With the Karwendelbahn from Mittenwald to lofty heights

Imposing rocky landscape between the Inn and Isar rivers

Between the Inn and Isar rivers, the Seefeld depression and the Achensee valley stretches an imposing rocky landscape: the Karwendel. Here, on the border with Austria in the upper Isar valley, you will also find the picturesque town of Mittenwald. Known as the cradle of Bavarian violin making and unique for its Lüftlmalerei paintings, the climatic health resort on the Isar also has a treat in store for nature lovers.

Within a few minutes at 2,244 metres above sea level

Since 1967, the Karwendelbahn has taken guests from the Mittenwald valley station to the mountain station at 2,244 metres above sea level in just a few minutes. Countless hiking and climbing trails start from there, offering the right level of difficulty/route for beginners and experienced hikers alike. The Mittenwald via ferrata, for example, makes the hearts of (experienced) mountain enthusiasts beat faster. The Passanami panoramic circular trail also offers newcomers to the Alps and families with children spectacular views of the Alpine foothills and the surrounding mountains such as the Zugspitze and Wetterstein. On Tuesdays, weather permitting, you can also join the panoramic explanations given by an experienced local and guest guide and learn interesting facts about the Northern Limestone Alps on the panoramic circular trail.

Prices, opening times and further information can be found here.

Enjoy Bavarian specialities at the mountain station

If your stomach is rumbling after all that exercise in the fresh air, you don't have to travel back down to the valley first. Right next to the mountain station of Germany's second-highest mountain railway, the team at the mountain restaurant welcomes hungry guests with Bavarian specialities ranging from snacks to roast pork. On sunny days, the food can also be enjoyed on the sun terrace in front of the breathtaking panorama with a view of the Isar valley.

Visit the highest environmental exhibition in Germany

Afterwards, a visit to the "Bergwelt Karwendel" nature information centre just a few steps away is a great way to recharge your batteries. Germany's highest environmental exhibition has set itself the goal of familiarising visitors with the sensitive habitat of high mountain nature and the Karwendel mountains as part of a permanent exhibition. The aim is to create an awareness of sustainable and careful treatment of nature and the mountain world in particular. In addition to the permanent exhibition about the alpine ecosystem, visitors can experience the alpine landscape up close thanks to projections of thunderstorms or avalanches, films and walk-in dioramas. The "Bergwelt Karwendel" was honoured with the Sustainability Award of the Alpine Convention in 2009 for this commitment. But it is not only the concept of the exhibition that is impressive. The larch wood-clad building in the shape of an oversized telescope also attracts attention architecturally.

Travelling to the Karwendelbahn

The Karwendelbahn valley station is just under 15 minutes' walk from Mittenwald railway station. Leave the station via Bahnhofplatz, keep right and then turn right onto Dammkarstraße. After a few metres, Mühlenweg branches off to the right, which you follow until you can turn left onto Weidenweg. After crossing the Isar, follow Arzgrubenweg until you see the valley station on the left.