Relaxed hiking tours near Garmisch-Partenkirchen with alpaca and donkey

Fancy slowing down with funny selfies? Alpaca tours make it possible

The new trend is hiking with animals. Alongside the llama, the alpaca is right at the top of the list. The fluffy little camels delight young and old alike with their gentle character. The statement "They chill out their lives" sums up their personality best. The Alpsitz alpaca stable near Garmisch-Partenkirchen is home to seven alpacas and offers one- to three-hour hiking tours with the cute little camels. It's just a 15-minute walk from Untergrainau railway station to the meeting point. From Loisachstraße, turn right into "An der Wies", at the end of the road, turn right again into Schmölzstraße. From there, Zigeunerweg 19 with the alpaca stable is only a few minutes' walk away. You can finally start relaxing with your cute companions. The animal selfies are the proof: at the end of the hike, both alpacas and humans are "chilled".

As relaxing as swimming with dolphins

If you are looking for a break from everyday life, an alpaca is just the thing for you - their calming effect is even comparable to that of dolphins. The calm and serenity of the small camels is best transferred to our minds on a trip into nature together.

A relaxed finish with a glass of wine and a mountain panorama

On the way back to the railway station, take the opportunity to stop off at the Schmölzer Wirt. This is where alpine lifestyle meets Bavarian cosiness. On sunny days, the spacious terrace with its marvellous view of the imposing Zugspitze massif invites you to linger. The menu will delight fans of traditional, classic cuisine as well as gourmets who love to experiment. Wine lovers in particular will get their money's worth with the extensive selection of exquisite grape juices. Treat yourself to a glass of wine before taking the ten-minute walk to Untergrainau railway station. To do this, walk from the inn directly to Griesener Straße. From there, after a few metres, turn left into Schmölzstraße before turning right into the street "An der Wies". This street then leads you directly into Loisachstraße, with the railway station on the right-hand side. From there, you can return home feeling full and more relaxed than ever.

Leadership coaching with a difference: travelling with a donkey by the hand

Donkeys are stubborn? Go on tour with him and find out otherwise. There are now even manager seminars with these sensitive long-eared animals. Under the expert guidance of Markus Schuster and his team, the first animal coaching session awaits you at the Schusterhof. The starting point is Starnberg Nord railway station. From there, bus 975 (Monday-Friday) / bus 961 (on Saturdays and Sundays) will take you to the Berger Straße stop in the Percha district. The Bayern-Ticket is valid here. You are now just under ten minutes' walk from the grey animals. Follow Berger Straße and turn left onto Am Mühlweg. This then becomes Mitterfeldweg. As soon as you arrive at number 21, the animal trekking adventure can begin. You can choose between the three-hour half-day tour or the five-hour day tour. Donkeys have the gift of intuitively tuning in to their counterparts and reflecting their state of mind. So make sure you come to the tour in a good mood.

The donkey tour as a lesson in presence and mindfulness

An excursion with donkeys is a lesson in mindfulness and self-reflection. As soon as they sense that they are not being given their full attention, the donkeys quickly take over. These empathic cloven-hoofed animals will only accept genuine leaders at their side; they are allergic to dominance and displays of power and will - quite rightly - put up a stubborn front. If you manage to gain the trust of these cuddly animals of character and adapt to their rhythm, you will be rewarded with a new best friend. But before you can set off on your donkey trek, a basic course is on the programme. In addition to the origin and typical behaviour of the long-eared animals, the focus is on getting to know them for the first time to see which animal suits you best. Only then will you be allowed to conquer the nature trails with your new instructor. And don't forget: The key to a donkey's heart is an authentic demeanour.

Culinary conclusion to the hike

After an eventful donkey adventure, fortify yourself at the Zum Brückenwirt restaurant - simply return via Mitterfeldweg and Am Mühlberg street to Berger Straße. The restaurant is directly on the right-hand side. From homemade soups and hearty meat dishes to fish dishes: Everyone will find something to suit their taste here. From the Berger Straße bus stop, take bus 975 (Monday to Friday) / bus 961 (on Saturdays and Sundays) back to Starnberg Nord station, from where you can start your journey home.