Cross-country skiing in Bavaria - trails in the mountains

Q: Which is the most beautiful cross-country skiing route in the Ammergau Alps Nature Park?

Due to its fascinatingly varied panoramas, the Graswangrunde is considered the most beautiful cross-country ski trail in the Ammergau Alps. Even when there is little snowfall, it has snow to offer thanks to its shady location. In principle, when awarding the most beautiful cross-country ski route, the respective fitness level and daily form of the cross-country skier must also be taken into account.

To the cross-country ski trail report

Snow covered mountains, freshly groomed trails, intact nature: a Paradise for cross-country skiers. Regardless of whether classic cross-country skiing or with skating skis - In Bavaria, winter sports enthusiasts get their money's worth in the Ammergau Alps.

From simple cross-country ski trails for beginners to challenging routes for ambitious cross-country skiers Ammergau Alps with a countless variety of cross-country trails for every fitness level. The fantastic scenery offers you the opportunity for further unforgettable winter sports activities.

you plan one Cross-country skiing holiday in Bavaria or are you already there and would like more information? Get an overview of them here Cross-country skiing opportunities in Bavaria.

Cross-country skiing in Bavaria

The Ammergau Alps offer around 180 km of cross-country ski trails, that could hardly be more diverse.
It doesn't matter whether you want to glide relaxed over the powder snow with your skis or skate dynamically. A special feature of the Cross-country ski trails in the nature park is that you travel almost exclusively on natural snow. In the shady Graswangtal the cross-country ski trail conditions are particularly stable and from there you can also View of Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze.
A running feeling like in central Sweden is guaranteed by the mountain pine moor between Bad Kohlgrub and Bad Bayersoien.

Winter vacation in the Ammergau Alps

The difficulty levels of the trails in the Ammergau Alps are at an easy level (blue/easy) and are therefore suitable for beginners and advanced skiers alike. From January 1.1st, there will be an illuminated training trail (night trail until 21 p.m.) in the starting area of the King Ludwig Run - the so-called Benedictine Arena.

Near Bad Bayersoien:

Lake tour | Length: 4,4 km | Hm: 10 m
Fairground round | Length: 9,3 km | Hm: 65 m

Near Bad Kohlgrub:

Small Rochus circuit | Length: 4,1 km | Hm: 24 m climb
Big Rochus circuit | Length: 10,4 km | Hm: 86 m climb

At Ettal:

Dickelschwaig round | Length: 2,9 km | Hm: 15 m
Ettal round | Length: 3,9 km | Hm: 55 m
Grass cheek round | Length: 12,5 km | Hm: 105 m
New: Illuminated training trail in the starting area of the King Ludwig Run (near the Ettaler Mill) from 1.1.2025 until 21:00 p.m. (ATTENTION: The illuminated training trail is currently out of service due to a technical problem!)

Near Oberammergau:

Hans Reicherl round | Length: 7,8 km | Hm: 13 m
Sun round| Length: 11,5 km | Hm: 102 m
King Ludwig trail | Length: 31,6 km | Hm: 137 m

At Saulgrub:

Buchwald tour | 3,4 km| Hm: 37 m
Cooking felt round | Length: 4,8 km | Hm: 35 m
Saulgruber round | Length: 6,9 km | Hm: 95 m

Near Unterammergau:

Scherenauer round | Length: 3,2 km | Hm: 41 m

Every route around the nature park communities has its own charm. Take a look at the overview of the Cross-country ski trail network in the Ammergau Alps Nature Park. By the way, you don't have to pay cross-country ski trail fees for your cross-country skiing holiday in the Ammergau Alps. Here in the south of Bavaria the only costs are the parking fees.

Cross-country skiing on the Graswangrunde - on the König-Ludwig-Loipe

As an absolute Highlight of the cross-country ski trails in the Ammergau Alps Nature Park presents the Graswangrunde - a 12,5 km long circuit with elevation differences of an incredible 105 m and for proven cross-country skiers with the desire for a sporting milestone. It is part of the 50 km long King Ludwig trail, which with its royal splendor also delights winter sports enthusiasts far beyond the country's borders.

The cross-country ski trail, named after the former Bavarian king, leads through the wildly romantic, picturesque landscape of Graswang past the baroque Benedictine Ettal Abbey to Linderhof Castle. For the annual King Ludwig Run King Ludwig trail in Bavaria an equally impressive and media-effective backdrop. At the beginning of February, around 3.000 - 5.000 enthusiastic cross-country skiers gather here People's ski event - the one also affectionately called “Luggi Run”.

King Ludwig Lauf

Snow-sure cross-country ski trail network in Bavaria

In the winter months, skiing on the cross-country ski trails is not safe in every place in Bavaria. When it snows in Bavaria, it definitely snows in the Ammergau Alps. As a result, the Ammergau Alps have one of the snowiest cross-country ski trail networks in Bavaria. With us in Ammergau Alps Nature Park Experienced employees take care of it regular trail preparation and ensure that you have one even in poor snow conditions Excellently groomed cross-country ski trails available stands. Even longer warm periods are no problem for the cross-country skiing team.

With us in Ammergau Alps Nature Park Nature has a high priority. Therefore ours Cross-country ski trails do not have artificial snow cover across the board. In addition, many of our cross-country trails run through nature reserves.

To the cross-country ski trail report

Cross-country ski trails for beginners and professionals

At the Cross-country skiing in Bavaria feel Beginners and advanced equally in good hands on the cross-country ski trails in the Ammergau Alps. The Circular trails In many places, they are designed so that you can get on and off at any point. Parking options near the cross-country ski trails offer you one on many tours a quick start to your cross-country skiing adventure. You plan spontaneous things Cross-country skiing in Bavaria or would you like to do without extensive luggage?

Lend yours Equipment on site. Both Rental ski schools you get everything you want for your Cross-country skiing holiday in the Ammergau Alps need

Rental ski schools

Hotels and alternative accommodation for cross-country skiers

You want one eventful piste adventure want to end the day relaxing? If that's to your liking, it's time to look for one of the numerous accommodations close to the cross-country ski trails to see. Decide for yourself whether it is Hotel with or without breakfast, a holiday apartment, a cozy guesthouse or a rural farm with its traditional, rustic ambience. There are also special ones König Ludwig Lauf partner hotels, in which you during your Cross-country skiing holiday in Bavaria can stay overnight.

To the accommodations

Do you have any questions about your stay in the nature park?

Feel free to give us a call. We advise you, give you tips and answer all your questions about the Ammergau Alps.

Tel: 49 8822 922740 Mail

Cross-country skiing in Bavaria with children

Since the wonderful Winter landscape of the Ammergau Alps with many faces, you can do the same here Unforgettable cross-country skiing adventures with children enjoy. As Holiday destination for the whole family allows that Cross-country ski trail network introduces children to the fascination of cross-country skiing and is therefore an attractive and child-friendly alternative to skiing and tobogganing. In order not to overwhelm the little ones, the tour from Oberammergau to Unterammergau is a great solution. This has shallow height differences of just 5,6 m over 54 km and can be easily mastered by children - without skating or shooting.

Rules for cross-country skiing on the trail

What the StVO is for vehicles FIS rules for cross-country skiing. so that your Cross-country skiing stay in Bavaria If you stay relaxed, it is important to follow a few guidelines based on the principle of mutual consideration. The most important thing is to stick to the direction specified for the trail. In some cases the required running technique named. If you have your Cross-country skiing experience with several people If you enjoy it, walk one behind the other and - like when driving - always on the right side.

Cross-country skiers have right of way in front of oncoming runners who still have to overcome a crest. It's up to you whether you overtake a slower runner on the right or left. When overtaking, remember to keep enough distance so that you don't hinder each other. A safe distance from runners in front is a fundamental cross-country skiing requirement and also applies outside of overtaking. Last but not least, the sticks should remain close to the body. In order not to affect subsequent cross-country ski trail traffic, Clear the trail quickly in the event of a possible fall. This also applies to a photo break or other rest.

All cross-country ski trails at a glance

Cardshow map

Frequently asked questions about cross-country skiing in Bavaria:

Which is the right technique for cross-country skiing beginners?

A basic distinction is made between the classic cross-country skiing technique and skating. Skating corresponds to the technique known from ice skating and requires excellent muscle strength in the legs. Therefore, the classic technique is more recommended for beginners. This involves pulling one leg after the other. The arms move in opposite directions and therefore diagonally.

How does braking work when cross-country skiing?

To reduce speed, move your non-dominant foot so that the tip of your cross-country ski is pointing toward the tip of the other ski. Angle the ski slightly inwards. So you press your body weight onto the snow and that slows you down. With this so-called half plow, the dominant foot remains in the trail. If you're skating, bring both tips together in a two-sided plow.

What clothing is suitable for cross-country skiing in Bavaria?

Since you can quickly work up a sweat when cross-country skiing, the multi-layered onion look is recommended. Breathable materials are important to avoid a build-up of body heat and moisture in the textiles. The latter increases the risk of hypothermia. Thin gloves also help against blisters and cold.

Which is the most beautiful cross-country skiing route in the Ammergau Alps Nature Park?

The cross-country ski trail network in the Ammergau Alps impresses with its diversity. Depending on your form on the day and your fitness level, it is a very individual decision as to which trail is the most beautiful in this region. However, most guests are convinced that the Gas cheek round is one of the most beautiful cross-country ski trails in the Ammergau Alps. Due to its fascinatingly varied panoramas with views of the Zugspitze Mountains and past Linderhof Castle, it is the most popular route in the nature park. It is also relatively snow-sure due to its shady location.