Murnau & The Blue Land around Lake Staffelsee

Nature, art and culture form a special bond in Murnau. Situated at the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, only 42 miles south of Munich on the way to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, this charming town overlooks Lake Staffelsee and the Nature Reserve "Murnauer Moos". The seven islands on the lake can be viewed from the passenger ship "MS Seehausen". The spectacular landscape attracted world famous painters like Kandinsky, today remembered in two important local museums. Murnau is famous for being the home of Expressionist painting.

Travel packages such as the "Art cum Scenic Beauty Tour" and "Walking on the trails of The Blue Rider" combine walking through picturesque countryside and art, making them attractive to both art and hiking travelers. Colorful houses are the backdrop to Murnau's pedestrian zone, said to be one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Upper Bavaria. Visitors like to stroll through the small shops and enjoy Bavarian specialities, as well as international cuisine, in cosy restaurants or taste the locally brewed beer in numerous beer gardens throughout the town. Murnau is also well known for its genuine traditions and special festivals like the Corpus Christi procession on Lake Staffelsee (the only procession on water in Bavaria), the birthday serenade for King Ludwig II in August, the Lakeside festivals in July and August, the annual music festival "Grenzenlos" (Without Borders) in October, the Leonhardi Horse Parade on November 6th and the Christmas Markets in December. In addition, some of Bavaria's most well known highlights such as the King Ludwig castles are within easy reach and make Murnau an ideal destination for sightseeing. Wellness and spa facilities are also available including the five-star Relais & Chateaux Hotel Alpenhof Murnau.