- Centre-based walking in one of Germany's most picturesque regions
- Impressive monasteries, regal palaces, onion-domed churches and pretty frescoed houses
- Friendly, family-run 3-star hotel with beautiful frescoes and a contemporary restaurant
- Well-signed paths and trails with a choice of walking levels every day
- Chairlifts and cable cars leading to panoramic mountain restaurants
Walking in Southern Bavaria
8 Days
Excluding Flights
8 Days
from
Walking & Trekking
Activity Level
Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Itinerary
Oberammergau Oberammergau
Start Oberammergau
A transfer (90 mins) is provided from Munich airport to your hotel in Oberammergau (subject to a minimum of 2 people booked on a departure in total).
Explore Ammer Valley villages; walk to Pulvermoos Wildlife Sanctuary
A perfect introduction to your walking week starts with a short (15 mins) ride on the little red train to Bad Kohlgrub. From here, you walk through the rolling Ammer Valley’s string of sleepy farming villages. Unterammergau, in particular, has a splendid Rococo church. Then walk across to the Pulvermoos, a wildlife sanctuary and habitat for 60 bird species including Corncrake, Dipper, Whinchat and Snipe.
2 options: walking time 2.5hr, distance 9km/5.5km or walking time 4hr, distance 16km/10mi.
Cable car up Laber; walk down to Ettal village with its Benedictine monastery
Start with a cable car ride to the top of the Laber (1685m) for panoramic views of Germany’s highest mountain – Zugspitze (2962m) – and the Austrian Alps beyond. You then wind your way down through cool pine forests to the village of Ettal. After lunch, visit the amazing 14th Century former Benedictine monastery, an outstanding example of Bavarian Baroque architecture. Return on an easy path along the pretty valley, passing the Barenhohle cave where there’s a figure of the resurrected Christ. Walking time 3.5hr, distance 12km/7.5mi or walking time 4.5hr, distance 14km/8.5mi.
2 options: walking time 3.5hr, distance 12km/7.5mi or walking time 4.5hr, distance 14km/8.5mi.
Follow the shore of Staffelsee; afternoon optional boat cruise
Staffelsee is one of the larger of the many picturesque blue lakes dotted around this part of Bavaria. This beautiful stretch of water offers easy walking along the shoreline with plenty of swimming opportunities. Stop off in the attractive riverside village of Uffing (the boat landing station is a fantastic place for lunch and offers magnificent views of the lake backed by mountains). In the afternoon, either relax in the sun on the panorama deck of the little lake cruiser (pay locally), passing hidden coves and the lake’s 7 islands (one even has its own tiny chapel), or return on foot along the quiet side of the lake. Walking time 3.5hr, distance 12km/7.5mi or walking time 5hr, distance 18km/11mi or walking time 6hr, distance 22km/13.5mi.
3 options: walking time 3.5hr, distance 12km/7.5mi or walking time 5hr, distance 18km/11mi or walking time 6hr, distance 22km/13.5mi.
Free day
A day off from walking today. Maybe take the local bus to Mad King Ludwig’s fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein with its breathtaking setting on a rocky outcrop. Or take the funicular to the top of Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, and discover a 360 degree panorama of endless peaks spanning Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Germany. Or, if you prefer to stay closer to home, spend the afternoon by the Wellenberg outdoor pool, where there is also a sauna, Jacuzzi and spa.
Kolben chairlift; various walks along Sonnenberg Ridge available
The Kolben chairlift whisks you up to 1270m, from where there’s a choice of routes up to the spectacular Sonnenberg ridge. Your route down passes a succession of crashing waterfalls and the reconstructed 19th Century whetstone mill at Schleifmuhle, followed by a pretty path through the meadows. Walking time 4hr, distance 13km/8mi or walking time 6hr, distance 17km/10.5mi.
2 options: walking time 4hr, distance 13km/8mi or walking time 6hr, distance 17km/11mi.
Walk to Linderhof Palace; return via the Linder Valley
Today’s walk includes an unmissable visit to Schloss Linderhof, the gloriously over-the-top Rococo palace built by Mad King Ludwig in 1878, inspired by Louis XIV’s chateau in Versailles. There are gorgeous French and Italianate terraced gardens and a golden fountain which erupts once every hour with a 30m plume of water. Return to the hotel along a tranquil path which winds back down the Linder Valley, through the village of Graswang with its beautifully preserved old farmhouses and pretty 17th century frescoed church. Walking time 1.5hr, distance 6km/4mi or walking time 3.5hr, distance 13km/8mi.
2 options: walking time 1.5hr, distance 6km/4mi or walking time 3.5hr, distance 13km/8mi.
End Oberammergau
The tour itself ends here after breakfast. A transfer back to Munich Airport is included (subject to a minimum of 2 people booked on a departure in total).
Essential Info
Joining Instructions
The trip itself normally begins at the hotel in Oberammergau on the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary.
Arrival and departure transfers are included* (for flight inclusive travellers) between Munich Airport and the hotel in Oberammergau (approx. 90 mins) at set times which coordinate with the standard flights. Please ask your Sales Consultant for times.
Arrival/departure transfers at non-standard times can also be arranged for you, (subject to prior arrangement).
*Please note: the above optional airport transfers are subject to prior arrangement, a supplement and at least 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) may also apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
Flights:
We can also book flights for you if you wish.
The standard flights we usually use are with British Airways from London Heathrow to Munich, departing 12:40, arriving 15:35 (transfer to hotel is approx. 90 mins). Return: Munich to London Heathrow, departing 16:25, arriving 17:30. Please note that the standard flights may occasionally change throughout the season so please enquire for up-to-date details.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Oberammergau
Location end: Oberammergau
Transfer Details
Transfers included from Munich airport at 15.35 and back to Munich airport at 12.45. (If booking inclusive flights)
Weather
Average temperatures in summer are in the region of 25-30oC. The warmest month is usually July whilst the coldest is mainly January. Every month has its share of precipitation on an average of 14 days per month.
Weather Charts
Hotel
The Hotel Alte Post is a family run hotel located within the heart of Oberammergau’s town centre. Dating back to 1612, it is one of the oldest inns in the town and has been run by the Preisinger family since the end of the 1900s. It is a traditional Bavarian style building, with white washed walls and beautiful frescoes painted on its outside walls.
The rooms are ensuite, comfortable and of a good size and most rooms come with views onto the village. The hotel’s dining areas are rustic yet cosy, with wooden pannelled walls and even an old tiled stove, whilst the newly renovated Kofel Blick café is stunningly modern with a nod to its traditional past. The hotel’s terrace is also perfect for dining, whilst watching the goings on in the village square and admiring the view of the Kofel mountain.
All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.
Reviews
Add your own reviewBavaria at its best.
A spectacularly picturesque area with soaring mountains, lush green valleys, forests, lakes and pretty villages.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sitting outdoors on top of the Zugspitze (ca. 9000 ft.) enjoying the stunning views and eating Apfelstrudel and drinking Löwenbräu on a gorgeous September afternoon!
Thoughts on Group Leader
N/A: self guided.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I would advise decent walking boots, and poles if you use them, and waterproof jacket and trousers as it can certainly rain here. Take insect repellant and bite cream too. The area is photogenic so a good camera with plenty of memory is a must. I forgot mine!!! Make sure you have the extensive trip notes as the walks can be quite complicated. Due to an oversight we didn`t receive ours and would have been at a loss, but another member of the group who we became friendly with shared hers. This issue has been resolved with Exodus and we still had a wonderful time. The paths are well signposted anyway and, as mentioned in another review, the recommended routes can be customised to suit your own tastes.
Beer in Bavaria
A lovely week walking through the meadows and mountains of Bavaria. Local brew went down a treat. Let down by lack of walking notes however….
Most Inspirational Moment
Completing a 21km walk round the Staffelsee and having a well earned beer to celebrate! A beer at the top of the Zugspitze (highest mountain in Germany) was also great - can you see a theme emerging here?!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Myself and my Dad did this as a self guided trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I booked this trip as a self guided option mostly owing to disorganisation and there not being much else left for my chosen week. I think self guided has the potential to work really well but we only got a lot out of it by borrowing the extensive walking notes from a Headwater client. This trip is offered jointly with them. All the other people on the trip had booked with Headwater and had excellent notes. The level of detail was impressive but necessary. The Germans are very into outdoor activity and the 'wanderwegs' - walking routes- are well signposted but you need to be able to find the start and know which bus to get etc. On average per 4 hour walk the Headwater notes had 2 full A4 pages of information. They also had 1 or 2 boot notes for different abilities and lots of local information. The Exodus trip notes were as per this website and totally useless! If I was going self guided again I'd be likely to book with Headwater for this reason I'm afraid. The taxi driver collecting us at the airport also had a Headwater sign so look out for this if you don't see an Exodus one. The hotel was a lovely family run place in a traditional Bavarian wooden house which looked like a cuckoo clock. The food was excellent however one of the Headwater clients was a vegetarian and struggled. I think she went some way to furthering the cause of vegetarianism in Bavaria during the trip but bewarned!! The hotel gave provided a tourist card which allowed free local bus travel which was excellent. The tourist information office was very useful too.
Reply from Exodus
We would like to thank Ruth for her review. We were very sorry to read that she did not receive her route notes and that she had to borrow some during her trip. We provide our clients with the same standard route notes as our sister company, Headwater, and have investigated why Ruth did not receive these. We were happy to read that Ruth and her father still had a great holiday.
WALKING IN OBERAMMERGAU
This trip gives you the opportunity and freedom to set your own itinerary, use your own initiative and have more contact with locals. A delightful destination that may be quieter than at first supposed.
Most Inspirational Moment
Standing on top of The Kofel and taking-in the stunning panorama. Don’t let the dire warnings in the walking notes put you off - it’s undoubtedly high and a scramble to get to the top but if you do the ‘overtaking manoeuvre’ described in the notes, and you’re reasonably able-bodied and sure footed, it’s well worth the small detour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Consider making use of the local Tourist Information office - they’re very helpful and can book tours for you. We used them extensively including booking our tickets for Schloss Neuschwanstein which, considering the massive length of the queue for un-booked tickets at the castle when we arrived, was definitely a good move and highly recommended. Pre-booking the guided tour enabled us to pick-up our tickets as soon as we arrived at the castle and then go off and look at other things prior to our timed entry. All the walks (we did) were on well signed paths and were easy to find and follow. However, some of the walks described in the walking notes descend over fairly uneven ground with some tricky tree roots at times - walking poles might be advisable.
WALKING IN OBERAMMERGAU
A charming and well organised centre full of alpine houses beautifully painted with frescoes , Oberammergau is ideal for walking and other activities. The abundance of well signposted walking and cycle paths give a huge variety of options. Everything looks immaculately tended and cared for.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing Schloss Neuschwanstein in all its fairytale glory - like a film set brought into the real world. Riding the Kolben carousel - a cross between a bobsleigh and a roller-coaster, a 2.6 km long thrill ride down the mountain going as fast as you dare! The intimate splendour of Schloss Linderhof - another of King Ludwig II's fantasy creations.
Thoughts on Group Leader
N/A - self guided. The hotel owners and staff were always willing to help explain local arrangements.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Schloss Neuschwanstein - 1.6 million visitors a year mean long queues despite the Teutonic efficiency of the guided tour system - book online before you go or a couple of days beforehand to get a guided tour at a convenient time. I took the direct bus, arrived at the back of the queue for non-reserved tickets at 11:45. 50 minutes later at the ticket counter I was offered a place on the 17:55 english-speaking tour. Fortunately I was on my own, so they squeezed me in on an earlier tour.Don't be afraid to assemble your own route from the parts of the described walks - the frequent and accessible local transport make this easy
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
26 Apr 2025 26 Apr 2025
Saturday Saturday
03 May 2025 03 May 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 1485 USD 1485
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
03 May 2025 03 May 2025
Saturday Saturday
10 May 2025 10 May 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 1050
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
24 May 2025 24 May 2025
Saturday Saturday
31 May 2025 31 May 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 1010
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
31 May 2025 31 May 2025
Saturday Saturday
07 Jun 2025 07 Jun 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price USD 1010
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
01 Jun 2025 01 Jun 2025
Sunday Sunday
08 Jun 2025 08 Jun 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price USD 1050
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
07 Jun 2025 07 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
14 Jun 2025 14 Jun 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 1010
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
11 Jun 2025 11 Jun 2025
Wednesday Wednesday
18 Jun 2025 18 Jun 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 1 space left!
Land Only Trip Price USD 1050
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesThursday Thursday
12 Jun 2025 12 Jun 2025
Thursday Thursday
19 Jun 2025 19 Jun 2025
Availability Sold Out
Land Only Trip Price USD 1050
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesFriday Friday
13 Jun 2025 13 Jun 2025
Friday Friday
20 Jun 2025 20 Jun 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price USD 1050
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
14 Jun 2025 14 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
21 Jun 2025 21 Jun 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price USD 1010
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
21 Jun 2025 21 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
28 Jun 2025 28 Jun 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price USD 1010
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
28 Jun 2025 28 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
05 Jul 2025 05 Jul 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price USD 1010
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Thursday
03 Jul 2025 03 Jul 2025
Thursday Thursday
10 Jul 2025 10 Jul 2025
Availability Sold Out
Land Only Trip Price USD 1010
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Jul 2025 05 Jul 2025
Saturday Saturday
12 Jul 2025 12 Jul 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 965
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
12 Jul 2025 12 Jul 2025
Saturday Saturday
19 Jul 2025 19 Jul 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 965
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
19 Jul 2025 19 Jul 2025
Saturday Saturday
26 Jul 2025 26 Jul 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 965
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
26 Jul 2025 26 Jul 2025
Saturday Saturday
02 Aug 2025 02 Aug 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 965
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
02 Aug 2025 02 Aug 2025
Saturday Saturday
09 Aug 2025 09 Aug 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 965
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
09 Aug 2025 09 Aug 2025
Saturday Saturday
16 Aug 2025 16 Aug 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 965
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
16 Aug 2025 16 Aug 2025
Saturday Saturday
23 Aug 2025 23 Aug 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 965
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
23 Aug 2025 23 Aug 2025
Saturday Saturday
30 Aug 2025 30 Aug 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 965
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
30 Aug 2025 30 Aug 2025
Saturday Saturday
06 Sep 2025 06 Sep 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price USD 965
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
06 Sep 2025 06 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
13 Sep 2025 13 Sep 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 1010
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
13 Sep 2025 13 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
20 Sep 2025 20 Sep 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 1010
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
20 Sep 2025 20 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
27 Sep 2025 27 Sep 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 965
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
27 Sep 2025 27 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
04 Oct 2025 04 Oct 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 965
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
04 Oct 2025 04 Oct 2025
Saturday Saturday
11 Oct 2025 11 Oct 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price USD 965
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 311
Available upon Request
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Walking in Southern Bavaria
8 Days
Excluding Flights
8 Days
from