Where are we?
In the mountain village of Mittenwald, perched at 912 meters above sea level. It is known as Germany’s highest climatic health resort. Yet labels hardly capture its character. Think of it instead as the jewel of the Wetterstein mountains – a place where painted alpine houses meet sheer rock faces, and where tradition coexists with a quietly fervent ski culture.
Freeriders know the village well: the modest Karwendel cable car lifts powder enthusiasts to the famed Dammkar descent, a backcountry run that has drawn deep-snow devotees for more than 70 years. So one finds oneself simultaneously in a classic spa town and at the heart of a lively alpine ski scene.
Right in the center, Anne-Sophie and Dario Trinkgeld have transformed a former bakery into a striking apartment house. At the entrance, a stylish café and daytime bar welcomes guests for an elegant breakfast or a casual stop during the day.
The Apartments
The couple completely gutted the historic town house (dating from the 18th century) before redesigning its interior from scratch. Coming from outside the hospitality world, they simply focused on what they themselves had appreciated in memorable hotels and apartments: warm wooden floors, deeply comfortable beds, a few carefully chosen antiques, understated bathrooms and refined kitchenettes.
To achieve a coherent aesthetic, Danish designer Natalie Jørgensen oversaw interior design, while the architectural work was handled by the firm of Filip Fichtel.
The result is 11 notably beautiful and, above all, livable apartments. The smaller basement units are naturally somewhat darker, given the central location and neighboring buildings, but they are attractively priced (from €119 per night). Upstairs lie genuine gems: Apartment Gustl, for instance, offers 65 square meters, two bedrooms and a balcony facing the Karwendel mountains. On the spacious terrace, the owners even installed an outdoor shower, one of several thoughtful touches they plan to expand in future.
Brownie points
Special credit goes to the premium eco-friendly paints used throughout: muted tones that create a calm, distinctly Scandinavian atmosphere. Bathrooms are entirely new, some featuring imaginative colored tiles, and kitchens come fully equipped with handsome tableware. Details that give the property a quietly polished feel.
The deli
A great addition to the apartments is the in-house day bar. Guests who prefer not to cook daily can easily drop in for breakfast or pick up sandwiches, cake and coffee to enjoy upstairs.
Groups may book a full brunch service; at lunchtime a concise menu is offered, and on sunny afternoons the benches outside become a pleasant spot for early drinks. Karls Tagesbar keeps a contemporary menu with many vegetarian options. Opening hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Surroundings
Mittenwald has long appealed as a hub for excursions in every season. Three picturesque lakes – Barmsee, Grubsee (with a waterslide for kids) and Geroldsee – lie close by, while cyclists often head to the larger Walchensee. Hiking begins virtually at the doorstep, with the Karwendelspitze a classic nearby summit; the gondola offers an easy ride back down afterward.
Winter broadens the possibilities further: three ski areas sit within easy reach. Garmisch (including the Zugspitze glacier), Seefeld and Leutasch. And when snowfall cooperates, the legendary Dammkar descent awaits practically just outside the front door.
Rates
Small apartment from 119 euros per night, the biggest one comes for 289 euros.
Special
Karls is also ideal as an offsite/retreat location. The daytime bar becomes a meeting room, and you have the entire building to yourself. Another great option is a cycling week with friends. Karls is the perfect base for tours on the edge of the mountains.
Booking & Contacts
Karls Mittenwald
Dekan Karl Platz 25
82481 Mittenwald
Germany
