"Blaue Reiter" in Murnau
As the home of the "Blaue Reiter" movement and thus of Expressionism, Murnau plays an important role in art history. Even today, the nature around the "Murnauer Moos" touches and inspires its viewers as "Marc", "Münter" and "Kandinsky" did back then. The lively cultural scene is a meeting place for numerous artists and creative people. In addition to the "Franz Marc Museum" and the "Münter House", other art collections such as those in the "Schloss Museum Murnau", the "Buchheim Museum" or the "Museum Penzberg" are waiting to be discovered. The world-famous "Oberammergau" Passion Play, which only takes place every 10 years, is also a highlight in the calendar of events. In 2030 it will happen again.
Murnau is colorful - especially in the pedestrian zone. The colorful and imaginative facades not only provide a beautiful setting for a stroll, but also bear witness to the creativity of Munich architect "Emanuel von Seidl", who also shaped the townscape with the "Seidlpark". When "Seidl" first came to Murnau in 1898, it must have been love at first sight. How do you think it will be?
Oberammergau, world-famous for its Passion Plays, is a worthwhile destination for an excursion.
The plays have been held every ten years since 1680. The more than 2,000 participants in the Passion Play are residents of the community who, with appropriate advance notice, grow hair and beards for an authentic look - a sight that always looks good against the backdrop of Oberammergau and one that everyone looks forward to. And, of course, a cultural highlight that is very closely interwoven with the region.
For a journey into the past you need only 20 minutes from the hotel: In "Glentleiten", more than 60 buildings have been preserved that tell of the life of people in Upper Bavaria in past centuries. Furnishings, the working world and the art of building can be experienced here in the fresh air. On the extensive grounds there are accessible buildings, gardens, woods and pastures, here graze old breeds of farm animals and grow historic fruits and vegetables. And the magnificent view should not go unmentioned, because it crowns this great open-air museum.
"This castle will be more beautiful and more homely than the lower Hohenschwangau," "Ludwig II" once wrote to "Richard Wagner", whom he greatly admired. Designed as an idealized image of a knight's castle from the Middle Ages and today the epitome of a fairytale castle worldwide: "Neuschwanstein" is considered a major work of historicism and was planned as a private retreat for the king. Today, the castle is open to visitors almost year-round and can be reached in about an hour's drive from the hotel. And if you ask us: You should definitely have seen it once!
The pilgrimage church near Steingaden is one of the most famous rococo churches in the world. It has been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983, and is known for its elaborate stucco decorations and ceiling paintings. Our tips: There are always concerts there in the summer! The region also has other churches and monasteries to offer, including the former collegiate church in Rottenbuch, the monastery village of Polling, the Romanesque basilica in Altenstadt or the monastery of Wessobrunn, which can be reached quickly. Perfect for those who want to know where the Pfaffenwinkel got its name.
Small, inconspicuous at first glance and only a few minutes from the hotel: The "Ramsachkircherl", usually called "Ähndl" in the area, is said to be the oldest church in Upper Bavaria and houses some cultural and historical treasures: The bell, which can be seen in the interior on the right, is the oldest in Germany. The flowers on the altar, which at first glance look like fabric flowers, are made of glass and pieces that were created in the old glassworks at the foot of the Hörnle. A closer look is worthwhile, even several times!
At the Alpenhof Murnau it is relaxed, beautiful and cozy. Nevertheless, most of our guests love the variety of excursion options in the region. For example, it's only 25 km from the hotel - and about as many minutes - and you're already in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. At the foot of the "Zugspitze", winter sports and tradition are writ large, so here you can get active or stroll through the pedestrian zone in a picturesque setting. What would you like?
In half an hour, you're in fairy tale land: Linderhof Palace is the smallest of the three castles and is considered the favorite castle of the Bavarian fairy tale king Ludwig II, where he stayed by far the most often - probably because it is the only one that was completed during his lifetime. Incidentally, the starting point for this beautiful building was a former forester's cottage belonging to Maximilian II, which was then located on what is now the palace forecourt and which the king used on hunting trips while he was still crown prince.
In the baroque monastery complex with its over 1250-year history, it is easy to forget about time. Those interested in art and culture can explore the monastery on their own or with a guided tour. In addition to the sacred buildings and Gothic elements, there is also a lot to discover in the historic Fraunhofer glassworks. Guided nature tours through the monastery's own meditation garden, a herbal experience store, cafés and the Klosterstüberl are guaranteed to make for a varied day.
A Murnau classic and also within walking distance from the Alpenhof Murnau: The "Münter House". When "Gabriele Münter" spent the summer of 1908 in Murnau with "Wassily Kandinsky", she fell so much in love with the house, the surroundings and the view that she simply bought it the following year and - with a few interruptions - spent her life there. She wanted it to become a memorial to her art, so today you can find parts of the original furnishings, furniture and reverse paintings on glass, graphics or paintings created by the two artists.
Worth seeing inside and out: The history of Murnau Castle began as early as the 12th century. A castle, which was the official residence of the keepers of the Ettal monastery, was converted into a castle, which later housed a school and today the museum. On display here is the history of art and literature of the place as well as reverse painting on glass. The museum also provides an insight into the formation of the landscape around Murnau by means of maps, rocks and landscape reconstructions. Changing special exhibitions make the collection even more attractive at any time of the year.
Charming and private: the museum in "Kochel am See" dedicated to one of the most important artists of the 20th century has a character all its own. Around 160 exhibits - paintings, woodcuts and personal items - by "Franz Marc" are displayed there. Murnau and its surroundings were a great source of inspiration for him. The exhibition shows how Marc and his colleagues of the "Blaue Reiter" had a decisive influence on the art world. By the way: "Franz Marc2 also coined the name "Blaues Land", which still characterizes the region today.
Fancy some art and culture? We have plenty of great suggestions. For example, a trip to the "Buchheim Museum" on Lake Starnberg. The famous expressionist collection, which includes works by "Kirchner", "Heckel", "Beckmann" and colleagues, is definitely worth seeing! But the building itself is also an architectural highlight that matches the diversity of the art. If you're not convinced yet, you'll love the location: The museum is located on the shore of Lake Starnberg, you can discover pagodas, sculptures and other works of art in the park and, in good weather, look as far as the Alps.
In half an hour, you're in fairy tale land: "Linderhof Palace" is the smallest of the three castles and is considered the favorite castle of the Bavarian fairy tale king "Ludwig II", where he stayed by far the most often - probably because it is the only one that was completed during his lifetime. Incidentally, the starting point for this beautiful building was a former forester's cottage belonging to "Maximilian II", which was then located on what is now the palace forecourt and which the king used on hunting trips while he was still crown prince.
In the baroque monastery complex with its over 1250-year history, it is easy to forget about time. Those interested in art and culture can explore the monastery on their own or with a guided tour. In addition to the sacred buildings and Gothic elements, there is also a lot to discover in the historic "Fraunhofer" glassworks. Guided nature tours through the monastery's own meditation garden, a herbal experience store, cafés and the "Klosterstüberl" are guaranteed to make for a varied day.
Fancy some art and culture? We have plenty of great suggestions. For example, a trip to the "Buchheim Museum" on "Lake Starnberg". The famous expressionist collection, which includes works by "Kirchner", "Heckel", "Beckmann" and colleagues, is definitely worth seeing! But the building itself is also an architectural highlight that matches the diversity of the art. If you're not convinced yet, you'll love the location: The museum is located on the shore of "Lake Starnberg", you can discover pagodas, sculptures and other works of art in the park and, in good weather, look as far as the Alps.