Discover Wallgau: the Isar, Fairy-Tale Trail and Way of St. James

Wallgau brings together a river landscape, church architecture and trails with very different characters. The Isar runs alongside Wallgau and is considered a pristine, free-flowing river there, with unique flora and fauna. Also here are the Fairy-Tale Trail along the Finz, the local cross-country ski trail network and the starting point of a Way of St. James at the parish church of St. James. You can discover the area from different perspectives: through its natural features, a pilgrimage route or activities whose conditions vary depending on the season.

St. James Church and the Way of St. James

The surviving choir of the parish church of St. James in Wallgau has a net vault; the choir's central window is decorated with tracery. The ribbed network and the window's design draw the eye to two different features of the same choir space. Anyone interested in church architecture can take in both together.

The Isar–Loisach–Leutascher Ache–Inn Way of St. James begins at this parish church. The described stage leads to Porta Claudia in Leutascher Schanz; an extension continues to Oberleutasch. This clearly distinguishes the stage destination from the possible extension when you plan your route. Check transport details and conditions before setting out.

Isar, rock and water

The Isar runs alongside Wallgau and is considered a pristine, free-flowing river there, with unique flora and fauna. Another natural feature is the hollowed-out rock at Witter, known as Bear's Cave. A narrow path leads there from the village centre. Beside the caves is a small waterfall: it trickles into a basin and then flows into the Finzbach. The river landscape, a striking rock formation and a specific watercourse thus offer three distinct points of interest.

Trails and activities at different paces

The Fairy-Tale Trail along the Finz turns a woodland walk into an adventure for the whole family, featuring characters such as Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood. Stations with fairy-tale characters, play areas and places to sit add to the trail. Here, a walk in the woods meets a fairy-tale world that may also appeal to younger travellers.

For a different activity, the 12-hole mini-golf course is right next to the Haus des Gastes in Wallgau. Equipment is available during the opening hours of the Bayerische Stube. The Kleine Seentour cycling route starts at the car park by the Haus des Gastes. Wallgau also has an extensive cross-country ski trail network. Conditions on the trails and cycling route may vary by season, so take this into account when planning.

Further experiences in the wider destination of Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Culture and landscape add to the picture in the wider destination of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The Richard Strauss Institute is housed in the historic Villa Christina in Partenkirchen's spa gardens and features a permanent exhibition about Strauss's life and work. The Partnach Gorge offers a different experience: visitors walk between massive rock walls beneath which the water rushes. In 1912, the gorge was declared a natural monument and opened to visitors. The exhibition and the gorge offer different highlights: cultural history on the one hand, and a natural experience among rock and water on the other.

Wallgau and choosing a holiday focus

When looking for a holiday apartment in Wallgau, it helps to decide what you want to focus on. If your holiday plans centre mainly on the Isar, the parish church, the Fairy-Tale Trail or local routes, Wallgau's own attractions offer a good basis for choosing where to stay. The gorge and the Richard Strauss Institute, by contrast, belong to the wider destination of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and offer additional nature and cultural experiences.

Discover more destinations: Oberammergau, Unterammergau, Riegsee, Krün, Grainau, Seehausen Am Staffelsee, Oberau, Uffing Am Staffelsee.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Garmisch-Partenkirchen.