Current as of: December 21, 2024 - 12:50
Walking in Southern Bavaria Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Germany
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 13+
- Trip Code: W07OB
Trip Overview
In the heart of Bavaria, among the foothills of the Alps, your base for this self-guided walking week 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 and trains. You also have the mountain lifts to take the sting out of more challenging ascents.
At a Glance
- 7 nights 3-star hotel, all rooms ensuite
- 5 days centre-based walking; 1 free day
- Choice of routes each day
- Altitude max. 1700m, average 1100m
- Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs
Highlights
- Centre-based walking in one of Germany's most picturesque regions
- Impressive monasteries, regal palaces, onion-domed churches and pretty frescoed houses
- Friendly, family-run 3-star hotel with beautiful frescoes and a contemporary restaurant
- Well-signed paths and trails with a choice of walking levels every day
- Chairlifts and cable cars leading to panoramic mountain restaurants
Is This Trip for You?
Walking throughout this trip is on well-marked paths which are, at times, stony underfoot. Easier options are provided for the week. Anyone looking for a variety of walking, staying at a good quality hotel, with lots of opportunity for sightseeing would be perfect for this trip.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day, which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed instructions. The route directions contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotel is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference: http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf
Group
Although the minimum age of clients on this trip is 8 years, younger children may also be accepted on request; please enquire for details and child prices.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. This tour is based at the same hotel for the week and is managed locally by the hotelier who will be on hand to assist you and highlight particular places of interest. The route directions contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the hotel is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Adult min age: 13
Min group size: 2
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Oberammergau
- End City: Oberammergau
Land Only Itinerary
Start Oberammergau
A transfer (90 mins) is provided from Munich airport to your hotel in Oberammergau (subject to a minimum of 2 people booked on a departure in total).
Explore Ammer Valley villages; walk to Pulvermoos Wildlife Sanctuary
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 walk across to the Pulvermoos, a wildlife sanctuary and habitat for 60 bird species including Corncrake, Dipper, Whinchat and Snipe.
2 options: walking time 2.5hr, distance 9km/5.5km or walking time 4hr, distance 16km/10mi.
Cable car up Laber; walk down to Ettal village with its Benedictine monastery
Start with a cable car ride to the top of the Laber (1685m) for panoramic views of Germany’s highest mountain – 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. Walking time 3.5hr, distance 12km/7.5mi or walking time 4.5hr, distance 14km/8.5mi.
2 options: walking time 3.5hr, distance 12km/7.5mi or walking time 4.5hr, distance 14km/8.5mi.
Follow the shore of Staffelsee; afternoon optional boat cruise
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 a fantastic 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 (pay locally), passing hidden coves and the lake’s 7 islands (one even has its own tiny chapel), or return on foot along the quiet side of the lake. Walking time 3.5hr, distance 12km/7.5mi or walking time 5hr, distance 18km/11mi or walking time 6hr, distance 22km/13.5mi.
3 options: walking time 3.5hr, distance 12km/7.5mi or walking time 5hr, distance 18km/11mi or walking time 6hr, distance 22km/13.5mi.
Free day
A day off from walking today. Maybe take the local bus to Mad King Ludwig’s fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein with its breathtaking setting on a rocky outcrop. Or take the funicular to the top of Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, and discover a 360 degree panorama of endless peaks spanning Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Germany. Or, if you prefer to stay closer to home, spend the afternoon by the Wellenberg outdoor pool, where there is also a sauna, Jacuzzi and spa.
Kolben chairlift; various walks along Sonnenberg Ridge available
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 19th Century whetstone mill at Schleifmuhle, followed by a pretty path through the meadows. Walking time 4hr, distance 13km/8mi or walking time 6hr, distance 17km/10.5mi.
2 options: walking time 4hr, distance 13km/8mi or walking time 6hr, distance 17km/11mi.
Walk to Linderhof Palace; return via the Linder Valley
Today’s walk includes 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. Walking time 1.5hr, distance 6km/4mi or walking time 3.5hr, distance 13km/8mi.
2 options: walking time 1.5hr, distance 6km/4mi or walking time 3.5hr, distance 13km/8mi.
End Oberammergau
The tour itself ends here after breakfast. A transfer back to Munich Airport is included (subject to a minimum of 2 people booked on a departure in total).
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Hotel
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.
All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.
Single supplement from £ 207
Food & Drink
All buffet breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Bavarian cooking is hearty and rustic, well-known for its wide variety of wurst (sausages), pretzels (breads), Knodel (dumplings), meat dishes, and of course its world-famous beers. The hotel can cater for vegetarians; please let us know in advance so we can notify the hotel. Before June, some mountain restaurants are open only at weekends.
Transport
Transfers to start points will be using public transport; bus, trains and cable cars and are payable locally.
Weather & Seasonality
Average temperatures in summer are in the region of 25-30oC. The warmest month is usually July whilst the coldest is mainly January. Every month has its share of precipitation on an average of 14 days per month.
Weather Charts
Joining Instructions
The trip itself normally begins at the hotel in Oberammergau on the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary.
Arrival and departure transfers are included* (for flight inclusive travellers) between Munich Airport and the hotel in Oberammergau (approx. 90 mins) at set times which coordinate with the standard flights. Please ask your Sales Consultant for times.
Arrival/departure transfers at non-standard times can also be arranged for you, (subject to prior arrangement).
*Please note: the above optional airport transfers are subject to prior arrangement, a supplement and at least 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) may also apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
Flights:
We can also book flights for you if you wish.
The standard flights we usually use are with British Airways from London Heathrow to Munich, departing 12:40, arriving 15:35 (transfer to hotel is approx. 90 mins). Return: Munich to London Heathrow, departing 16:25, arriving 17:30. Please note that the standard flights may occasionally change throughout the season so please enquire for up-to-date details.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Oberammergau
Location end: Oberammergau
Transfer Details
Transfers included from Munich airport at 15.35 and back to Munich airport at 12.45. (If booking inclusive flights)
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Trousers
Long sleeves cotton tops
T-shirts
Shorts
Walking shoes
Trainers
Socks
Fleece
Warm jumper
Waterproof jacket
Optional Equipment
Walking poles
Swimwear
Practical Information
Visa
Germany
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Germany. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/germany
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/germany
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/germany/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Germany.html
Vaccinations and Health
Germany
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Germany's time zone: Europe/Berlin (UTC +01:00)
Electricity
230V 50Hz
Money
Germany's currency: Euro (EUR)
ATM Availability
Credit cards in Germany have a low level of usage compared to other European countries; most Germans prefer to pay in cash. The most common credit cards are the worldwide recognized Euro card / MasterCard and Visa with which you can make regular monthly payments like rent, telephone and utilities; however credit cards are not accepted in all shops.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Lunch is not included in the itinerary, please allow some spending money for this. We recommend approximately €5-15 per lunch.
You should allow approx 38€ per person for the use of the ski lifts for the level 2 walks and 20€ per person for the level 1 walks.
Before June some mountain restaurants and ski lifts are open only at weekends.
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
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Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
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Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
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Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.