Germany, the Bavarian Alps and the castles of Ludwig II

Wendelstein, Zahnradbahn - 100 Jahre Bergbahngeschichte

From Lake Constance to the Berchtesgadener Alps, the Alps of Southern Germany are defined by the fairy tale castles of Ludwig II; Schloss Neuschwanstein (Neuschwanstein Castle), Schloss Linderhof (Linderhof Castle) and Schloss Herrenchiemsee (Herrenchiemsee Castle) on the Herreninsel in the Chiemsee (more about this in the description of the historic Chiemgau-Salzburg route). But this is not the only reason Southern Bavaria is Germany’s most popular vacation destination for visitors from all over the world. The Bavarian Alps are ice age rivers that flow from the south to the north, deep alpine valleys, picturesque lakes for surfers and sailors, moors that make the alpine foreland appear mystical. At 2,962 m, the Zugspitze is the highest peak in the Bavarian Alps and in Germany. It imparts a high alpine character on the region with its two glaciers, the Schneeferner and the Höllentalferner. The Watzmann in the Berchtesgadener Alps to the east is the second-highest peak at 2,713 m

In addition to diversity and cultural treasures, a Bavarian vacation also means the sociability of shady beer garden and hearty meals as well as Munich, the state capital with its special charm, the distinctive domes of the cathedral and of course Oktoberfest.