106km (66 miles) S of Munich, 18km (11 miles) SE of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 37km (23 miles) NW of Innsbruck

The idyllic mountain resort of Mittenwald is wedged in a pass of the Karwendel Range just before the Austrian border. The Alpine architecture is in effect here, from frescoed facades to wooden balconies and overhanging eaves. On the square stands a monument to Matthias Klotz, who introduced violin making to Mittenwald in 1684, and sparked the industry of this highly specialized craft that continues today.