24 EU BUSINESS NEWS / German Business Awards 2022 , A butcher from Munich named Hans Hofman founded Karwendelbahn in 1954, Germany’s second highest mountain cableway. Mount Karwendel was already attracting a lot of visitors over 100 years ago, with hikers, climbers, and skiers coming in droves – and the idea to build a cableway suggested itself. We take a look at the story of Karwendelbahn and what draws travellers there. On 7th June 1967, the first gondola lift made its way up the mountain – a decade later than it was supposed to. The cableway was originally planned to open in 1957 and construction costs were estimated at 2.5 million German Mark. However, right in the middle of the construction process, the difficult terrain meant the costs soared way beyond the budget. The state held back the loan guarantee and building came to a halt in 1958, with the project almost failing. But the mayor at the time, Josef Brandner and the treasurer kept fighting for the construction. Finally, the cost of $5.2 million was shared across a few banks, construction companies, and committed citizens. For over 50 years, Karwendelbahn has been transporting visitors by cableway, as well as delighting and entertaining them on a dramatic mountain viewpoint, whether it’s with summer or winter hiking, climbing, skiing on Dammkar slope, free guided panorama tours, or breath-taking views of Isar Valley through a giant telescope from its nature information centre. For those who are looking to stay for in the stunning Alpine peaks of Bavaria for a bit, they have the option to book from a choice of four holiday apartments. Modern, bright, tastefully decorated, and functional, each apartment sits in a beautiful, quiet hillside location on the edge of the Mittenwald village, offering panoramic views via a sunny balcony. And there’s no denying that hiking and skiing is hungry work! That’s why Karwendelbahn welcomes visitors to its mountain restaurant which serves everything from a light meal or coffee with a slice of homemade cake to a hefty roast pork and freshly drafted beer. The Sep22625 venue also provides the perfect space for events and celebrations including weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and conferences. Karwendelbahn offers the opportunity to get married on a mountain, with a decorated gondola taking the happy couple up to the registry office that’s 2,244 metres above sea level. Along with their guests, they will be able to enjoy a heavenly view, as if on cloud nine, of Mittenwald, Isar Valley, and sparkling lakes. Up to 200 guests can fit in the restaurant, and another 80 on the sun terrace. The Karwendelbahn team will also prepare catering according to guests’ wishes, whether they’d like a traditional weißwurst breakfast or a five-course menu ranging from traditional cabin flair to an elegant dinner. Guests aren’t confined to the restaurant, either; everyone is invited to take part in a range of activities, whether visiting the nature information centre, or taking a short walk along the panorama circular route. After that, dessert will taste even better! Then, what could be better for a professional team looking to get away from the office to regroup? Getting out in nature, of course! Karwendel provides the optimal location to get some fresh air and gain a new perspective. Individuals can clear their heads on a panorama walk or get together in the restaurant or sun terrace to share ideas. Equipment available includes a 100 m² room with seats for up to 88 people (without tables) with extensive technical features (overhead projector with video attachment, flipchart, canvas, video recorder, slide projector, projector, room acoustic irradiation, mobile music system for up to 150 people, and wireless microphone). Ultimately, travellers can’t get enough of Karwendelbahn, with one person commenting, “This is a must-see attraction in Mittenwald. The gondola ride to the top is quick and reasonably priced, and the views from the top of the mountain are spectacular. Lots of hiking trails as well.” Company: Karwendelbahn AG. Website: karwendelbahn.de Best Mountain Resort 2022 - Upper Bavaria
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