Luxury holidays in Bavarian Alps

In the Bavarian Alps, in southern Germany, alpine pastures stretch beneath towering peaks, and frescoed, timber-clad villages are linked by winding cobblestone streets. The castles of King Ludwig II, including Schloss Neuschwanstein, stand sentry over largely forested terrain. Winter brings skiing and ice skating — in striking contrast to summer’s swims in emerald-hued lakes and bucolic hikes. The region’s rooted-in-nature spas, bolstered by an abundance of thermal waters, provide your day’s restorative footnote.

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When to go

For a quieter, more picturesque experience, visit in May or June when the Alps awaken from winter and wildflowers bloom. July and August bring warmer climes and more visitors. For skiing, January and February offer optimum snow conditions.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Munich and Austria’s Innsbruck are your two closest airports — both are a 90-minute drive from the heart of the Alps.

  • Trains

    Bavaria’s efficient train network will take you to the foothills of the Alps, but to get into the mountains, it’s best to switch to wheels — whether by taxi, bus or car rental.

  • Automobiles

    To get to some of the more remote mountain villages, such as Walchensee, you’ll want your own set of wheels. The Alps can be accessed from Austria via the A1, or from Munich in the north via the A95.