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Embedded in the rocky landscape of the Zugspitz massif, the deep blue waters of Eibsee lie nearly 1,000 m (3,300 ft) above sea level. The lake formed after a powerful rock avalanche created a deep crater. A walk around the lake takes roughly two hours. The shore is dotted with many scenic bays and idyllic beaches, which are perfect for taking a break or – in summer – a dip in the lake.

Located at the base of the Wetterstein massif and the Zugspitze, the capital of Werdenfelser Land is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which has a population of 30,000, is chiefly known as a winter sports resort. The Winter Olympics were held here in 1936. In summer, the town draws just as many visitors as a spa town and is an ideal base for mountain hiking and excursions into the region.

Located near Garmisch at Grainach, this gorge is entirely different in character to Partnachklamm. The Hammersbach stream tumbles through a one-km- (half-mile-) long gorge down into the valley. Challenging hiking paths lead through lit tunnels. Hiking boots and surefootedness are absolutely essential for an excursion in this gorge.

Founded by Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian in 1330, the abbey now houses a boarding school. The domed structure of the abbey church was reconstructed in Bavarian Rococo style after a fire. Ettal monastery produces famous herbal liqueurs – dry (green in colour), sweet (amber), and bitter (brown).

Painters Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944) and Gabriele Münter (1877–1962) and writer Ödön von Horváth (1901–38) worked and lived in this picturesque town. Follow in the footsteps of the Blue Rider art group – the Münter-Haus and Schlossmuseum, in particular, are highly recommended. There is a beautiful walking path around the idyllic Staffelsee.

At 32 sq km (12 sq miles), the Murnauer Moos is the largest continuous fenland in Bavaria. It is home to several thousand animal species and more than 900 plant species, many of which are threatened with extinction and have been placed under protection in this conservation area. Signposted paths through the fen provide beautiful hiking opportunities in all seasons.

This historic spa town is world-renowned for its passion plays – lay theatre performed by locals. Most of Oberammergau’s population participates in mounting the event once a decade. This picturesque town is also noted for its façade frescoes. Fran Seraph Zwinck (1748–92), Germany’s most famous façade frescoe painter, was born here.

One of the most impressive gorges in the Bavarian Alps, the Partnachklamm is some 700 m (2,300 ft) long; the rock face along its sides reaches a height of nearly 100 m (330 ft). A short walk from the Olympic ski-jump stadium in Garmisch will take you to the entrance to the gorge.

Located in the Graswangtal on a beautiful tributary of the River Ammer, Schloss Linderhof lies 10 km (6 miles) outside Ettal (see Linderhof Castle).

One of the best ways to enjoy Zugspitze is to take a round trip from the base of the mountain on the mountain train and cable cars. In Garmisch, the journey begins on a funicular, which takes you to the Schneeferner glacier on the Zugspitzplatt. Here you switch to a cable car, which ascends to the summit (2,950 m/9,700 ft). The observation platform affords a spectacular panoramic vista – in clear weather, all the way to the Dolomites in Italy. Take the Eibsee cable car on your return trip down to the valley – you’ll be treated once again to wonderful views of Eibsee, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Werdenfelser Land.