Discover Unterammergau: Whetstone tradition and nature

Unterammergau combines a long tradition of whetstone making with trails through gorges and to viewpoints. There are also winter activities and living village customs. Whether you are interested in history, outdoor pursuits or both, these different themes give your trip its own direction.

Hiking, gorge and views

Several hiking trails explore the surrounding area. The Wiesmahdweg meditation trail offers a distinctive experience; another route leads through the Schleifmühl Gorge, past crystal-clear pools and waterfalls. If you are interested in the history of whetstone making, you can choose a newly created hiking trail to the former whetstone quarries and a viewpoint high above the village. These destinations combine nature experiences with a craft tradition that shaped Unterammergau over the centuries.

You can also factor access to the starting point of the trail through the Schleifmühl Gorge into your plans: it is a 15-minute walk from the Unterammergau Rathaus bus stop and a 20-minute walk from Unterammergau train station. The walking times refer to the start of the trail. This means you can plan to reach the excursion by either bus or train.

Winter activities at Steckenberg

For downhill skiing, the ski center at Steckenberg has two beginner rope tows, three platter lifts and two drag lifts. Together, they serve around five kilometers of ski runs for all ability levels. Snow conditions and lift operations vary by season. Unterammergau’s winter offerings also include many kilometers of cross-country ski trails and a natural toboggan run. International toboggan races have also been held there in the past.

Hiking, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing offer different kinds of activities. The answer helps you choose which themes should take center stage on your trip.

Whetstone craft and village history

The Village and Whetstone Museum devotes its permanent exhibition to whetstone making, a craft that shaped the village over the centuries. Since 2011, visitors have been able to see a restored grinding mill at its original historic site in the Schleifmühl Gorge. Together, the museum and mill tell the story of the craftwork associated with whetstones. The parish church is another option for a cultural-history stop: it dates from 1710, while its bell tower was built in its present form as early as 1688.

Local associations contribute to village events throughout the year. Events include forest festivals, evenings celebrating local traditions and customs, open-air band concerts, and performances by the local amateur theater group. Specific dates vary. A special village tradition is the Leonhardi Ride, held every year on the last weekend of October, when horses are blessed. The procession travels from the village center to the pilgrimage church of Kappel, where a Mass with a blessing takes place. This annual tradition offers a different way to experience the village than its museum, church and hiking trails; specific details may vary.

A look at Garmisch-Partenkirchen

In the wider destination of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Partnach Gorge offers its own natural highlight: visitors walk between massive rock walls and experience the water roaring below them. The gorge was declared a natural monument and opened to visitors in 1912. These experiences are part of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and should be distinguished from the attractions of Unterammergau.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Murnau am Staffelsee, Ohlstadt, Ettal, Seehausen am Staffelsee, Wallgau, Saulgrub, Uffing am Staffelsee, Mittenwald.

Back to the main travel guide: Garmisch-Partenkirchen.