Mittenwald

An artistic Alpine village on the Austrian border famous for the elaborate lüftlmalerei frescoes adorning nearly every building facade. Its bohemian character attracts artists and culture lovers seeking authentic Bavarian mountain town charm.

Things to do

• Lüftlmalerei Fresco Tour — Stroll through the pedestrian Obermarkt and surrounding streets to admire the ornate hand-painted frescoes depicting religious scenes, floral motifs, and protective symbols that cover nearly every building facade.
• St. Peter and Paul Church — Visit this late-Gothic parish church featuring a striking onion-domed tower and interior baroque decorations, located at the heart of the town center.
• Local Artist Studios — Drop into working artist studios and galleries scattered throughout town where painters, sculptors, and craftspeople sell their work and sometimes demonstrate traditional techniques.
• Hiking to Mittenwald Peak — Take a moderate alpine hike from the village into surrounding meadows and forests with views toward the Wetterstein and Karwendel mountains.
• Museum of Mittenwald — Explore the local history museum in a traditional lüftlmalerei-adorned townhouse displaying regional art, crafts, and exhibits about the town's merchant past.
• Austrian Border Walk — Walk or cycle to nearby Scharnitz just across the Austrian border to experience the dramatic alpine scenery and cross-border character of this mountain pass region.

Food to try

• Kaiserschmarrn — A shredded sweet pancake served with plum compote or applesauce, a beloved Bavarian dessert found in nearly every local cafe.
• Kasnocken or Käsespätzle — Cheese-covered egg noodles traditionally prepared with melted local mountain cheese, caramelized onions, and sometimes bacon, a hearty alpine comfort food.
• Bauernkrapfen — Savory fried pastries stuffed with sauerkraut and sometimes meat, a specialty at local bakeries and festival stands.
• Local Trout — Fresh alpine trout caught from nearby streams and lakes, prepared simply grilled or pan-fried at traditional Bavarian restaurants.
• Hefezopf Bread — A braided sweet yeast bread studded with raisins and almonds from local bakeries, perfect for breakfast or as a take-home souvenir.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Fresco Photography — While the frescoes are stunning, be mindful that many are on private homes; ask permission before photographing close-ups, and avoid photographing during private moments on residential streets.
• Visit During Quiet Morning Hours — Arrive early in the day to experience the authentic village character before tour groups fill the narrow cobblestone streets, especially in summer and autumn.
• Learn the Fresco Tradition — Understanding that lüftlmalerei dates to the 13th century and represents merchant pride and wealth adds layers of meaning to the painted facades you'll encounter throughout town.
• Support Local Artists — The town's creative spirit depends on resident and visiting artists; purchasing directly from studios and small galleries rather than tourist shops helps sustain authentic bohemian culture.