This article was created by National Geographic Traveler (England).
Although not as high or as dramatic in appearance as other parts of Europe's mountain ranges, the Bavarian Alps have a lot to offer. Cowbells ring in the high meadows, cold beers are served in wooden huts, and turquoise lakes sparkle in the countryside below. Of course, there are also famous castles. Neuschwanstein Castle welcomes huge numbers of visitors each year and is featured in many guidebooks, but it is notable that it has just undergone the largest restoration project in its 150-year history. Traveling from west to east, this road trip begins at the landmark and stops at other impressive structures, notable buildings, and engineering feats in the area.
Start your event at one of Germany's most famous locations. This charming castle is said to have inspired the castles featured in Disney's Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. The most extensive renovation to date, which includes meticulous work on paintings, furniture and a one-ton chandelier, began in 2017 and is expected to be completed this summer. See the results for yourself by booking a guided tour, then take a stroll to nearby Marienbrücke and admire the incredible view of the turret.
For a scenic mountain route, reach Oberammergau via Plansee in Austria. The village is decorated with murals known as Luftormarerei, including depictions of Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood. But what this place wants to tell is another different story. For about four centuries, locals have performed the Passion Play, which tells the story of the crucifixion, once every 10 years. This was once a pledge made to prevent epidemics. The next performance is scheduled for 2030, but you can take daily tours of the specially built theater.
Drive south to the island-strewn Lake Eibsee and the Zugspitze cable car. Its construction, which began in 2015 and took two years, was a true feat of engineering. Carrying up to 120 people, the glass-enclosed cabin glides smoothly to the top of Germany's highest mountain at 2,962 meters above sea level in minutes. Purchase a round-trip ticket and allow enough time to enjoy the panorama. On a clear day, you can see mountains as far as Austria, Italy and Switzerland.
Next, head east and prepare to hike to the Tegernseer Hütte, a mountain hut located between the Rothstein and Buchstein peaks. First built in 1903, it was rebuilt in 1965 after being struck by lightning. From the parking lot just west of Beyerwald, the fastest route takes less than two hours and zigzags through forests, meadows, and rugged terrain at the end. Alternatively, there is also the more gentle option of his 3 hours. Start early and have lunch on the terrace, or book early to avoid crowds.
Continue along the coast of Tegernsee, passing through Beiriszell to reach the village of Brannenburg. From here, board a yellow horse-drawn carriage that takes you up and down Mount Wendelstein. Built between 1910 and 1912, this alpine rack railway was Germany's first. Now modernized, it takes about 25 minutes to walk across the bridge, through the tunnel, under the galleries, and around the rock walls.
Follow the road through Reit im Winkl to Berchtesgadener Land. Here, the Kehlsteinhaus (nicknamed the Eagle's Nest) was built on a rocky outcrop as a hideout for Nazi leaders in the 1930s. Leave your car in Obersalzberg and hop on a designated bus up Germany's highest road. A brass-lined elevator up the hillside takes you to what is now maintained as a restaurant. On a guided tour of the region, learn about its turbulent past, then finish your trip by exploring the wider Berchtesgaden National Park.
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