream, or the decadent prinzregententorte, a chocolate-covered layer cake with a rich chocolate cream filling.
Your accommodation for the week is the welcoming 3-star Hotel Alte Post, a traditional family-run retreat at Oberammergau's village centre. Experience a seamless blend of rustic charm and modern comforts, integrating contemporary design with the village's traditional essence. Extend your holiday with a Munich city break, exploring the captivating old town steeped in rich history from the Middle Ages to the present day. Admire panoramic views from the New Town Hall and visit the Munich Residenz or the Nymphenburg Palace, a testament to Munich's royal heritage. Don't miss the diverse museums in the area, spanning natural history to porcelain exhibits. Book your walking trip now and immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of Bavaria.
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.
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 and extra nights: Contact us for details.
A perfect introduction to your walking week starts 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.
Start with a cable car ride 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.
A day off from walking today. Maybe take the local bus to Mad King Ludwig's fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein with its stunning setting on a rocky outcrop; or take the funicular to the top of Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, to discover a breathtaking 360 degree panorama of endless peaks spanning Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Germany. If you prefer to stay closer to home, spend the afternoon by the WellenBerg outdoor pool (swimming, sauna, jacuzzi).
The Kolben chairlift whisks you up to 1270m, from where there's a choice of routes up to the spectacular Sonnenberg ridge. Your route down passes a succession of crashing waterfalls and the reconstructed C19 whetstone mill at Schleifmuhle, followed by a pretty path through the meadows.
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 nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend: Hotel Opera, Munich.
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 only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £222.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £222.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air prices include our standard flights/transfers
Out: British Airways Heathrow to Munich, then transfer to hotel 90 minutes
Return: Transfer to Airport 90 minutes then British Airways Munich to Heathrow
Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
Self drive
We can arrange various channel crossings for you. Please call for details and prices.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we open again 9am tomorrow) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 & 2
59.0Kg CO2e