Mittenwald - the village between 2 walds

Arrived at out last stay in Krun, Germany yesterday around 4pm.  Originally we had booked a farm stay in Mittenwald, the next town south.  After learning they did not have internet available we cancelled and booked this one instead. 

The Heiss Farm in Krun , Germany (no relation)

We are staying at the Heiss (no relation) family farm.  We have stayed with them before so had the info for applying.  They have 5 apartments that are full most of the year.  It is a huge house as you might imagine with the barn attached to the house so it makes it look even bigger.  Barbara and Josef are hard workers seeing they have the “motel” business as well as approximately 15 cows to care for.  The barn here could hold probable 60 milk cows but I only saw 15 at present.  They are on the back edge of town so their fields are beyond that yet. 
We like this area because there are miles of paved paths to ride in just about any direction.  Also they are close to town for groceries etc.  as well.  A number of tourist attractions are within an hours drive and we plan to take in a few more of these this time.
This morning we headed out about 9 for Mittenwald Zentrum. 

Downtown Mittenwald

Having not spent time in or around Mittenwald  previously we were headed for the TI office to get info on riding trails and things to see/do in the area.  Walked the streets for a couple hours in the old down town area and got oriented.  Many shops and old buildings, obviously the town has been around since the Romans were around. The core is a car free zone so it was easy to walk and look.  Came upon 3 guys who were playing the Alphorns for a celebration of an employee.

The Isar River - crystal clean and cold

Close to lunchtime we headed back to the car and unloaded the bikes and headed for the Isar River paths that run through town on both sides. 

Happened upon an Alpine horn serenade

Further out into the countryside the path wanders sometimes away from the river but always within earshot of the rushing waters flowing over the rocky riverbed of the Isar. 

Some of the little barns

This area is noted for its small log barns - many of them - scattered across the fields.  In former times when all hay was made by hand, the barns were many and close so the hay was carried to the local barns after drying  on teepee like racks then stored until needed by the farmer in winter at which time horses and sleighs were used then to transfer the hay as needed to the main barn. 

The Karwendel Mountains surround us

It has become a major tourist attraction as bus loads of them slowly drive through the countryside viewing the barns. 

Many barns are log with almost all tile roofs

Barns of all sizes and shapes

The locals have discovered that there is money in them there barns even though many of them are now empty.  Some are used to stack firewood against on the wide overhangs but most are now just for show. 


Occasionally as we ride bikes past some you will hear a calf calling or sheep blearting but most are empty.
Two hours on the bikes in the high winds today was enough so we headed back “home” to rest.  After supper we walked to the grocery store at the north end of town for a few things.