Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ettal
Ettal would be just another bend in the road were it not for its famous monastery,
Kloster
Ettal
(
www.kloster-ettal.de
; Kaiser-Ludwig-Platz 1)
. The highlight here is the sugary ro-
coco basilica housing the monks' prized possession, a marble madonna brought from
Rome by Ludwig der Bayer in 1330. However, some might argue that the real high point
is sampling the monastically distilled Ettaler Klosterlikör, an equally sugary herbal diges-
tif.
Ettal is 5km south of Oberammergau, an easy hike along the Ammer River. Otherwise
take bus 9606 from Garmisch-Partenkirchen or Oberammergau.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
08821 / POP 26,000
An incredibly popular hang-out for outdoorsy types and moneyed socialites, the double-
barrelled resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is blessed with a fabled setting a snowball's
throw from the Alps. To say you 'wintered in Garmisch' still has an aristocratic ring, and
the area offers some of the best skiing in the land, including runs on Germany's highest
peak, the Zugspitze (2964m).
The towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen were merged for the 1936 Winter Olympics
and, to this day, host international skiing events. Each retains its own distinct character:
Garmisch has a more cosmopolitan, 21st-century feel, while Partenkirchen has retained its
old-world Alpine village vibe.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen also makes a handy base for excursions to Ludwig II's palaces,
including nearby Schloss Linderhof (
Click here
)
and the lesser-known Jagdschloss
Schachen (
Click here
)
, as well as Oberammergau (
Click here
)
and even, at a push,
Neuschwanstein (
Click here
)
and Hohenschwangau (
Click here
)
castles.
