The Blue Land is located in the foothills of the Upper Bavarian Alps, around 60 kilometers south of Munich - and anyone who has ever been here will immediately understand why this name is so apt. In the mornings and evenings, the light bathes the landscape in many shades of blue: the moss, the lakes, the distant mountain ranges of the Estergebirge, the Ammergau Alps and the Wetterstein massif. It's not a question of the season - it's just like that, at any time of year, always new.

It was Franz Marc, the expressionist painter and co-founder of the artists' group Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider), who gave this landscape its poetic name. Blue was his favorite color - for him it stood for longing, depth and the masculine, the spiritual. The changing bluish color and light moods of the area between Murnau am Staffelsee and Kochel am See inspired him and his artist friends to create some of their most important works. Together with Wassily Kandinsky, Gabriele Münter, August Macke and others, one of the most influential art movements of modernism was formed here at the beginning of the 20th century - the Expressionism.

A small detail that nicely sums up this connection: Kandinsky and Franz Marc came up with the name „Der Blaue Reiter“ (The Blue Rider) at the coffee table in the summerhouse in Sindelsdorf, very close by. „We both loved blue,“ says Kandinsky, „Marc - horses, I - riders. So the name came naturally.“

Today, the Blue Land is a merger of the tourism and tourist offices of the municipalities Murnau, Seehausen, Uffing, Ohlstadt, Riegsee, Großweil, Schwaigen-Grafenaschau, Spatzenhausen and Eglfing - a manageable but surprisingly diverse region. Three natural lakes - Staffelsee, Riegsee and Froschhauser See -, the largest contiguous moorland area in Central Europe, important art museums, a lively open-air museum and one of the most renowned stud farms in Germany make the Blue Land a destination that appeals to art lovers, nature lovers and those seeking relaxation in equal measure.

The most beautiful places in the Blue Land at a glance

1. Murnau am Staffelsee - capital of the Blue Country

Murnau am Staffelsee is the heart of the Blue Country - and a place that is not immediately obvious. Anyone strolling through the pedestrian zone with its colorful facades immediately senses the special flair: the houses on Untermarkt and Obermarkt have brightly painted facades, where Lüftlmalerei meets expressionist colorfulness. No coincidence - because Murnau is inextricably linked with the history of the Blue Rider connected.

Around 12,000 people live in the small market between Staffelsee, Murnauer Moos and the panorama of the Alps. The fact that the town has also been a popular destination for travelers for decades is not least due to the good infrastructure and the relocation of the B2 from the town center, which created today's pedestrian zone around 25 years ago. Murnau can be easily explored on foot - and is an excellent base for all excursions in the region.

Schlossmuseum Murnau (Murnau Castle Museum)

The white castle towers high above the village - and the walk up is worth it, as the terrace offers a wide view over the Murnauer Moos to the mountain ranges of the Alps. Inside, the Schlossmuseum Murnau (Murnau Castle Museum) one of the most important collections of Expressionist art in Bavaria: works by Gabriele Münter, Wassily Kandinsky, Alexej von Jawlensky, Marianne von Werefkin and other members of the Blaue Reiter and the Neue Künstlervereinigung München can be seen here. The collection is complemented by exhibits on reverse glass painting - a Bavarian folk art that fascinated and strongly influenced the Expressionists - as well as changing special exhibitions.

Münter-Haus

A few minutes' walk from the castle is the Münter-Haus - with its unusual mansard hipped roof and a dreamlike cottage garden full of colorful flowers, the likes of which you could hardly imagine in Bavaria. Gabriele Münter bought the house in 1909, and from then on she and Wassily Kandinsky spent their summers here together. The house quickly became a meeting place for the avant-garde: Franz Marc, August Macke, Alexej von Jawlensky and others came to visit, and the decisive working sessions for the almanac „Der Blaue Reiter“ took place here in 1911.

Today, the Münter House is a museum and one of the most atmospheric places in the Blue Land. Inside, much is still as it was: the banisters painted by Kandinsky with colorful horsemen, flowers and folk motifs, the jointly decorated furniture, the reverse glass paintings. You can sense how people lived and worked here - and how this landscape, this place and this everyday life have flowed into the paintings.

🍽️ Refreshment tips in Murnau

• Griesbräu in Murnau - Traditional brewery on Obermarkt, brewery since 1676 and family-owned for 100 years; Bavarian cuisine and home-brewed beer in various varieties (light, wheat beer, dark and many seasonal beers); closed on Wednesdays; no table required, just sit in
• Karg Bräustüberl - Cozy brewery pub with warm wooden ambience and pretty terrace; home-brewed wheat beer in several varieties; hearty Bavarian home cooking; closed on Monday and Tuesday
• Restaurant Auszeit - Upscale restaurant in the art and culture park; creative, seasonal cuisine with fresh regional ingredients; large sun terrace
• Il Duetto - Popular Italian restaurant in the pedestrian zone; pizza and pasta in a cozy atmosphere
• Pastry Shop & Coffee House Barbara Krönner - Murnau institution at the Obermarkt; homemade cakes, tarts, ice cream and chocolates; ideal for a coffee break while strolling through town

2. the Murnauer Moos - the largest moorland area in Central Europe

One of the most impressive natural landscapes in Central Europe begins right outside the gates of Murnau: the Murnauer Moos. At around 32 km², it is the largest contiguous moorland area north of the Alps - and one of the few in Central Europe that has been largely preserved in its original state. Formed at the end of the last ice age in the tongue basin of the Loisach glacier, today it combines fens, transition bogs and raised bogs in a very small area.

The moss has been a nature reserve since 1980 and is a refuge for many animal and plant species that have long since disappeared elsewhere: The great grey shrike, corncrake and adder are just as much at home here as rare plants - the carnivorous sundew, the Siberian iris or the orchid. In the background, on a clear day you can see as far as the Wetterstein and Estergebirge mountains, a panorama that you won't soon forget.

The most popular path through the moss is the Moos circular trail A good 12 kilometers, largely flat and on paved paths, with the boardwalk over the swampy „Lange Filze“ as the highlight - a wooden footbridge that leads through the middle of the open moorland. The starting point is the Ramsach chapel (also known as „Ähndl“), a small baroque church with a beer garden, which offers a nice destination at the end of the hike. On nice weekends, the circular route is well frequented - an early start is worthwhile. If you want to shorten the route, you can also

3. Staffelsee, Riegsee and Froschhauser See - the lakes of the Blue Land

The three lakes of the Blue Land - Staffelsee, Riegsee and Froschhauser See - are among the warmest bathing lakes in Upper Bavaria and were all formed during the Würm Ice Age, shaped by the Isar-Loisach glacier. Together they cover almost 1,000 hectares of water.

Lake Staffelsee

The Lake Staffelsee is the largest of the three lakes at 766 hectares - and the most island-rich lake in the Alpine foothills: seven tree-covered islands give it its special character. The largest, the island Wörth, is the only permanently inhabited island; archaeological excavations prove that it has been inhabited since Celtic times, and a monastery was founded here in the 8th century. The second largest island Buchau is now a car-free campsite that can only be reached by ferry.

The marshy water of the Staffelsee warms up quickly thanks to its sheltered hollow location - ideal for swimmers, sailors, stand-up paddlers and canoeists. In winter, the frozen lake is transformed into a huge ice rink for ice skaters and curlers.

rom May to October, the MS Seehausen departs daily from several landing stages - including the Achele landing stage in Murnau, where there is a nice beach café (self-service) right by the water. If you prefer to walk, you can circle the Staffelsee on a 22 km circular hiking trail - or choose one of the shorter options: The signposted, approximately 5.5 km long Small relay lake loop with lake and mountain views starts and ends at the Alpenblick lakeside restaurant, where you can enjoy a refreshment in the beer garden afterwards and take in the magnificent view. Or you can hike in about an hour from the Alpenblick lido in Uffing to the Seehausen landing stage - From there you also have a particularly beautiful view over the lake, and the boat will take you back in comfort.

🍽️ Refreshment tips at Staffelsee

• Lake restaurant Alpenblick, Uffing - upscale restaurant directly on the lake with a magnificent alpine panorama and freshly caught Staffelsee fish; the adjoining beer garden offers classic beer garden dishes; starting point of the small Staffelsee loop
• Burgstüberl, Peninsula Burg, Seehausen - rustic restaurant with beer garden on the peninsula, surrounded on three sides by the lake; home-style cooking
• Bay 27, Murnau - beach kiosk with a beautiful terrace directly at the Achele landing stage and the bathing area; ideal for a break before or after the boat trip

Riegsee

To the east of Murnau lies the quieter Riegsee - At 188 hectares, it is the second largest lake in the region. It is a special feature among the Bavarian lakes: it is the only large Bavarian lake that has no surface inflow or outflow. Its water comes exclusively from groundwater and precipitation.

Lake Riegsee is particularly popular with water sports enthusiasts: there is a surf school and boat hire on the western shore. Those who prefer a quieter experience can enjoy the view of the Zugspitze massif from the shore - a panorama that has also attracted artists and writers to the small community of Riegsee. A signposted circular hiking trail leads around the lake and connects it with the neighboring Froschhauser See.

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Froschhauser Lake

The Froschhauser Lake at just 16.5 hectares, is the smallest of the three lakes in the Blue Land - and the quietest. It is located in a nature reserve just a few hundred meters from Lake Riegsee, separated from it by a road. Motorboats and bathing boats are not permitted, which preserves the tranquillity of the lake. Water birds feel particularly at home here. The only bathing spot is on the northern shore of the lake, right next to a parking lot.

4th Kochelsee - Alpine lake with panorama and history

About 15 kilometers southeast of Murnau lies the Kochelsee - an alpine lake at the foot of the mountains, which has a very different atmosphere to the expansive Staffelsee. With an area of just under 6 km² and a depth of over 60 meters, it is considerably smaller but is surrounded by an impressive mountain backdrop: In the south, Herzogstand (1,731 m) and Jochberg (1,567 m) rise directly above the water, while the northern part merges into the flat foothills of the Alps and the Loisach-Kochelsee moor.

Lake Kochelsee is known for its frequent strong winds that blow down the Herzogstand - making it a popular spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers. For quieter souls, there are bathing spots, boat hire, stand-up paddling and a Motor navigation, which operates on the lake from Easter to the end of September. The ship stops at the Walchensee power station in Altjoch - from there you can combine the return journey with a hike over the Rock path to Schlehdorf, a path carved into 300-meter-high rock faces on the south bank.

Those who prefer a quieter pace can walk along the flat Loisach-Moos circular trail From Kochel station through the Kochelsee moor - with views of Jochberg, Herzogstand and Heimgarten and past the imposing Walchensee power station.

🍽️ Refreshment tips at Kochelsee

• Seehotel Grauer Bär, Kochel am See - dignified restaurant with large windows overlooking the lake and a beautiful lakeside terrace; fine Bavarian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere; also recommended as an accommodation option directly on the lake.
• Country inn Fischerwirt, Schlehdorf - cozy country inn with beer garden at the foot of the Schlehdorf monastery; fresh fish from the Kochelsee and regional specialties; the sensational cream puffs in different variations are a must; closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

5th Franz Marc Museum - Blue Rider at Kochelsee

High above Lake Kochelsee, with sweeping views of the water and the mountain range of the Bavarian Alps, lies the Franz Marc Museum - one of the most important places for Expressionist art in Germany. The choice of location is no coincidence: even as a young artist, Franz Marc was regularly drawn to the Kochel area to study painting, and the landscape here - the light, the mountains, the stillness - became deeply inscribed in his work.

The museum was opened in 1986 and extended in 2008 with a striking new building designed by Zurich architects Diethelm & Spillmann. Large windows frame the landscape outside like paintings - a deliberate architectural concept that makes the close connection between the Blue Rider artists and their surroundings visible. The new building is connected to the historic villa from 1986 by an inner courtyard.

The collection goes far beyond Franz Marc: it includes works by Kandinsky, Macke, Klee and other members of the Blaue Reiter, as well as works by the artists' association Bridge and German post-war abstraction - including important works by the Gruppe ZEN 49, which was founded in 1949 in the Stangl Gallery in Munich. A sculpture park complements the interior spaces on the outside; a free audio guide via the museum app accompanies the visit.

The café is located right next to the museum Franz by the lake - with homemade cakes, ice cream and seasonal lunch dishes and, weather permitting, a view of Lake Kochel.

6. lake Walchensee - the deepest alpine lake in Germany

If you drive from Kochelsee over the Kesselberg, you are suddenly immersed in another world: The Walchensee lies at 800 meters above sea level, nestled in a rocky mountain backdrop, and shines in an almost unreal turquoise blue. With an area of over 16 km² and a depth of 192 meters, it is the largest and deepest Alpine lake in Germany - and one of the few lakes on which motorboats are prohibited. This ensures a tranquillity that cannot be found on the Staffelsee or Kochelsee.

Lake Walchensee is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts: windsurfers and kitesurfers appreciate the frequent foehn wind that blows down the mountains and provides a reliable strong wind. Divers will find up to 13 different diving spots with exceptional visibility - and legends of sunken gold treasures from the Benediktbeuern monastery. Those who prefer a quieter experience can paddle across the smooth water on a stand-up board or look for one of the natural bathing spots in the south and east of the lake. Almost 14 of the 27-kilometre shoreline is car-free and accessible on foot.

Lake Walchensee has a special place in the history of energy: since 1924 it has served as a water reservoir for the Walchensee power station - the water falls 200 meters down through huge pipes to the Kochelsee, where it drives turbines. The imposing structure can be viewed up close during a boat trip on the Kochelsee.

7th Herzogstand and Heimgarten - Panorama over two lakes

Those who work with the Herzogstandbahn drive up the Fahrenberg (1,600 m) from Walchensee in just four minutes is rewarded with one of the most beautiful mountain panoramas in Upper Bavaria: Lake Kochelsee glistens to the north, Lake Walchensee to the south - both in view at once, with the Alps as a backdrop. No wonder King Ludwig II counted this panoramic mountain among his favorite destinations.

From the mountain station, the Panorama trail - a wide, easily accessible gravel path - leisurely around the Fahrenbergkopf, past a bust of King Ludwig II, to the Mountain inn Herzogstand at 1,575 meters. The path is largely flat and is also ideal for children and less experienced hikers. Geological information boards along the way explain the geological features of the Herzogstand, which protruded almost 330 meters out of the glacier ice during the last ice age as a so-called nunatak. If you want a change of pace on the way back, take the narrower path over the Chapel on the Fahrenbergkopf - This leads over roots, stones and steps and requires some surefootedness, but offers more beautiful views.

If you want more mountain air, you can climb from the inn in another 40 minutes to the Herzogstand summit (1,731 m) - with a viewing pavilion and even more panoramic views. From there, experienced hikers can follow the challenging Ridgeway to Home garden (1,791 m): a mountain ridge that is considered one of the 100 most beautiful ridge hikes in the Alps. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential. Below the Heimgarten summit, at 1,785 meters, you will find the Home garden hut - the only refreshment stop on the ridge, without overnight stay.

🍽️ Refreshment tips at Herzogstand and Walchensee

• Mountain inn Herzogstand, 1,575 m - cozy mountain inn directly at the mountain station with sunny terrace and view of Walchensee and Kochelsee; Bavarian snacks, cakes and drinks; please check opening hours and closing days in advance
• Bucherer beach café, Walchensee - directly opposite the Herzogstandbahn valley station on the lakeshore; wonderful view of the lake and the surfers; home-baked cakes and tarts; ideal as a finale after the cable car ride

8th Glentleiten Open-Air Museum - Time travel to rural Upper Bavaria

High above the Kochelsee, on a spacious hillside between Murnau and Großweil, lies the Glentleiten Open-Air Museum - the largest open-air museum in Upper Bavaria. Over 70 historic buildings from rural areas of Upper Bavaria have been reconstructed on an area of around 40 hectares: Farms, craftsmen's estates, mills and workshops, embedded in a cultural landscape cultivated according to historical models with old livestock breeds and historical fruit varieties.

In the museum, the houses are the exhibits - with their furnishings, they tell the story of their former inhabitants. The working world, customs and traditions, but also the architecture with its regional differences can be experienced at the Glentleiten. Embedded in a cultural landscape cultivated according to historical models, the extensive grounds contain not only accessible buildings, but also gardens, forests and pastures - where old breeds of farm animals graze and historical fruit and vegetable varieties grow.

The oldest building is over 430 years old, a faithfully reconstructed gasoline filling station with a 1960s look, which stands for mass motorization and the resurgence of tourism in the post-war period. In 2026, the museum will celebrate its 50th anniversary - half a century of living everyday history in Upper Bavaria.

🍽️ Refreshment tip Glentleiten

• Alpine inn Kreut-Alm, Kreut 1, 82439 Großweil - rustic mountain inn in an old monastery building, a short distance up the road in front of the open-air museum; shady beer garden under mighty lime trees with a wonderful view of Lake Kochelsee and the mountains; Bavarian cuisine with regional ingredients; the Kaiserschmarrn pancakes are freshly prepared in grandmother Viktoria's style and are the specialty of the house; day off depends on the weather, check opening times on the website.

9th Main and State Stud Schwaiganger - 1,000 years of horse breeding at the foot of the Alps

Anyone who passes through the gate of the Main and State Stud Schwaiganger in Ohlstadt, you enter a place that seems to have fallen out of time: spacious stables from the 19th century, well-tended paddocks, stallions being led through the riding hall - and the Alpine panorama in the background.

Today, Schwaiganger is the southernmost state stud farm in Germany and one of the oldest horse breeding facilities in the country - horses have been kept here for over 1,000 years. Today, the state competence center for horse breeding and riding in Bavaria breeds three breeds: Bavarian Warmblood, South German cold blood and Haflinger. The stud farm is also committed to preserving endangered livestock breeds, including the historic Murnau-Werdenfelser cattle.

The grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. free of charge - in spring the foals frolic in the paddocks, in September the big Stud show with dressage quadrille and stallion presentation. Public tours (approx. 1.5 hours) take place from May to mid-October on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 13:30 and 15:00, without advance reservation at the fountain in front of the main building.

10th Benediktbeuern Monastery - 1,250 years of history at the foot of the Benediktenwand

On the southern edge of the Loisach-Kochelsee moor, with the striking Benediktenwand (1,801 m) in the background, lies one of the oldest monastery complexes in Bavaria. Monastic life in Benediktbeuern began in the 760s; after its destruction by the Hungarians in 955, it was revived in 1031. Today's Baroque complex from the 17th and 18th centuries is considered one of the most magnificent in Bavaria - with the Basilica of St. Benedict, the Gothic cloister and the Baroque chapter house, which can be visited as part of a 60-minute guided tour.

A special highlight is the Fraunhofer Museum in the monastery's historic glassworks: this is where the physicist Joseph von Fraunhofer conducted research from 1807 to 1819 and laid the foundations for his groundbreaking discoveries in optics. The facility has borne the name since January 2026 Don Bosco Monastery Benediktbeuern and combines spiritual life, youth education and nature conservation under one roof.

Excursion destinations in the surroundings of the Blue Land

The Blue Land - and Murnau in particular - is extremely conveniently located: some of Bavaria's most famous and beautiful destinations are less than an hour's drive away. Anyone staying longer in the region has an ideal base from here for day trips in all directions.

Neuschwanstein Castle and feet (approx. 50 min.) - The most famous castle in the world - since 2025 UNESCO World Heritage Sitee - is enthroned on a rock above the Alpsee and attracts millions of visitors every year. Tickets must be booked online in advance. If you still have time, explore the pretty old town of Füssen and Hohenschwangau Castle opposite Neuschwanstein. A detour to the Tegelberg mountain offers a wonderful view of the Königswinkel The Tegelbergbahn mountain station offers a magnificent view of the Bavarian-Swabian lake landscape.

Wieskirche (approx. 30 min.) - The Wieskirche church in Steingaden is UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful rococo churches in the world. The interior with its stunning stucco decoration and bright colors inspires even visitors who have no affinity for churches.

Ettal Abbey (approx. 25 min.) - The baroque Benedictine monastery in the Ammergau Valley is one of the most important monasteries in Bavaria. The basilica is freely accessible; the monastery store sells its own products - distillates, cheese and beer.

Linderhof Palace, (approx. 35 min.) - Ludwig II's favorite and only castle completed during his lifetime is located in a romantic high valley near Ettal and, like Neuschwanstein, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site The castles of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. It is worth planning half a day, as there is a lot to discover in the extensive castle park, such as the Venus Grotto and the Moroccan House. There is much less hustle and bustle here than at Neuschwanstein, especially if you avoid the weekends.

Oberammergau and Laber mountain railroad (approx. 30 min.) - The world-famous Passion Play village delights visitors with its extraordinary Lüftl paintings and wood carvings. The Laber mountain railroad Rides up the Laber (1,686 m) with a magnificent panoramic view of the Ammergau Alps.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Eibsee and Zugspitze (approx. 40 min.) - The Eibsee with its turquoise waters and offshore islands, is one of the most beautiful lakes in Bavaria. From here, the Eibsee cable car takes you directly up to the Zugspitze (2,962 m) - Germany's highest peak. Garmisch itself is worth a stroll through the pedestrian zone with its historic Lüftlmalerei houses.

Mittenwald (approx. 45 min.) - The picturesque violin-making village on the Austrian border impresses with its magnificent Lüftlmalereien, the world-famous Violin making museum and Karwendelbahn, which leads up to 2,244 meters.

Bad Tölz (approx. 35 min.) - The historic market street with its colorfully painted houses is one of the most beautiful old town streets in Bavaria. Bad Tölz is also known for its Alpamare-thermal baths and the annual Leonhardi ride-Festival.

Lake Starnberg and Buchheim Museum (approx. 50 min.) - Lake Starnberg is one of the largest and most famous lakes in Bavaria. In Bernried is the Buchheim Museum of the Imagination - an extraordinary Expressionist museum right on the lakeshore, which houses the collection of Lothar-Günther Buchheim (also known as the author of the novel „Das Boot“) and is thematically wonderfully suited to the Blue Rider. Note: The museum was reopened in May 2026 following expansion work; the complete reopening of all areas is planned for fall 2026. Current information on the website.

Practical travel tips for the Blue Country

Arrival: 

By train: The Blue Country is easily accessible by train from Munich. The Bayerische Oberlandbahn (BOB) runs every hour from Munich main station to Murnau - the journey time is approx. 70 minutes. From Murnau, many sights are easily accessible by bus or bicycle. Kochel am See can also be reached by train (Munich-Kochel line, approx. 75 minutes).

By car: From Munich via the A95 towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen, exit Murnau/Kochel. Depending on traffic, the journey takes approx. 60-75 minutes. Please note: On nice summer weekends, the A95 towards Murnau can be very busy - an early start is worthwhile.

Best time to travel: 

The Blue Land is attractive all year round. The Best time to travel is from April to OctoberIn spring, the Murnauer Moos is in bloom and the foals at Schwaiganger Stud are frolicking in the paddocks; in summer, the lakes beckon for swimming and water sports, and autumn enchants with clear mountain air and vibrant colors. If you can, you should avoid the Bavarian school vacations - The summer vacations (mid-July to early September) and the Whitsun vacations in particular bring significantly more visitors to the region, and the parking spaces at the lakes and popular excursion destinations are quickly filled.

Accommodation

The Blue Land offers accommodation to suit every taste and budget - from small family guesthouses to five-star nature resorts.

In Murnau:

• Alpenhof Murnau* The only five-star hotel in the region is located directly on the Murnauer Moos with an Alpine panorama, wellness area, two outdoor pools and the Murnauer Reiter restaurant. Multiple awards, including one of the „101 best hotels in Germany“. The ideal choice for a pampering vacation in the Blue Land.
• Hotel Post Murnau* In the middle of Murnau's pedestrian zone, in a listed Art Nouveau building that King Ludwig II once passed on his way to Linderhof Palace. Personal, familiar atmosphere; ideal for those who want to explore everything on foot.

An insider tip for those on a tight budget:

• House Andre (Pension zum Bichlbauer) - Cozy family guesthouse in a quiet location in Riedhausen, the district of Seehausen am Staffelsee, just a few minutes' walk from Murnau train station and about 10 minutes' walk from the Murnau pedestrian zone. Warm atmosphere, homemade jams for breakfast - a real insider tip for all those who want to experience the Blue Country without a big budget.

In Kochel am See:

• Seehotel Grauer Bär*- Directly on the Kochelsee with large windows overlooking the lake and a beautiful lakeside terrace; fine Bavarian cuisine in the restaurant. The ideal base for excursions to the Franz Marc Museum, Walchensee and Herzogstand.

Culinary specialties

The cuisine of the Blue Country is down-to-earth Bavarian - but with some regional specialties that are rarely found elsewhere. Fresh fish from Staffelsee and Kochelsee can be found on many menus: whitefish, char and trout are supplied directly by local fishermen. Snacks with Obazda, Radi and fresh farmhouse bread are part of the standard repertoire of every good beer garden. For those who love sweets: the Cream puff at the Fischerwirt in Schlehdorf and the Kaiserschmarrn at the Kreut-Alm according to grandmother's recipe are a must. And if you want to experience the Blue Land with all your senses, drink a glass of local Beer from one of the two Murnau breweries - at the Griesbräu or in the Karg Bräustüberl - or a house schnapps from the monastery store in Benediktbeuern.

Conclusion: The Blue Land - more than just a landscape

The Blue Land is a region that doesn't impose itself. No crowds of tourists, no overcrowded hotspots - but lakes, moors, mountains and an art history that you can touch with your hands. Once you have understood why Kandinsky, Franz Marc and Gabriele Münter kept returning here, you will see the landscape differently: the soft light in the morning, the blue of the mountains on the horizon, the silence over the moss.

The region offers a rare combination: it is small enough to experience a lot in just a few days and large enough to keep discovering new things. And with the many excursion destinations in the surrounding area - from Neuschwanstein to Walchensee, from Oberammergau to Lake Starnberg - the Blue Land is an ideal starting point for a week or more in the Bavarian Alpine foothills.

My personal tip: don't just come for one day. Take your time, stroll through Murnau without a program, sit in the beer garden in the evening and look at the Alps. The Blue Land unfolds its magic slowly - and lasts a long time.