Walk to Mittenwald by PaulKirk
It's about 12 to 13 miles but you get the train back. Take the cable car up to Eckbauer. At the top turn left & follow the signs to Wamberg & Elmau. After about 20 minutes the path descends down an incline to a well signposted junction. Straight over takes you to Elmauer Alm via a poorly marked path. The way is marked by paintmarks on trees. If you turn right the path goes down a fair way but after about 10-15 minutes you reach the road where you turn left & it's a steady incline which takes you to Elmauer Alm in about 45 minutes. It's a wooden mountain hut with a terrace with great views & a welcome beer or two. Leave Elmauer Alm through the terrace & follow the path down the hill & through the trees. It's a little steep in parts. When you come out of the trees Schloss Elmau will be in front of you. Head to the left of the castle & follow the road & signposts to Ferchensee, Lautersee & Mittenwald. The path follows a stream up for some of the way or you can stay on the road. From Elmauer Alm to Ferchensee takes about 90 minutes & there's a gasthof by the lake. Have a look at the fish in the lake or have a beer. The menu's good at lunchtime but it's cold plates after 2.30. Leave the gasthof & turn right for Lautersee. There's a steep path down to the lakeside which you reach in about 30 minutes. There are several bars by the lake so you're spoilt for choice if you want another beer. At the end of the lake is a small chapel on a little ridge which is worth a look. Keep to the right of that & follow the signs to Mittenwald. After about 5-10 minutes take the left hand path when you get to the fork by the woods & you descend to a waterfall & small gorge. The path leads to the outskirts of Mittenwald in about 30 minutes. Head for the church & the centre of town. The road past the church goes to the railway station. Times are approximate but if you say 4 hours all in that's not far off. There are some good mountain views, two lakes & a waterfall & 3 refreshment stops. Not a bad day out.
