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Located where the Isar River surfaces from an Alpine valley and flows into the sub-Alpine foothills, Bad Tölz is a popular spa and winter resort. On the right side of the river lies the picturesque old town, with its impressive Marktstraße lined with ornate st ucco-work façades, mot tos, and frescoes. Alpamare, one of Germany’s largest waterparks, is favoured by spa guests and fun-seekers alike. A big annual attraction is the Leonhardifahrt, on 6 November, a procession in honour of St Leonhard, patron saint of horses. It is one of the largest processions in traditional costume in Upper Bavaria.

Situated atop a small hill near Bad Tölz, this monastery was founded by the Sisters of the Franciscan Order in the 17th century. The Baroque abbey is open to the public. It is also worth a trip for the spectacular view of the Alps from the monastery’s beer garden. For a pleasant stroll head to the romantic Kirchsee nearby, a good spot for summer swimming.

Framed by wooded mountains, Tegernsee is one of the largest mountains lakes in Upper Bavaria, with an area of 9 sq km (3.5 sq miles) and a length of 6 km (3.5 miles). Its beautiful setting and easy accessibility – it is only 50 km (30 miles) from Munich – have made the lake one of the most popular excursion and holiday destinations since the notion of taking summer breaks began in the 19th century. Tegernsee, Bad Wiessee, and Rottach-Egern form a picturesque chain of towns on the shores of the lake and attract visitors in both winter and summer. Bad Wiessee is home to one of the few casinos in Bavaria.

Although less famous than Tegernsee, Schliersee, on the edge of the Alps, is just as attractive a lake. Its appeal lies mainly in the beauty of the surrounding mountains. One of the principal sights in the spa town of Schliersee is the St Sixtus church, with its 18th-century frescoes by Johann B Zimmermann. For an attractive country walk, take the 7 km (4 mile) path around the lake.

Wildly romantic, the Spitzingsee (1,100 m/3,600 ft) attracts mountain hikers in summer. In winter, skiers enjoy 30 km (19 miles) of groomed ski runs, serviced by 18 cable cars and ski lifts. This is Germany’s largest continuous ski region.

Located on the Isar River in the Isarwinkel area, Lenggries is a health and winter resort. It is a perfect departure point for excursions into the mountains, such as to Brauneck’s summit, which can be reached by foot or by cable car.

From the summit of the Wendelstein, hikers enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the region. In good weather, the Großglockner is clearly visible. There is a weather station and observatory, and Wettersteinhaus, a traditional mountain inn. Serviced by the oldest rack-railway (1912) in the Alps, the summit has also been linked by cable car since 1970.

Popularly thought of as “Bavaria’s Ocean,” Chiemsee is Bavaria’s largest lake, with an area of 80 sq km (31 sq miles). Highlights include the islands Herrenchiemsee, with the Altesand Neues Schloss (see Herrenchiemsee Castle) and Frauenchiemsee, with an 18th-century monastery.

This resort near the Austrian border lies in a snowbelt, and so offers some of the best skiing in the Bavarian Alps. Excellent ski runs are maintained near the Winklmoosalm (1,150m/3,800 ft), home of Olympian skier Rosi Mittermaier.

Castle Hohenaschau dates from the 12th century. Renaissance (16th century) and late Baroque (17th century) additions are the chapel and the charity house – Prientalmuseum.