Whetstone making shaped Unterammergau for centuries. The village and Whetstone Museum explores this history in a permanent exhibition; a hiking trail leads to the former whetstone quarries and to a viewpoint high above the village. Other attractions include the SchleifmĂĽhlklamm gorge, additional trails and seasonal winter activities. When planning your trip, you can consider local history, hiking and winter activities as distinct themes.
Hiking trails and winter activities
Unterammergau has many kilometres of well-maintained hiking trails. These include the “Wiesmahdweg” meditation trail and a route through the Schleifmühlklamm gorge, with crystal-clear pools and waterfalls. A newly created hiking trail leads to the former whetstone quarries and to a viewpoint high above the village. When choosing a hike, you can therefore opt for a destination with historical significance or the gorge and its waterfalls.
The starting point of the trail through the SchleifmĂĽhlklamm gorge is a 15-minute walk from the Unterammergau Rathaus bus stop and a 20-minute walk from Unterammergau train station. These times refer to the walk to the starting point, not the duration of the hike. When planning your day, you can therefore consider access to the route separately from the hike itself.
A long-distance hiking trail connects the former whetstone-making villages of Schwangau, Trauchgau, Unterammergau and Ohlstadt, as well as the Glentleiten open-air museum. The link to whetstone making therefore extends beyond the village: the route connects several places associated with this craft. No route distance or walking time is specified.
In winter, Unterammergau has many kilometres of cross-country ski trails and the ski area on Steckenberg. There, two beginner rope tows, three platter lifts and two drag lifts provide access to around five kilometres of downhill runs for all ability levels. Snow and lift operations vary by season; check the latest operating information for your trip. The local offerings also include a natural toboggan run, which has hosted international luge races, among other events.
Local history and traditions
The village and Whetstone Museum features a permanent exhibition on whetstone making, which shaped Unterammergau for centuries. This gives the craft a tangible place in local history: you encounter it not only as a museum subject, but also at the former whetstone quarries, reached by a hiking trail. The museum’s seasonal opening hours may change; check them before your visit.
The Schleifmühlklamm gorge also tells the story of local craftsmanship. Since 2011, visitors have been able to see a restored grinding mill at its original historic site. St. Nicholas Church in Unterammergau represents a different period: it dates from 1710, while the bell tower was built in its present form as early as 1688. These dates provide two distinct points of reference for the village’s architectural history.
Throughout the year, local associations organise forest festivals, evenings celebrating local culture and traditions, brass band concerts and performances by the local amateur theatre group. A special event is the traditional Leonhardi Ride, held annually on the last weekend in October. The procession travels from the village centre to the Kappel pilgrimage church, where a holy mass and blessing take place; horses are blessed during the ceremony. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the specific dates: the annual arrangements may vary.
Discover more destinations: Uffing am Staffelsee, Murnau am Staffelsee, Riegsee, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, KrĂĽn, Ohlstadt, Mittenwald, Seehausen am Staffelsee.
Back to the main travel overview: Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
