Discover Unterammergau
Accommodation in Unterammergau
Unterammergau offers a variety of ways to spend your holiday: Steckenberg has runs for all ability levels, while hiking trails lead, among other places, to the former whetstone quarries and through the Schleifmühlklamm gorge. The museum, grinding mill and parish church offer insights into the village’s history. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider whether winter sports, hikes or cultural discoveries will shape your stay.
Hiking trails and the Schleifmühlklamm gorge
Unterammergau has many kilometres of well-maintained hiking trails. These include the Wiesmahdweg, a meditation trail, and a path through the Schleifmühlklamm gorge. Crystal-clear pools and waterfalls are among the sights described there. Since 2011, visitors can also see a restored grinding mill in the gorge, at its original historic site—a special destination for anyone who wants to combine nature with the history of craftsmanship.
A newly created hiking trail leads to the former whetstone quarries and to a viewpoint high above the village. So, as well as the route through the gorge, you can visit former workplaces and a scenic viewpoint. The starting point of the gorge trail is a 15-minute walk from the Unterammergau Rathaus bus stop and a 20-minute walk from Unterammergau station. This information helps you work out where the trail begins when planning your journey.
Winter sports at Steckenberg and on the cross-country trails
The ski centre at Steckenberg has two beginner rope tows, three platter lifts and two drag lifts. Together, they serve around five kilometres of downhill runs for all ability levels. The approximate distance and variety of lift types give you a clear idea of what is on offer without implying any particular run or level of difficulty. Unterammergau also has many kilometres of cross-country ski trails. If you want to focus on cross-country skiing, you can take this option into account alongside the ski area when planning your holiday.
There is also a natural toboggan run among the winter activities. International toboggan races have been held there, among other events. This is a distinct part of the local winter sports offering, separate from the downhill runs at Steckenberg and the cross-country trails.
Whetstone making and local history
Whetstone making shaped Unterammergau for centuries. The village and whetstone museum has a permanent exhibition dedicated to the craft, making it a focus for a visit. Those who want to learn more about the historical significance of whetstone making will find a specific cultural highlight here. The long-distance hiking trail also explores the history of the former whetstone-making villages: it connects Schwangau, Trauchgau, Unterammergau and Ohlstadt, as well as the Glentleiten Open-Air Museum. This route may appeal to visitors who want to combine their stay with a longer hike and regional history.
Church and living traditions
Unterammergau’s parish church dates from 1710. Its bell tower was built in its present form as early as 1688. The two dates refer to different parts of the church and offer a distinct perspective on local history.
The local associations organise festivals and events throughout the year. These include forest festivals, evenings celebrating local culture and customs, brass band concerts and performances by the local farmers’ theatre. A recurring highlight is the traditional Leonhardi Ride, held every year on the last weekend in October. The procession travels from the centre of the village to the pilgrimage church of Kappel, where a Mass is held and the horses are blessed. If local customs are important to you, you can plan your trip around this special occasion.
Other destinations to consider: Uffing am Staffelsee, Grainau, Ettal, Oberau, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Farchant, Krün and Oberammergau.
Back to the main travel overview: Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
