Tölzer Land - Entertainment

The cable car on Brauneck mountain (5,105 ft / 1,556 m) makes a beautiful hiking region on the Lenggries... Hausberg accessible to visitors during summer. With 70 cars in total able to carry 6 people each, the modern continuous cable car takes 12 minutes to carry guests from the valley station to the mountain station (which has recently been fully redesigned). In the healthy air, visitors can marvel at the biodiversity of nature and the view of the Karwendel mountain range to the south. Very fit hikers can enjoy the approx. 5 hour tour across the Benediktenwand mountain range down to Benediktbeuern or Jachenau. They can then get back to the starting point from both destinations via bus. In the winter, the cable car makes accessible a skiing region with 20 ski lifts and a good 21 mi (34 km) of runs, which encompass all levels of difficulty. The international ski circus regularly stops here and World Cup races take place on the ‘Streidlhang’ slope. more

The Tölz ‘Leonhardifahrt’ has taken place on 6 November each year since 1855. Beautifully decorated... wagons are drawn by teams of horses in silver harnesses through the town and the sloping Marktstraße. Young women in costume and older women in fantastic festive garments sit on the wagons. The journey usually ends on the Kalvarienberg. Many thousands of people come to the spa town on this day to see the event. more

Starting on the last weekend of November through to Christmas Eve, the historic Marktstraße in Bad Tölz... transforms into a huge Christmas market set against the romantic backdrop of the snow-capped Alpine foothills. Handcrafted Christmas tree ornaments, figures carved out of wood, homemade liqueurs and all kinds of treats such as baked apples, layer cake and lebkuchen (a type of ginger biscuit) are sold at the many market stalls. The scent of mulled wine and freshly baked bread from a wood-fired oven permeates the street, which is festooned with Christmas lights. more

With over 21,500 ft² (2000 m²) of water-based fun, the Alpamare water park is known all over Germany.... A wave pool, a giant indoor surfing facility and seven spectacular slides raise the heart rates of young and old alike. The water park is also equipped to provide entertainment for people on holiday when the weather is colder. An extensive sauna complex and a thermal and saltwater pool provide relaxation. The park also provides various aqua fitness classes. more

The Schönauer Weiher public outdoor swimming pool is somewhat hidden behind the spa town of Bad Heilbrunn... in the district of Schönau. Entry is free, and there is a well-kept lawn for sunbathing, changing rooms and toilets. The pond is natural, and the water shimmers with a reddish hue reflected from the soil on the bottom. Numerous fish (including trout, pike, zander and carp) cavort in the lake, indicating the excellent quality of the water. The pond is not altogether large, meaning that the water quickly reaches a pleasant temperature. There is a café with a large beer garden within walking distance. more

The Blomberg recreational area is located at the foot of the eponymous 4,095 ft (1,248 m) mountain, directly... on the B413 between the two spa towns of Bad Tölz and Bad Heilbrunn. Using the Blomberg cable car, visitors reach the peak of the mountain within a few minutes and are then free to enjoy a range of attractive leisure activities. From here, a 4,265 ft (1,300 m) long summer toboggan run with 41 chicanes and 17 curves winds its way into the valley. The climbing wall, which is close to the ‘Blomberghaus’ mountain-top restaurant, also promises a lot of excitement. It consists of a high ropes course in the mountain forest. Those visitors interested in art would do well to take a walk along Germany’s highest art trail, which traces its way between the cable car mountain station and the Blomberghaus and was established by the Tölz district art association (Kunstverein Tölzer Land e.V.). Local artists have placed their exhibits along this trail. The easily accessible Fortstraße, which leads to the top of the mountain, is also a playground for mountain bikers wanting to test out their skills. more

The climbing center for the German Alps Association (Deutscher Alpenverein) is housed within the new... sports center in the former Flint Barracks on the western access road to Bad Tölz. This is one of the largest, most modern centers of its kind – national and international championships regularly take place here. In addition to an extraordinary climbing hall, there is also a bouldering room and an outdoor climbing area for initiated members. Climbing courses are offered for first time users; equipment can be hired onsite. more

Situated in the Alpine foothills in much the same way as Bad Tölz, this town has a close bond with sports... played on ice. While natural ice-skiing areas still form in the surrounding villages when the weather conditions are right, this district town has a modern sports center in the form of the Hacker Pschorr Arena. The old municipal ice-skating hall, which served as the home of the traditional club EC Bad Tölz (Tölz lions) for decades, was replaced by the current arena in 2004. This arena is one of the most beautiful in all of Germany and provides a worthy setting for national and international events. Fairs, music performances and sporting events not requiring the use of ice take place between April and October when there is no ice on the ground; ice hockey and ice skating dominate the program for the rest of the year. more

In 1908 the Tölz chemist Georg Pacher founded the Tölz marionette theater and, in doing so, supported... the breakaway of puppet shows from the fair environment and its establishment as an independent art form. The theater, which has 10 employees, has been at its current address since 1953. In the theater is a performance room with 132 seats and stages and a backstage area in which the most up-to-date multimedia technology is now set up. The puppets for the performances, which range from children’s shows such as ‘Puss in Boots’ to classics such as ‘The Magic Flute’ and ‘The Barber of Seville’, are produced by the theater itself and can be viewed behind the stage after the performance is over. A visit to the marionette theater is an excellent day out for all the family. more

The Eichmühle natural outdoor swimming pool (‘Naturfreibad’) in Tölz is a mud bath which can be... found on the edge of the Ellbach Moor nature preservation area. A large, well-kept lawn for sunbathing with many old trees provides enough room for visitors hungry for sun and active recreational athletes. The body of water has a separate area for non-swimmers and two clearly marked 164 ft (50 m) lanes. There is an onsite restaurant, changing area and showers which all belong to the complex. Admission prices are acceptable. more

A rather exceptional attraction is ‘bullcart driving’ on the Streidlhang slope in Lenggries. Using... a T-bar lift which transports skiers during winter, the bullcart pilots are carried up the slope with their vehicles to the mountain station. From there, the pilots race down the piste at rapid speeds without the aid of an engine. Bullcarts are low-lying three-wheelers fitted with a wide frame and without a motor. Pilots must be at least twelve years of age, and helmets are provided. It’s great fun for the whole family! more

The flight school office for paragliding and hang-gliding can be found in the same building as the Brauneck... cable car valley station in Lenggries. The Brauneck massif offers ideal thermal conditions and several different starting points from which to explore the region by air. Experienced pilots can undertake longer flights from Brauneck to reach the high-Alpine Karwendel mountain range. Landing spots are located close to the Brauneck cable car valley station. The local flight school offers tandem flights and flying courses for beginners. more

Due to its architecture and its creative course, the Isarwinkel high ropes course in Lenggries is unique... throughout Germany. There are ninety platforms with varying degrees of difficulty spread out across three levels – it’s a real adventure for young and old alike. Various artificial obstacles such as gondolas, tires, balconies and T-bars are waiting to be overcome along the high ropes course, which is surrounded by some lovely scenery. Furthermore, visitors can turn back at any time or take a break on one of the integrated platforms. The high ropes garden is suitable for both individuals and larger groups wanting to experience something adventurous. more

If drivers follow the Bundesstraße 307 behind Lenggries to the south towards Achensee, they will reach... the fjord-like Sylvenstein reservoir after about 9 mi (15 km). The scenery is somewhat reminiscent of Scandinavia. The reservoir with its corresponding man-made structures and embankment dam were built between 1954 and 1959 and serve as protection against flooding. The reservoir also ensures that the River Isar has enough water running through it during periods of drought. Two hydroelectric power plants were constructed and provide an environmentally-friendly source of energy. The dam itself is approx. 144 ft (44 m) high and its crest measures 590 ft (180 m) in length. A mighty bridge leads towards the village of Fall and is a popular photo opportunity thanks to the impressive scenery afforded by the Karwendel mountain range. The village of Fall was dismantled during construction of the dam and rebuilt at a higher altitude. Today, the Sylvenstein reservoir is a frequently visited getaway destination with spots for bathing and fishing. more

This new festival took place for the second time in the spa park and on the Ludwigspromenade in Bad Tölz... from 4 to 6 June 2010 and was a great success. Taking place every year in early summer, this event gives visitors an impression of the centuries-old history of Bavarian cheese and recipes for it. Visitors can try the cheese to their hearts’ content and enjoy the products made by the beer brewers and winegrowers. A supporting program of talks, amusing cook-offs and music performances accompanies the festival. more

The Golfclub Bad Tölz was founded in 1983 and operates a demanding course surrounded by a beautiful... mountain panorama. In addition to an extremely varied course (parts of which run through densely wooded areas), there is a partially covered driving range, 2 putting greens, and a chipping and pitching area. The Berggasthof Strasserhof is located next to the clubhouse, and has a fantastic terrace that visitors can sit on to enjoy a splendid view of Bad Tölz. more

The Tölz rose and garden shows (Rosen- und Gartentage) have become an established institution in Tölz’s... calendar of events. They regularly take place in the second half of May each year. This traditional garden festival revolves entirely around roses, whether in the garden, on textiles or as decoration on china. A multifaceted accompanying program consisting of talks and music performances provides varied sources of entertainment. The catering facilities in the rose garden, Franciscan garden and Bad Tölz monastery garden show area are responsible for ensuring that the physical well-being of the visitors is taken care of; this is a responsibility that they take literally. more

Providing there is enough snowfall, a rather exceptional annual event that takes place in Gaißach in... January is the ‘Schnablerrennen’, or sled racing. Up to 20,000 guests each year make sure that they do not miss this extraordinary spectacle, which started in 1928 as a result of bet. Today, over 100 courageous men and women tumble down a 1 mi (1.5 km) long icy piste on sleds. A jump waits at the end of the course, and participants must fly as far as they can on their sleds. The record is currently approx. 82 ft (25 m). more

The trimini leisure pool (Erlebnisbad trimini) on the Kochel lake is an insider’s tip, particularly... for families with children: it’s reasonably priced, quiet, informal and friendly. Whilst enjoying the water, visitors have a fantastic view of the surrounding peaks of the Alps. In addition to indoor and outdoor pools, there is a 300 ft (90 m) long all-weather slide, a sauna complex and a children’s play area with small pools, waterfalls and toys. With its lawns for sunbathing and a pedestrian bridge, the route to the Kochel lake is teeming with youths during the summer. There is also an outside ‘Kneipp Cure’ area. more

Two cars bring passengers from the valley station in Walchensee to the 5,250 ft (1,600 m) high Fahrenberg... in four minutes; in doing so, they achieve an altitude of at least 2,625 ft (800 m). Around 70,000 journeys and more than a million passengers have been transported since 1994. Following their arrival, a fantastic mountain panorama and numerous hiking opportunities await visitors. As a rule, these hiking routes depart from the Herzogstandhaus. The peak of the Herzogstand (5,680 ft / 1,731 m), the Martinskopf (5,492 ft / 1,674 m) and the ridge walk to the Heimgarten (5,873 ft / 1,790 m) are just a few of the destinations which are recommended. As a guesthouse, the Herzogstandhaus also offers accommodation if one makes a reservation in advance. more

The Längental valley, located beneath the north flank of the Benediktenwand mountain range, is a high... valley right out of a storybook. There are steep slopes to the left and right of the path, cows grazing on the Alpine pastures and an opportunity to stop for a bite to eat at the valley’s entrance in the form of the Kirchsteinhütte. Visitors in Arzbach should follow the sign for ‘Kirchsteinhütte’ and turn right at the church on the street leading out of Bad Tölz. Visitors then follow this small street, which is only partially tarmaced, for a few kilometers to a car park in front of a gate; visitors must proceed on foot from here. The wide, easily accessible forest trail winds its way upwards to the Kirchsteinhütte at the entrance to the valley – it takes around 45 minutes to reach this spot. After passing the mountain guest house, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the Längental and even walk all the way to the other end of the valley. The tour is relatively easy and is also suitable for families with small children. more