We chose the Alpenrose as our hotel, mostly for its "downtown" location, right on the pedestrian zone. The rooms were small, but adequate and the rest was at the standard we expect here in Germany: clean, good breakfast, friendly family staff. Next time, we may opt for a place a bit FARTHER from downtown to gain the extra space in the room.

Mittenwald is not a tourist town brimming with museums, probably because people come here to see the beautiful outdoors. There is, however, The Geigenbau Museum showing violin making, a major local industry since the Klotz family started their workshop in about 1685. Even Mozart played a violin made in Mittenwald. The museum is housed on one of the old painted row-houses and has displays of vintage violins and other stringed instruments. The small example workshop was quiet the day we visited, but during the work week it is occupied by masters and students learning the old craft.

Visitors on a summer Thursday can sign up for a tour of the painted buildings of Mittenwald. We had to make do with just wandering around the small streets, but we were impressed with what we saw.

Of course it's the views of the surrounding mountains that is the highlight of Mittenwald.