Bavaria & The Leutasch Valley

DAY 1

Arrive Garmisch Partenkirchen

Garmisch is located in Bavaria, South Germany and is easily accessible by train from both Munich (2hrs) and Innsbruck in Austria (1hr 45mins). There are many flights to Munich from Europe and some charter flights from Europe to Innsbruck.

Garmisch Partenkirchen is a beautiful mountain resort on the border of Germany and Austria, at the foot of the Alps. It has fantastic views over Zugspitze - the highest mountain in Germany. Our local partner will meet you at your Hotel in Garmisch at 6pm for a welcome meeting. They will provide maps and answer any last minute questions you have.

Overnight: Garmisch Partenkirchen

Hotel - Vier Jahreszeiten or Garmischer Hof

DAY 2

Walk from Garmisch to Mittenwald/Klais

You start todays walk by heading through Partnach Gorge with its wild waterfalls and tranquil water holes. As you head up to Eckbauer the mountain range - ‘Wetterstein’ can be seen all around where the views are spectacular. You continue onward through alpine pastures and through forests to Klais or alternatively a short train ride to Mittenwald.

Walk: 13.65km, 4 hrs, 200m ascent/descent

Overnight: Klais/Mittenwald

Hotel in Klais - Casthof Post Klais or in Mittenwald - Jagerhof or Alpenrose

DAY 3

Walk from Mittenwald to the Leutash Valley in Austria

An easy walk today with some slight up and downs. You start by walking to the gorge of ‘Leutascher Geister-klamm’ where wooden paths have been cut into the stone to provide walking routes 40m above the water! Following the path you enjoy spectacular views of the Alps as you head down to Austria where you will find the delightful Leutasch valley.

Walk: 13.65km, 4 hrs, 200 ascent/descent

Overnight: Leutasch Valley

Hotel - Tiroler Hof or Alpina

DAY 4

Rest day/half day walk to Seefeld

The Leutash Valley is a perfect place to enjoy a rest day, it is an idyllic spot with dramatic mountains views. The clean, crisp alpine air and the beautiful colours of the summer flowers will impress. An optional walk to Seefeld is highly recommended where there are many streets and wander through and shops to browse in. You can catch the local bus back to Leutasch for your overnight stay.

Walk: 8.6km, 3 hrs, 300m ascent/descent

Overnight: Leutasch Valley

DAY 5

Walking in the Gaistal Valley up to Ehrwald Alm then down to Ehrwald

You start today with a short transfer from the Hotel bus to the start of the trail. Fantastic views over alpine pastures and mountains await today. Austrian mountain ponies are in abundance in the pastures of Gaisdal and as you head up to Ehrwalder the scenery is really impressive with fabulous views of the Alps. Take the cable car down to the valley and shortly after enter Ehrwald where your spend your overnight.

Walk: 13.9km, 5 hrs, 500m ascent/ descent

Overnight: Ehrwald
Hotel - Stern

DAY 6

Walk to the foothills of Zugspitze and down to the Alpine Lake Eibsee

Gentle walking uphill through forests and alpine pastures with the sound of cow bells all around. You soon reach the viewpoint Eibseeblick with fabulous views down to Lake Eibsee. The walk continues down and enters back into Germany. An optional walk around lake is recommended - add an extra 1.30hr for this. Take the train back to Garmisch for your last nights stay.

Walk: 12km, 4 hrs, 500m ascent,/descent

Overnight: Garmish Partenkirchen
Hotel - Vier Jahreszeiten or Garmischer Hof

DAY 7

Onward Travel

If you have time today before your departure why not take the mountain railway up to The Zugspitze which is the highest mountain in Germany, the mountain railway is right next to the railway station.

Grade & Fitness

This walking tour is graded Easy to Moderate. Daily walks are of 3 to 5 hrs and many of the walks are through mountain valleys.

You should be a regular walker and have a good level of walking fitness to get the most from this holiday.

Navigation

The routes on this holiday are not way marked so you will need to follow the route notes with maps that we provide. The notes are in picture form which makes it easy to navigate and if you are unsure of a turn then you can always go back to the last picture to make sure you are on the right track.

Availability

This holiday is available to start on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between the 15th June and the 16th Sep

Accommodation

We specifically select your accommodation to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We aim to give you an authentic experience and use local family run accommodations in 3* traditional Hotels. The hotels are generally chalet types with wooden interior which are typical of the region.

Alternate accommodation

During high season, you might be booked into a different accommodation which is not listed in the description, and the start or end of some of your walking routes may be slightly altered. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same standard as those described.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.

Solo Walkers

This holiday is available for solo walkers but we would recommend that you are experienced in walking and navigating alone. If you are travelling solo the holiday is slightly more expensive as some costs are not shared.

Meals

A delicious breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included. Most accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch - this should be requested on arrival. Or you can pick up lunch in the village or stop along the trail. Your route notes have details for each day. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby bars, cafes and restaurants and we can add on a half board option if required. This will show up as part of the booking process.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Getting to/from Garmisch Partenkirchen

By Air

You can either fly into Munich Airport (Germany) or Innsbruck Airport (Austria). Munich serves many airlines both internationally and local and Innsbruck which is a smaller airport mainly serves charter flights.

From Munich Airport - You can take a train directly from the airport to Munich and then a direct train to Garmisch (2hrs 30mins). Please visit the DB Bahn Website to check times.

From Innsbruck Airport - You can catch a direct train to Garmisch from Innsbruck (1hr 20mins). Please visit the DB Bahn Website to check times.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.

How fit do I need to be?

The walking is graded easy to moderate so you will enjoy the holiday more if you already enjoy an active lifestyle.  Most of the paths are easy to follow and although undulating in parts the paths are generally easy.  Walking each day is between 3 - 5 hrs.

Which is the best airport to fly to?

You can fly into either Munich Airport in Germany or Innsbruck Airport in Austria, check out the travel details for more detailed information.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this holiday is extremely popular especially as the season is short (June - Sep).  Please note you can start this holiday on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the season.  This is due to baggage transfer restrictions.  You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack, warm clothing in the early/late part of the year and hats etc during the summer. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.  

When is the best time of year?

The best months for walking are in the summer months between June and September when the wild flowers are in bloom and the weather is fair..

This holiday is available to start on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 15th June - 16th Sep. You can start on other days of the week only if there are 4 or more people in your party.. To make a provisional reservation select "Book". Option & Extension prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Because every holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:

• You provisionally book the tour/s you are interested in on your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
• We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
• If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.