Mittenwald

Violin-making has defined Mittenwald for centuries, and this small Bavarian Alpine town near the Austrian border carries that tradition alongside dramatic mountain scenery. Germany's highest-elevation health resort, it sits between the Karwendel and Wetterstein ranges above the upper Isar valley, with the Karwendel cable car — the second-highest aerial tramway in Germany — providing access to the peaks. The Dammkar run is Germany's longest ski descent, making the town a year-round base for hiking, climbing, and skiing.

• Population7,996
• Nearest water0.2 km
• Nearest mountain1.3 km
• UNESCO within 50 km4