Southern Bavaria - A Summer and Winter Destination
A year and a half into our European Adventure, it has to be stated that we've done surprising little exploring in our host nation of Germany. Of the few locations we have visited, Southern Bavaria has been our favorite. The German Alps, the mountain towns and villages that remind us of those in Colorado and the castles--all contribute for quintessential Germany.
Receiving an assignment in Germany brings multiple benefits ranging from ease of travel throughout the continent and the ability to participate in the myriad festivals that occur, but additionally, we're able to stay at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Edelweiss is a 100% American resort that simply feels like home once you arrive. Families stationed throughout Europe descend upon Edelweiss throughout the year, and there is always something exciting scheduled. Our visit coincided with Independence Day and we were able to enjoy the barbecue and special activities that the resort put on.
We've been privileged to stay at Edelweiss in the Summer and Winter and it is difficult deciding which time period we enjoy more.
Summer Activities
Summer in Garmisch is spectacular. Sunny skies, warm temperatures and hundreds of miles of hiking trails await visitors and residents alike. Whether you're desiring a simple hike around the Eibsee or seeking to climb and summit the Zugspitz, there is a hike for you!
Our hiking adventures took us to the Partnachklamm, a gorge carved deep into the mountains south of Garmish near the Olympic Stadium from the 1936 Winter Games. The hike up the gorge was difficult, involved a fair amount of vertical gain, ultimately dropping us at the 'summit' terminus of one of the numerous cable cars dotting the hills and mountains. Later that same day, we ascended another cable car adjacent to the Olympic Stadium and enjoyed a mid-afternoon snack at a mountain restaurant chalet.
Winter Activities
Winter activities center on snow sports and Garmisch is not lacking for any. Skiing the Garmisch-Classic resort was an incredible experience on some of the best powdery snow I have ever experienced. Sledding, ice skating, nordic/cross country skiing are all options within the immediate vicinity. If you get tired of the Garmisch slopes, it is easy to hop across the border to Austria and the many resorts surrounding Innsbruck--just be sure to have your highway vignette (tax) visible on your windshield.
Year Round Activities
Separate from the seasonal activities, there is a wealth of options that can be undertaken throughout the year. The castles of King Ludwig II, one of the last sovereign kings of Bavaria, are world renown. Linderhof is the smaller of the two primary castles Ludwig built during the second half of the 19th Century and is a short 30 minute drive from Garmisch. Neuschwanstein is the most famous, the inspiration of Walt Disney, and is a work of art. Towering above nearby Hohenschwangau Castle (photo to the right), Ludwig's childhood home, Neuschwanstein dominates the landscape, but presents a challenge. Residing on the top of a hill, you will enjoy a nearly hour-long walk, or a shorter horse-drawn carriage ride and still have a bit of an upward hike to reach the castle entrance. Once inside the castle itself, be prepared for several staircases. One downside to visiting these castles is the fact that photography is prohibited once inside.
While in the Hohenschwangau village, be sure to check out the Museum of the Bavarian Kings. Funded by the surviving members of the royal family, it presents the dynastic history and artifacts from many of the kings. It was interesting to learn that members of the family were jailed by the Nazi regime during the Second World War and that the royal family, while holding no legal authority over the Bavarian state, never renounced their claim to the Bavarian throne.
20 minutes away from Garmisch is Oberammergau, home to the Passion Play Theater and its decadal presentation of the Easter Story, first performed in 1634 following a vow the residents made if they were spared from the Black Plague. We participated a tour of the theater with a guide who spoke good English and got to see some of the set pieces dating back to the 1800s. The boys got to try on one of the hats the cast (made up of the village residents) wears during the performances.
For those wanting to add a country high point to their list of accomplishments, hiking your way to the summit of the Zugspitze is not the only option. Make your way to the Eibsee and you'll be able to take the 10 minute cable car to the summit. The cable car is a pricier option, but saves you countless hours and as with most places in Europe, kids under the age of 6 are free.
For those wanting to add a country high point to their list of accomplishments, hiking your way to the summit of the Zugspitze is not the only option. Make your way to the Eibsee and you'll be able to take the 10 minute cable car to the summit. The cable car is a pricier option, but saves you countless hours and as with most places in Europe, kids under the age of 6 are free.
Dining Options
While we opted to eat at Edelweiss for the majority of our meals during both of our visits to Garmisch, we did venture out for two traditional German meals.
In the summer, we opted for Zum Wildschutz, while in the winter, we heeded the advice of friends and made reservations at Mukkefuck. Both featured phenomenal food, reasonable prices, and most of all were both kid-friendly.
In the summer, we opted for Zum Wildschutz, while in the winter, we heeded the advice of friends and made reservations at Mukkefuck. Both featured phenomenal food, reasonable prices, and most of all were both kid-friendly.
