Trip Overview:
Join us for a magnificent hiking vacation in the European Alps. Two of its most spectacular and beautiful areas are combined on this trip, from the high mountain peaks and traditional huts of the Austrian Tyrol to the fairy tale castles and forested mountains of southwestern Germany’s Bavaria.
In Austria we stay in a five star hotel in the beautiful Tyrolean village of Neustift, reached only by a narrow road that travels between high mountain peaks. The hotel is a Relais & Châteaux property with luxurious and extensive spa facilities, the use of which is included in the price. Our hiking vacation takes us through lush meadows filled with wildflowers and to high mountain huts above tree-line, where we feast on hearty lunches of traditional Austria fare while viewing stunning glacial panoramas.
We then journey over the Austrian border into the mountains of Bavaria, to hike and visit several castles and lodges built by the enigmatic Bavarian Monarch Ludwig II. Based in a charming hotel near the historic town of Fuessen in “the King’s Corner” of Bavaria we view two of Ludwig’s castles: one in which he grew up, and the famous Neuschwanstein, which he spent his lifetime building. We’ll hike to Ludwig’s private hunting lodge and visit Linderhof, Ludwig’s most beautiful castle. Returning to the lovely city of Innsbruck, we explore the medieval heart of this city that is perched in a bowl and is surrounded by the Alps.
We have a departure scheduled for June 21 - June 28, 2008. Private or self-guided adventures are available June through September: please contact us if the June dates do not work for you and we can schedule a custom trip.
Highlights:
- Hike to high mountain huts and through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and awe-inspiring glacial scenery
- Explore and hike to “Mad” King Ludwig II’s fairy tale castles, through beautiful villages with baroque churches, and past elaborately painted farm houses
- Stay in lovely 4- and 5-star hotels that combine local charm with luxury and fine food
- Luxuriate in the spa facilities of our Austrian hotel
- Discover the folkloric traditions and folk music of the region
- Experience the old world ambiance and architecture of this stunning Alps area of northern Austria (the Tyrol) and southwestern (Germany Bavaria).
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Neustift - Trip Orientation and Welcome Dinner
We greet you at 11:00 a.m. at the Innsbruck Airport and transfer to Neustift by private van. Our first hike begins in Neustift where we ride the Elfer Chairlift to access its 5,886’ top station. We take a trail to Autenalm, through the forest where we are treated to many wildflowers. We’ll stop for lunch, or Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake), or both , at a convivial Austrian hut. We hike back to town in time to enjoy our 5-star Relais & Châteaux hotel’s spa, or, if we have energy to spare, ride bicycles (the hotel has bikes available). We’ll begin to get to know each other over a welcome drink and a gourmet dinner in the hotel.
Day 2: Jochdohle – Bsuchalm – Nurnberger Hut
After our morning coffee, a hearty breakfast, and a discussion of today’s adventures, we travel by van to the end of the Stubai Valley. It the weather allows, we enjoy a gondola ride up to the top of the glacier at Jochdohle --the “Top of Tyrol” -- at over 9,000 feet. We’ll feel like we have been transported forward to winter, minus the cold weather, as skiers zoom by. Depending upon conditions, we may venture onto the glacier for a short walk before riding the lift back down. After lunch, we transfer to the hamlet of Fulpmes and the hike up to the Bsuchalm, another in the seemingly endless series of beautifully-sited restaurants and cafés. There is an option to extend with a hike to the rustic Nurnberger Hut.
Day 3: Oberberg Valley – Franz Senn Hut
We travel up the wonderfully remote Oberberg Valley to the start of our hike at the Oberriss Hut, driving at a sedate pace so as to avoid the cows that also share the road at times. We hike up to the classic Franz Senn Hut where we have lunch. Those who wish can then spend the afternoon exploring a number of trails from the Franz Senn Hut, perhaps hiking up to the Rinnen Lake and back. Alternatively, some may wish to spend the afternoon enjoying the view, writing post cards, and eating apple strudel. We’ll hike back to the Oberriss Hut for the return to the hotel. After relaxing in one or more of the seemingly endless spa facilities, and enjoying the Jagdhof’s gourmet spread, we venture out to a Gasthof that is a favorite of locals and features zither music.
Day 4: Ettal – Linderhof – Wieskirche - Hohenschwangau
We board our van for a drive through the mountains on the Deutsche Alpenstrasse (German Alpine Road) to Bavaria via the violin-making town of Mittenwald to Linderhof Castle. We’ll start our walk in the village of Ettal with its large monastery, hike on to the village of Graswang for lunch at its historic mill, arriving at Linderhof on foot. Linderhof is arguably Ludwig’s most beautiful castle and we’ll have a chance to tour it before continuing by van to Hohenschwangau via the Wieskirche (church), an 18th century Rococo Church that is a Unesco World Heritage Site. We’ll check in to our four star hotel with views view of both Neuschwannstein and Hohenschwangau Castles.
Day 5: Tegelberg – Bleckenau - Neuschwannstein
Today is a high point of a trip that is full of high points. We’ll have views of mountain peaks and castles for much of the day, and, just to top it off, we’ll hike through a beautiful gorge. Our hike today starts with a cable car ride to the top of Tegelberg, a hike through Pollat Gorge and then a tour of Neuschwannstein, Ludwig II’s most fanciful castle, an 19th century knight’s fortress based on German sagas and Ludwig’s obsession with the music of Richard Wagner. We’ll stop for lunch during the hike at the Bleckenau, a former hunting lodge of Bavarian royalty. Dinner tonight will be on your own, giving you the opportunity to explore the medieval town of neighboring Fuessen, with its Benedictine Abbey, the Lech River cascading down through town, and its own high castle.
Day 6: Schachen
We’ll drive through Garmisch-Partenkirchen, site of the fourth winter Olympics, to Elmau where we’ll start our hike to Ludwig’s little known hunting lodge Schachen. It was here that Ludwig got away from it all in a both geographic and historical sense. Hidden on the second story of this typically timber-framed Alpine house is a secret Turkish room where Ludwig’s servants would wait on him in Oriental attire. Our hike will take us through the woods at first, after which we’ll emerge to a view of the lodge beneath the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. We’ll tour the lodge and have lunch here and perhaps, as time permits, visit the nearby Alpine garden.
Day 7: Innsbruck
Today we’ll leave Bavaria and return to Innsbruck in Tyrol where we’ll have the afternoon free to explore the Altstadt (Old Town) of this beautiful city on foot. For the diehard walkers in the group we’ll offer an optional hike in the hills surrounding Innsbruck. Our farewell dinner tonight will be in the roof top restaurant of our charming 4 star hotel.
Day 8: Farewell to Austria and Bavaria
After breakfast we transfer to the Innsbruck airport by 9:00 for departure to the U.S. or other destinations.
Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Rates apply for June 21-28, 2008 departure; special or private departures will be priced separately based on the terms for those trips.
- $2700 per person double occupancy
- $400 single supplement
Included in price:
- Daily guided hikes led by Deborah Lewis, a professional multi-lingual guide
- All ground transportation including airport pick-up, transfers to hikes and destinations during trip, chairlifts/cablecars.
- Accommodations in elegant 4 and 5 star hotels.
- Use of spa facilities in Austrian hotel.
- Multi-course dinners and delicious breakfasts. Note: one dinner is not included.
- Welcome drinks.
- Cultural and historical information and copies of hiking maps.
- Admission to cultural attractions listed in the itinerary.
Not included in price:
- Air travel
- Lunches and one dinner
- Gratuities for your guide(s)
- All beverages with dinner
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Austria
Germany
Hiking & Trekking
Archeology/History
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