Things to do in Ettal

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A pathway flanked by ornate lanterns leading to a central structure with a dome, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background.
A historic building with ornate sculptures and a large dome.
A traditional chalet with a metal roof, surrounded by mountains.
A snow-covered street in a small town with traditional buildings and mountains in the background.
A classical building facade with ornate columns, statues, and decorative moldings.

Ettal Attractions

Smaller cities have a charm about them you won't find in their larger counterparts. Check out all the exciting things to see and do in Ettal before you arrive so you can squeeze the most out of your getaway. You'll soon learn that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better!

Discover what makes Ettal tick with some of the most popular tours & day trips. Browse through our top { fun activities in Ettal fun activities in Ettal}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

Neuschwanstein castle

VIP Daytrip Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Grotto from Munich

$222
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
VIP Daytrip Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Grotto from Munich
Neuschwanstein Castle Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide

Neuschwanstein Castle Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide

$51
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Neuschwanstein Castle Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide
Ehrwald: Hiking Tour into breath taking Nature

Ehrwald: Hiking Tour into breath taking Nature

$86
per adult
Ehrwald: Hiking Tour into breath taking Nature
Fun in nature: Who will find the next treasure?

Ammergau Alps: Geocaching, treasure hunt around Ettal Monastery

$28
per adult
Ammergau Alps: Geocaching, treasure hunt around Ettal Monastery
The Original Pretzel Making Experience

The Original Pretzel Making Experience

$124
per adult
The Original Pretzel Making Experience
Leisurely hike to the world-famous Linderhof Royal Castle

Hike to Linderhof Castle to enjoy Bavarian delicacies

$58
per adult
Hike to Linderhof Castle to enjoy Bavarian delicacies
Ehrwald: Personal Trailrunning Tours

Ehrwald: Personal Trailrunning Tours

$102
per adult
Ehrwald: Personal Trailrunning Tours
Alpine hike with Zugspitze panorama: Ehrwald - Seebensee - Coburger Hütte

Guided alpine hike near Munich with a spectacular panorama of the Zugspitze

$227
per traveler
Guided alpine hike near Munich with a spectacular panorama of the Zugspitze
Garmisch Historical Pub Crawl

Garmisch Historical Pub Crawl

$113
per adult
Garmisch Historical Pub Crawl
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Ettal must see attractions

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle seems to exemplify the aesthetics of the European Middle Ages, which is always surprising given that the castle was built in the 19th century. The crown jewel of “Mad King” Ludwig II’s architectural exuberance, it is a masterpiece of Historicist Architecture, and is today one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Brave the crowds to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, a truly unique building.
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A castle on a mountain, surrounded by dense forests and towering peaks.

2. Zugspitze

Experience Germany’s highest peak at Zugspitze, a ski resort located on a beautiful glacier. The mountain’s high altitude, reaching 9,718 feet (2,962 meters) above sea level, ensures excellent snow coverage for powder-hungry skiers.
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A group of hikers on a rocky mountain peak with a golden cross, surrounded by snow-covered slopes and distant mountain ranges.

3. Garmisch-Partenkirchen Ski Resort

Garmisch-Classic Ski Resort (formerly known as the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Ski Resort) is a world-class ski area high in the Bavarian Alps. Considered one of Germany’s finest, this ski resort hosted the Winter Olympics in 1936 and the debut of alpine skiing at the games. Discover a large expanse of skiable terrain across several mountain areas, from easy beginner slopes to daredevil black-diamond runs. On the south side, check out Kreuzeck, Osterfelder and Hausberg. Beneath the summit of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, find a stunning skiable glacial plateau with truly remarkable views.
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A skier on a snowy mountain slope with a clear sky and distant mountains.

4. Hohenschwangau Castle

Escape to the former getaway of German royalty with a visit to Hohenschwangau Castle. This impressive building and the neighboring Neuschwanstein Castle are some of the most popular places for romantic tours of southern Bavaria, visited by millions of tourists annually.
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A castle with multiple towers, a red-tiled roof, and a lush green hill in the foreground.

5. Linderhof Palace

Of all of “Mad King” Ludwig II’s elaborate building projects, Linderhof Palace was the only one he lived to see completed and the one most designed for his lifestyle. Built on the site of a former lodge that the crown prince used on hunting trips with his father, it is essentially a palace built for one man. Originally referred to as the “Little Versailles,” it resembles the Sun King’s famous palace. See in the building and gardens a potent display of Ludwig’s self-conception as a “Night King.”
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A grand palace with ornate architecture, a central fountain, and well-manicured gardens.

Recommended things to do in Ettal

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Ettal

Free Things to Do in Ettal

An escape to Ettal doesn't have to hurt your hip pocket. You won't have to spend a penny if you check out:

Ettal Abbey - Do some soul searching or just take in the peaceful ambiance at this site of worship.

Things to Do in Ettal with Kids

Ettal boasts plenty of nearby fun activities for you and your kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the gang happy for hours.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ettal? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Ettal attractions

A grand palace with ornate architecture, a central fountain, and well-manicured gardens.
Photo by © Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (Photo
Open Photo by © Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (Photo

Linderhof Palace

9.2/10 (269 reviews)
Ludwig II’s personal palace was built on a more intimate scale than nearby Neuschwanstein, offering a glimpse into his troubled mind.
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Ettal

A town nestled in a valley with mountains in the background.

Oberammergau

A river flowing through a village with houses along the riverbank and mountains in the background.

Eschenlohe

A village with traditional houses, a church, and a mountain in the background.

Unterammergau

A river with a waterfall, surrounded by rocks and snow.

Saulgrub

Frequently asked questions

Is Ettal worth visiting?
Whether you want to discover the local charm and cultural attractions or try regional foods and go on outdoor adventures, there are plenty of things to do in Ettal.
How do I spend a day in Ettal?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Münter - House and Kuhfluchtwasserfälle. Then, explore different areas of Ettal for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ettal?
You can't go home without exploring Eibsee-Seilbahn, rated the top tourist attraction in Ettal.
Is three days enough to stay in Ettal?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off the leading city highlights, including Oberammergau Museum, Passionstheater and Pilatushaus Artists' Exhibition Center. The average stay in Ettal is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your adventure, Innsbruck isn't far away.
Is Ettal a walkable city?
If touring on foot sounds like your kind of getaway, Ettal is an ideal place to visit. Find top attractions, such as Oberammergau Museum, within walking distance of downtown. You can also go for a stroll around Mühldörfl, a hip neighborhood located about 3 miles from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Ettal with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all ages, check out these great ideas for what to do in Ettal with kids.
What to do in Ettal for adults?
Adults of all ages will have plenty of things to do in Ettal. Whether you're into traditional cuisine, outdoor pursuits or just enjoy visiting new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Ettal?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Ettal is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Kuhfluchtwasserfälle is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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