Mittenwald is one of those places that doesn’t just look pretty, it makes you stop and look at everything. Literally every building!
We visited in winter and stayed for one night at Alpenhotel Rieger, right in the town centre, as part of a road trip through southern Germany and Austria. From the moment we arrived, it felt different to anywhere else on the trip.
Imagine snow-covered streets, crisp alpine air, and painted buildings everywhere you look. We ended up spending hours just walking through town, looking up at the murals (Lüftlmalerei), taking photos, and constantly saying how unreal it all felt.
I’ve been to a lot of small towns across Europe, but Mittenwald genuinely stood out.
By evening, the town felt calm and cosy. We had glühwein, ate hearty Bavarian food, and enjoyed how quiet the streets became once the day visitors left. However, Mittenwald isn’t just beautiful in winter. We heard that in warmer months the balconies are full of flowers, the sun is out, and you get clear views of the surrounding Alps. It’s perfect weather to walk slowly and really take in the building art.
No matter what time of year you’re planning to visit Mittenwald, I’ve broken down everything you need to know from how to get there, where to stay, what to see, and a few bonus tips.
⏰ Short on time?
Planning a road trip? Renting a car is honestly the best way to see places like this properly – Check availability here
Waking up to Painted Houses + Mountain Views in Mittenwald?
($) Gästehaus Franziska
($$) Alpenhotel Rieger
($$$) Post Hotel Mittenwald
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
Is Mittenwald Worth Visiting?
Yes, without hesitation.
Mittenwald is often compared to nearby Garmisch-Partenkirchen, but the two feel very different. Garmisch is bigger, busier, and more focused on outdoor adventure. Mittenwald feels more intimate, more historic, and far more charming.
It’s the kind of place where you don’t need a packed itinerary. You just walk, look, eat well, and enjoy being there.
Why Visit Mittenwald?
Mittenwald sits right on the German–Austrian border, at the edge of the Karwendel Alps. For centuries, it was an important stop along historic trade routes, which brought wealth, craftsmanship, and culture into the town.
Today, Mittenwald is known for:
- Its beautifully painted houses (Lüftlmalerei)
- A long and proud violin-making tradition
- Easy access to mountains, gorges, and alpine lakes
- Traditional Bavarian food and beer
- A slower, more authentic atmosphere than nearby resort towns
It’s compact, walkable, and packed with detail.
Getting to Mittenwald
Mittenwald is easy to reach, whether you’re travelling by train or car.
By Train
- Direct trains run from Munich and Innsbruck
- Travel time from Munich is around 1 hour 50 minutes
- The train station is only a short walk from the Old Town
By Car
- Mittenwald is an easy stop on a Germany–Austria road trip
- Parking is available near the town centre
- Once parked, everything is walkable
Cars here can sell out fast (especially in peak season), so I’d recommend booking early – Check availability here
Airports
- Innsbruck Airport: approx. 35 km
- Munich Airport: approx. 150 km
Things to Do in Mittenwald
This is the main reason people fall in love with Mittenwald.
The Old Town is famous for Lüftlmalerei, traditional painted façades that tell stories of religion, folklore, trades, and everyday alpine life. Streets like Obermarkt, Ballenhausgasse, and Prof.-Schreyögg-Platz feel like an open-air art gallery.
What makes Mittenwald special is how natural it all feels. The paintings aren’t just on one street, they’re everywhere. Every time you turn a corner, there’s another mural to look up at.
In winter, the snow resting on window ledges and rooftops makes the colours stand out even more. We spent hours slowly walking, stopping constantly for photos, and noticing new details each time.
This alone makes Mittenwald worth visiting.
If you want big alpine views, the Karwendelbahn cable car takes you straight up into the Karwendel Alps.
- Rises to around 2,000 metres
- Offers sweeping views over Mittenwald and surrounding valleys
- Includes the Bergwelt Karwendel visitor centre, shaped like a giant telescope
At the top, there are walking paths, viewpoints, and space to simply take in the scenery. On a clear day, the views are incredible.
We did this part of the trip by car and it made SUCH a difference – way more flexibility, easier stops, and no waiting around. You can check rental options here
The St Peter & Paul Church is one of Mittenwald’s most recognisable landmarks.
Inside, it’s bright, ornate, and filled with frescoes. It’s not huge, but it’s beautifully detailed and worth a short visit. Entry is free, which makes it an easy stop while exploring the Old Town.
Even if churches aren’t usually a highlight for you, this one adds to the sense of Mittenwald’s history and craftsmanship.
For something slower and more relaxed, the Kranzberg chairlift is a great option.
This single-seat chairlift climbs a gentler mountain and offers beautiful views back toward the jagged Karwendel peaks. From the top, you can continue walking toward alpine lakes or simply enjoy the panorama.
It’s a good alternative if you want views without a dramatic ascent.
Lautersee and Ferchensee are two alpine lakes sitting above Mittenwald.
In warmer months, they’re popular for:
- Scenic walks
- Picnics
- Swimming
- Lakeside restaurants
They’re quieter than many famous Bavarian lakes and feel very peaceful. Access in winter depends on snow conditions, but they’re worth planning for if you visit outside winter.
Between Mittenwald, Krün, and Wallgau are the Buckelwiesen, rolling humpback meadows formed by Ice Age moraines.
This is a gentle, open landscape with wide views of the Alps. It’s especially beautiful in spring when wildflowers bloom, but even in winter, it feels calm and expansive.
On our way to Mittenwald, we stopped at Partnach Gorge, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip.
In winter, the gorge is filled with icicles, frozen rock walls, and dramatic formations. Walking through it felt surreal and completely different to seeing it in warmer months.
If you’re visiting in winter, this is absolutely worth adding to your route.
The Leutasch Gorge is one of the most impressive natural attractions near Mittenwald.
The gorge features:
- A suspended walkway above rushing water
- Dramatic rock walls
- Panoramic bridges
There are multiple trail options, including a free section and a small paid inner gorge route. It’s open from May to October and can be reached on foot or by bus.
Where did I Stayed in Mittenwald
Watch our hotel review staying at Alpenhotel Rieger in Mittenwald.
Where I Stayed in Mittenwald
We stayed at Alpenhotel Rieger for one night.
It was comfortable, well-located, and an easy walk into the Old Town. Staying overnight meant we could enjoy Mittenwald in the evening and early morning, when the streets were quiet and the town felt especially magical.
Waking up to Painted Houses + Mountain Views in Mittenwald?
($) Gästehaus Franziska
($$) Alpenhotel Rieger
($$$) Post Hotel Mittenwald
FAQs: Visiting Mittenwald
Yes, it’s one of the prettiest towns in Bavaria.
Yes. Snow, murals, and fewer crowds make it very special.
Around 1 hour 50 minutes by train.
Yes, especially outside peak summer.
Yes, but staying overnight is better.
Painted façades showing local stories and traditions.
Read More ✈️
How to Visit Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm) in Germany
Everything I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle
Berlin East Side Gallery Guide! Everything You Need to Know
First Time in Berlin? Complete Guide to Sights, Food & Tips
What to Do in Nuremberg in One Day! Everything you need to see!
Best Area to Stay in Berlin for First Time Visitors
The Half Day Tours from Berlin I Think Are Worth It
Things to See in Berlin in 1 Day (Itinerary and Map)
Walking Tour in Berlin! Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
PIN THIS PAGE FOR LATER
Add comment