Lakes and Alpine views. A rendezvous for European nobility

The Alps rise majestically from behind the pretty little villages of the eastern Alpine foothills. Lining the streets are pristine Bavarian houses, their carved wooden features and Lüftl paintings expressing Bavarian piety, joie de vivre, a sense of tradition and regional pride. Sparkling lakes and snow-covered peaks create sensational Alpine panoramas that stay long in the memory.

Tegernsee

Once this sweeping valley south of Munich had been discovered by King Maximilian I of Bavaria, it became the summer residence of the Munich court and a playground for the European aristocracy. Lake Tegernsee ­ one of Bavaria's cleanest lakes, with water of drinkable purity ­ offers unforgettable boat trips against a fairytale Alpine vista. The Tegernsee region is one of Germany's leading holiday destinations thanks to its temperate, revitalising climate and range of wellness facilities. Here you can relax, unwind and boost your energy levels in all kinds of ways. Experience typical Bavarian charm, traditional festivals, cultural highlights, fine dining, many different activities and Germany's strongest iodine-sulphur springs. Treat yourself to a memorable holiday in Bad Wiessee, Gmund, Kreuth, Rottach-Egern or in the town of Tegernsee itself.

Herrenchiemsee Palace

When King Ludwig II of Bavaria was designing his fabulous palace on Herreninsel island in Lake Chiemsee, the Palace of Versailles was his model, and his dreams became reality between 1878 and 1886. The pièce de résistance at Herrenchiemsee Palace, now a museum, is the magnificent hall with 17 monumental mirrors reflecting the light from 17 arch windows. The baroque grounds with the Latona fountain were also modelled on Versailles.

Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden is the name of both a national park and a small town whose main attraction is a salt mine ­ now a museum which brings the history of this long-established industry to life. King Ludwig II's royal villa and Berchtesgaden Palace, the Wittelsbachs' summer residence after 1810, whisk visitors back to a truly glittering heyday. A dark chapter in Germany's history was sealed on Mount Obersalzberg. Breathtaking views of the mountains are to be had from the Eagle's Nest, which is reached via a winding road by coach and by lift for the final section.

Burghausen

Spanning 1,043 metres, the castle above Burghausen is the longest in the world. This fortified medieval complex is well worth visiting, not only for the spectacular views but also for a year-round programme of concerts, exhibitions, historical fairs and the castle festival. Far beneath the castle, the Salzach river winds its way through the landscape. Once a key trading route, it can now be enjoyed from on board a modern replica of a traditional salt barge. In Burghausen you can watch the forgers at work in Europe's oldest working hammer forge. The craft of the armourer has been handed down here through several generations.

Altötting

Altötting, Germany's most famous centre of pilgrimage to the Virgin Mary, draws thousands of pilgrims who seek solace from the Black Madonna. Her chapel in the heart of the town is covered with letters of thanks and prayers. The crucifixion of Jesus is portrayed in a monumental Jerusalem panorama, for which a dedicated building was erected in 1903. Other religious buildings are grouped around the central shrines: the Chapel of the Miraculous Image, the Gothic collegiate parish church, the Jesuit baroque Church of St. Magdalene, the hall of the Congregation of Marian Fathers and the collegiate provost church.

Bad Reichenhall

Salt and clear Alpine air are two natural remedies on offer in Bad Reichenhall, a spa resort and salt-refining town. But wellness facilities and a saline spa are not all it has to offer. The world's oldest original cable car ­ taking passengers up Mount Predigtstuhl to the Predigtstuhl mountain hotel ­ operates all year round. The ride (or indeed the climb) to Germany's highest hotel at 1,583 metres is more than worth it for the amazing views alone.

Pretzels and weisswurst

In Upper Bavaria eating weisswurst sausages and pretzels later than midday is a bit of a faux pas. After that time more substantial fare is called for: roast pork and dumplings for example, ideally washed down with a huge glass of beer. With so many small breweries in the Alpine foothills, choosing your favourite tipple isn't always easy. The evening meal might end with two specialities from Lake Chiemsee: a liqueur from Herrenchiemsee Abbey and homemade marzipan from Fraueninsel island.