The Alpine road presents to you the magnificent Bavarian Alps in all its panoramic glory. The road begins from Lindau next to Lake Constance in the west and culminates at Berchtesgaden which is located next to the Lake Königssee in the east. The sheer excruciating magnificence of the landscape leaves you with nothing but wonder and awe.
If you are planning to undertake this journey, there are more than one option that you could choose. For instance, you can always use the bus service which begins at Friedrichshafen airport and ends at Oberstaufen in the Allgäu Alps. Oberstaufen is among the most famous health resorts in Germany and such resorts are quite popular when it comes to German life. But, as most tourists prefer, it is rather more fun to get a car or a bike and ride along the sweet melodies of Germanic green.
For all the Adventure and History on the road
Alpine road is covered with lush green forests and pasture lands with of-course the added view of the hills of Voralpenland or Alpine Upland. The road passes through Grosser Alpsee and progresses forward towards Oberstdorf which is the southernmost village of Germany. While on the road you will also happen to see Sonthofen which was built in 1935 and these days it operates as the British Alpines exercise base. Nearly 5000 soldiers go through a fortnights worth of adventure training each year and if luck is in your favour you might just spot them there.
Many tourists form Germany and across the world come to the Alps to seek and indulge in adventure of all sorts. Moreover, there are many resorts which cater to such needs. You can walk on the high wire or get the adrenalin rush in the ski-jumping arena. There are experts and trainers present at all time so there is nothing to worry about if you are a first timer. Also, workshops are conducted to train you in the required skills. You might as well enrol in one of these workshops and get the basics right before jumping off the ramp.
There are local massifs for the climbers and many mountaineering schools. Hiking is also quite popular in the region and Kleinwalsertal, or Kleinwalser Valley. It is much preferred region by the hikers. It is also interesting to know that Kleinwalsertal as a matter of fact belongs to the Austrian government and is also governed by their laws but, its administration falls under the Bavarian constituency. The population of Kleinwalsertal practices German customs and the German postal services functions here by using Austrian stamps. Moreover, the initial settlers here were the Walser and later-on emigrants came in from the present day Switzerland region. If you were to look at the attires that the older women wear, they will most definitely comprise of a black dress and brown fur hats. This is traditional way of dressing that most women adorn at a particular time during the day or during certain special occasions.
The adventure never really stops along the Alpine road. Ever wanted to go canyoning at a place which is described as Europe’s most beautiful gorge? Well it is possible at Breitachklamm. Within this region is the Schwarzwasserbach area where specifically canyoning is conducted. Here you can also find bike parks with added ramps and seesaws. You can in-fact given free rein to the inner daredevil in you and exploit the many ways to seek adventure here. Here you can go extreme biking which is quite popular in Bavaria or simply go on riding on an absolutely wonderfully 40 minute drive on the flat asphalt road between Oberstdorf to Fischen. This road passes through the Iller valley whose villages are beautiful in their own right and there are also companies that offer bikes on rental basis for as low an amount as 5 pounds a day. In this section of the Alpine road, you will get to witness the much talked about pure mountain air and water – there is absolutely nothing like this feeling that you can ever find anywhere in the city. You can take pit-stops and enjoy some of the most mouth-watering regional delicacies and also stay at the fantastical inns in the many villages that you will pass by on the way.
The journey along the Alpine might be tiring, but there is a solution to that as well. Make sure you stop at the Bad Hindelang – a health resort (Bad is indicative of a spa). You can rejuvenate yourself physically and spiritually, after all you will have earned a little self-indulgence. Also, Garmisch-Partenkirchen – located nearly 80 kilometres from Munich and situated on the feet of Zugspitze, the highest peak there. It is regarded as a leading ski resort in Germany on the B2. Garmisch-Partenkirchen in-fact suits all the kinds of pocket depths. Garmisch offers the glitz and the glam of the high living with all the kinds of swanky facilities on the other hand Partenkirchen provides you with a much cheaper alternative infused with all the traditional charm.
Zugspitze, the highest mountain peak of the region is something that will not let you forget it. This magnificent journey can also be scaled through the cogwheel-driven railway: the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn. The railway system will take over the Schneefern glacier and from there the Schneefern cable car will transport you on top of the summit. When at the top, you will be able to see Austria, Italy and Switzerland, and will also in-fact quite literally feel bone chilling winds. Interestingly, Zugspitze is also home to Germany’s highest located post-office and you are also allowed to get married there. From that point, to get down you can take the Eibsee cable car which also passes through and provides you with the views of Eibsee Lake. Upon reaching the base you can continue on the grand journey of the German Alpine road and reach Bad Toelz. You get to boat ride and go fishing as well.
As most journeys go when they begin, there is always an end towards which we approach. As you come to the end of the Alpine road, you will reach the most renowned spot for trout fishing and winter sports at Ruhpolding. Over here you will find varieties of adventure sports which have been made available – such as skiing, hand gliding, paragliding, there are golf courses as well, and many others. There are also these beautiful mountain paths and among them in particular the Nordic Walking trail is the one which is located right on the bank of Traun. You will also be able to find various mountain inns in their traditional makeup.
What is often described as the Grand German Landscape: Berchtesgadener Land, it can be seen in all its magnificence along with the golden eagle with all its grandiose soaring way up high. In the locale you can also find a national park, also a Castile which is known by the name of: Wittelsbach Schloss. Here you can find Crown Prince Ruprechts many collections. He was heir to the inheritance of the last King of Bavaria who derived their wealth and power from salt which was rather known as: white gold. The salt mine (Salzbergwerk) here runs as deep as one kilometre into the earth. These mines are still open to visit, it might be a little haunting but a definite source of entertainment.
A recap
Driving through the 450 kilometre long German Alpine road gives you an almost cinematic experience. There are 20 magnificent lakes, gargantuan peaks, glorious castles and palaces, more than 60 spas and resorts and the spending view of the green pastures. In addition to the visual, there are also regional gastronomic delights that you can feast upon and a load of adventure activities.