The "Bavarian Sea," which covers 32 square miles, is a remnant of the Ice Age. It was formed by the glaciers that originated in Switzerland at that time. They covered the Inn River Valley and reached down to this area about 10,000 years ago. When the ice receded, the river filled the basin and left a lake. During the summer, people from the area around Munich spend their holidays and weekends here; it's a perfect place for all kinds of water sports. About 125 years ago, King Ludwig II bought one of the three islands to save it from deforestation. He admired France's Sun King and began to build a copy of Versailles castle on this island. It was never completed.

The Großglockner High Alpine Road takes us to the very heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, the largest national park in the European Alps. It was built during an economic crisis in only five years (1930-1935) by more than 3,000 workers. It is said to be a masterpiece of road construction. Crossing zones of climate and vegetation equivalent to those lying between Austria and the Arctic Circle, we find an incredible variety of plants and animals. At the peak of this toll road, we become part of the 1.2 million visitors per year. You will be impressed by the scenery of peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls. The Edelweiss-Spitze offers the best vistas, a spectacular panoramic view of more than thirty peaks of almost 3,000 m (10,000 ft). Pictures and exhibitions will show you how the glacier retreated during the last century.

This area was settled by the Romans in 15 BC. General Nero Claudius Drusus, to whom the name of the first settlement in the area refers to, set up this army camp by the River Isarco. The village founded nearby was called Bauzanum. Since its foundation and elevation to a town over 800 years ago, Bolzano has been a trading point. The main reason for this was its location in between the two major cities of Venice and Augsburg. Four times a year a market was held, and traders came from the south and the north. Therefore, a mercantile magistrate was founded in 1635. Every market season, two Italian and two German officers (appointed from the traders who operated there) worked in this office. The city was a cultural cross point at that time. The city's Italian-Austrian character, enhanced by the narrow cobblestone streets, Habsburg-era churches and pervasive bilingual signage, provide for the unique charm of a city halfway between Italian and Austrian cultures. Together with its natural and cultural attractions, this makes Bolzano a renowned tourist destination. Enjoy the great mixture of the Italian-Austrian lifestyle and cuisine in the wonderful historic centre of Bozen. The archaeological museum in Bozen has the more than 5000 years old Ice Man at display. The "Oetzi" or "Frozen Fritz", as he is called, was found in the mountains right on the Italian-Austrian border. Thanks to his discovery, many secrets of the way of life during his time in history could be revealed.

The name Dolomites is derived from the name of the French geologist, Déodat de Dolomieu. He discovered that the limestone in this area is different in its chemical composition compared to that of the northern limestone area. Special sedimentary rocks form incredibly rough and beautiful formations like Marmolada, Sella and the Tre Cime de Lavaredo. They are the most photographed mountains of the Dolomites. Historically, it is an interesting place. Belonging to the Austrian Monarchy during World War I, the frontline led right through the mountains. Fighting from 1916 to 1919, the soldiers had to stay in the mountains through summer as well as winter. A really tough life! Austria was one of the losers of the war. At the peace treaty of St. Germain in 1919, they agreed to hand Southern Tyrol over to Italy. That leads us to the explanation of the bilingual road signs and village names. You can very easily pick out the former border between Italy and Austria by looking at your map or by reading the signs. Don't be confused if you see village signs in three languages. The third one is Ladinish, spoken by a few people in a small area. Be prepared for an unbelievable ride in an incredible area!

Planned in 1818, the pass road was built within 5 years (1820-1825) by about 2,000 workers. Because of the horse-drawn vehicles of the time, the gradient was limited to a maximum of 11%. At an altitude of 2,758m (9,048 ft), Passo del Stelvio is the highest pass in Italy and the second-highest paved pass of the Alps. With its 48 switchbacks it is a tourist attraction famous all over Europe; a first-class attraction for European riders. You will love it, too!

Gavia Pass is a 2,618 m (8,589 ft) high mountain pass in the Italian Alps. The 43 km (27 mi) pass is located in the Lombardy region and divides the province of Sondrio in the north from the province of Brescia in the south. The road over the pass connects Bormio in the north-west with Ponte di Legno in the south and is a single lane for most of its southern section. The Gavia Pass is often part of the route of the Giro d´Italia road bicycle race and is sometimes designated the Cima Coppi, the highest point of the race. Same as Stelvio, this pass is a first-class attraction for European riders!

The small town (6000 inhabitants) is situated at an altitude of more than 6000 feet. Due to its extremely remote location, in 1805 Napoleon declared the village to be duty-free - hoping that this would help the village's development. This status was not changed until today, making Livigno very attractive for shoppers and skiers.

The only castle built by King Ludwig II that was finished during his lifetime. Also his favorite place and situated in a beautifully landscaped garden. It is located in one of the valleys where the Bavarian kings used to hunt. Built between 1869 and 1879, it resembles a French palace. The King‘s soft spot for the German composer Richard Wagner was expressed in the building called the Grotto, which interprets a scene from the opera Tannhäuser.