Ruhpolding Holidays 2025/2026

Just a short distance from the Austrian border in southern Germany, Ruhpolding’s idyllic mountain and lake landscapes offer a scenic escape from the crowds. Bavaria’s bustling capital, Munich, is just over an hour away by car, giving you the option to enjoy the best of both worlds during your stay.

Breathtaking Bavarian architecture

Stunning examples of local architecture can be found across Ruhpolding – none more so than the various churches and chapels in the region. These spectacular buildings showcase the very best of Bavarian craftsmanship, complete with tall spires, intricate religious carvings and sculptures of saintly figures.

The hilltop St George’s Parish is perhaps the most famous church in the area and was originally constructed in 1738. The building itself boasts an air of tranquillity unmatched anywhere else in Ruhpolding, while the 12th-century Romanesque Madonna sculpture that’s housed here really is a sight to behold.

Areas of natural wonder

Breathtaking natural beauty is around every corner in Ruhpolding, from the wonder of the Bavarian Alps to hidden lakes boasting crystal clear waters. Walking and hiking are particularly popular pastimes here, thanks to the area’s vast, gentle meadows and many hills that afford spectacular views of the region.

A short cable car ride is all it takes to reach the Alps, from which Ruhpolding’s untouched natural beauty can really be enjoyed. A leisurely stroll through the region’s rich alpine landscape is well worth the effort, while carriage rides through the valleys allow you to take in even more of this stunning setting.

Eat, drink and be merry

Bavarian dining is all about wholesome, hearty cuisine presented in a warm and cosy setting. Expect to find many of Germany’s most famous delicacies here, from boiled potatoes and dumplings to white sausage and pretzels. Brotzeit – the Bavarian version of brunch – is well worth keeping an eye out for too, and typically consists of breads, boiled eggs, tomatoes and luncheon meats.

Of course, no holiday to Germany is complete without sampling some of the local beer. Ruhpolding isn’t known for its array of bars and pubs, yet many of the restaurants here celebrate by serving a selection of local ales that are well worth a try.

A trio of lakes

Ruhpolding is known locally as ‘Little Canada’, in part due to the picturesque lakes that can be found here. Many are hidden away in forested areas, yet scenic walking trails help to keep their beauty accessible for both tourists and locals. These bodies of water run remarkably clear, with swimming and paddling proving to be popular activities during the warmer months, when you can enjoy the best of the Ruhpolding weather. The three primary lakes in the area are the Weitsee, Londensee and Mittersee lakes, each of which boasts its own unique beauty.

Fascinating museums

Despite its humble size, Ruhpolding is home to a handful of museums that are brimming with local history. Among the highlights is Holzknecht Museum, where visitors can learn all about the region’s rich wood-cutting heritage. Kids will love engaging in the many interactive elements this museum has to offer, while a visit to the outdoor exhibition gives you the chance to explore replica wooden houses in the traditional Bavarian style.

Also worth visiting is the Bartholomaus Schmucker Heritage museum, located just a stone’s throw from the village centre. Here, traditional furniture, porcelain, clothing and art are on display across two floors. The displays make it possible to get a real feel for what life was like here in years gone by. Make sure to spend some time exploring the vast array of rocks and fossils also exhibited, each of which has been collected from the foot of the Bavarian mountains.