Introduction to Bad Wiessee

53km (33 miles) S of Munich, 18km (11 miles) SE of Bad Tölz

If you've always believed that the best medicine is the worst tasting, you should feel right at home in Bad Wiessee -- the mineral springs of this popular spa on the Tegernsee are saturated with iodine and sulfur. However, the other attractions of this small town more than make up for this healthful discomfort. The spa, with a huge lake at its feet and towering Alps rising behind it, is a year-round resort. In summer, swimming and boating are popular; in winter, you can ski on the slopes or skate on the lake. The springs are used for the treatment of many diseases, including rheumatism and heart and respiratory conditions. In spite of its tiny size, Bad Wiessee has sophisticated medicinal facilities, accommodations, and restaurants.

The main season begins in May and ends in October. During these busy times, you should definitely make reservations in advance. Many hotels close in winter, so be warned if you're an off-season visitor. In recent years, the town has become increasingly popular with vacationers from Munich.

From Bad Wiessee, a number of tours are possible, including visits to Munich, Chiemsee, and the castles of Neuschwanstein, Herrenchiemsee, and Linderhof. You can also visit Salzburg and Innsbruck in Austria. The tourism office will supply details.