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King Ludwig II

Large, picturesque wooden farmhouses are also typical of the region. A feature is the large balcony decorated with flowers on the house front. It is occasionally possible to see a traditional roof with wooden tiles and stones on top to protect it from strong winds.

That the stunning alpine scenery attracted artists is hardly surprising. The 19th-century Romantic painter Carl Rottmann was among the many who tried to capture alpine grandeur on canvas. In the 20th century artists of the Blue Rider school pioneered a move to abstraction. A museum devoted to leading member Franz Marc can be visited at Kochel am See (Walchensee). Lovis Corinth, one of the most important exponents of German Expressionism, was also fascinated by the area around Walchensee.

Traditional culture

Bavarians can be characterised as a conservative, devoutly religious people (mainly Catholic) and nowhere is this truer than in the alpine regions described in this guide.

Tracht, or folklore costume, plays an important role. Lederhosen (leather pants) and dirndl dresses can be seen as an integral part of the Bavarian identity. Not only is it worn on special occasions but simplified versions are often worn to work. It is important to note, however, that the costumes differ according to region and for the most part they are based on what the 19th-century Tracht movement considered traditional. It was initiated by Maximilian II, the first Bavarian king to wear Tracht himself.