Top Things to do in Bavarian Alps
Top 5 Tramways in Bavarian Alps, Bavaria
Running along Germany’s southern border with Austria, the Bavarian Alps are one of the country’s most beautiful areas. Skiing is, naturally, one of the favorite pastimes. You’ll find Germany’s tallest mountain, Zugspitze, rising more than 9,700 feet in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district (also a great hiking area in summer). Berchtesgadener Land (home to Watzmann, Germany’s third-highest peak) is another major ski area. Hochwanner, the country’s #2 mountain, is also in the Alps.
Restaurants in Bavarian Alps
1. Karwendelbahn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 287 reviews
Reviewed By joebQ1979WA
Our visit here was fantastic, even with the weather being a little cloudy at times. The ride in the cable car to the top was an exhilarating adventure in and of itself as I have a fear of heights but man, what a view! Once you reach the top, there's a restaurant if you're hungry, an observation building with a glass wall at the end, and of course numerous trails where you can enjoy the beauty of the Alps first-hand. The trails are varying degrees of difficulty, depending on your skill level and interest. We took it easy and strolled along the trail that straddled the border of Germany and Austria. The variety of wildflowers was just as amazing as the view of the mountains surrounding us. A few items of note if you go: 1. We visited on June 30 and I wore a t-shirt and shorts. While I was perfectly content with the 54 F temperature, my cousins bundled up a bit as the wind was constant at certain points in the trail and made it feel colder than it actually was. You may wish to bring layers unless you're weird like I am and like cooler weather. 2. You can get a 2 Euro refund for the card you're issued when you first purchase your ticket. This card is your electronic entry onto the cable car ascending and descending the mountain. We kept ours not realizing you could turn them back in for re-use. Don't get me wrong, I'm perfectly happy to have it as a souvenir but some of you may wish to get the Euros to put toward a mug of beer while you're visiting Germany. 3. Although the restaurant does take credit cards, be aware that they only take German ones. I am an American and tried paying with my very-American credit card and the cashier shot me down instantly, saying they would only accept cards from German banks. Luckily, I had cash but if you're a tourist from a different part of the world, carry Euros with you when you come here. This place was great and I would love to go back again.
2. Graseckbahn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
This cable car was built in 1953 according to the plans of the cable car designer Karl Peter. A fully automated cable car without a car attendant was built
3. Gletscherbahn Zugspitze
4. Brauneck Bergbahn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By sooner76 - Cary, United States
We visited Brauneck in June intending to do tandem hang-gliding. Alas, when we arrived wind conditions were deemed unsafe (possibly a blessing!). Rather than just turn around and drive back to Munich, we decided to take the tram to the mountaintop and explore. Glad we did. The 360 views are stunning and we got a front row seat to the snow-capped Alps. (The peak in the far right background of the attached photo is Zugspitze, the tallest mountain in Germany.) Also, the mountaintop has a number of hiking trails. There's an enclosed restaurant (called the Panorama, if memory serves) at the mountaintop tram station. Hike several hundred meters farther up toward the summit and you'll find a second, more rustic establishment. We took a table on the outdoor terrace for pretzels, beers and gorgeous views, but I think they offer a full menu if you happen to arrive at mealtime. I don't think I would make a special trip just to visit this place, but should you find yourself in the area anyway, it's well worth the time and nominal expense. I give it 5 stars just for the beauty of the locale.
