3 Best Hotels in Mittenwald, The Bavarian Alps

Situated on 13 hectares (32 acres) of land just over halfway between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald, this spectacular mountain retreat was commissioned in 1913 by the English aristocrat Mary Portman. Today, the original house retains the feel of a historic English country manor, while the modern Garden Wing perfectly complements the surrounding nature, creating plenty of room to spread out and relax in the midst of the Karwendel mountains. Three outdoor pools—a 21-meter-long swimming pool, a saltwater bath, and a heated Japanese onsen—along with indoor pools, an extensive spa and wellness area, a meditation house, and a gourmet restaurant all combine to create a luxury resort atmosphere. For a special treat, rent out the treehouse or gatehouse as a private hideaway. Pick-up from the nearby Klais train station can be arranged in advance, or you can drive and park for free (though you'll have to pay a €5 toll on the approach road). The room rates are extremely high, but they include a \"superior half board\" package featuring breakfast and a six-course dinner, plus a light lunch buffet and afternoon cake.

A short way up the (toll) road from Das Kranzbach, and a 15-minute drive from Mittenwald, this luxurious castle hotel shot to fame when it hosted the G7 summit in 2015, and its varied history, artistic heritage, top-notch cuisine, and superior spa services have kept it deservedly popular. The century-old castle at the foot of the Wetterstein Mountain range has a unique history as a convent/sanatorium where artists could live in exchange for work as \"helpers\" of those in need. After time spent as an army field hospital and center for displaced persons and Holocaust survivors, it was converted into a hotel and has become one of the country's leading accommodations, with a strong focus on spa services and yoga retreats. There are, remarkably, a dozen different restaurants and dining options to choose from, including two-Michelin-star IKIGAI by Chris Rainer. The hotel has its own concert hall and continues to work with artists from around the world, including concert pianists who record on-site.

This town center hotel retains much of its historic charm—stagecoaches carrying travelers and mail across the Alps stopped here as far back as the 17th century—though the elegant rooms come in various styles, from Bavarian rustic to modern art nouveau. The indoor swimming pool has views of the Karwendel peaks, and a small rose garden is an inviting spot for coffee and cake. Excellent Bavarian fare such as Zwiebelrostbraten (onion roasts) and Semmelknödel (bread dumplings) is served in the traditional Bio Gasthof Post restaurant.