Ausfllug-Tipps 2
The following is a translation of a day trip recommendation by Peter Schäfermeier from the Süddeutsche Zeitung publication Die Besten Ausflug-Tipps 2. Geigenbau-Museum (Violin-Making Museum) in Mittenwald The art of violin making has been cultivated in Mittenwald since the 17th century. Mathias Klotz (1653–1743) was the first to bring the craft to the Karwendel massif. After having learned his trade in Italy, he worked six years in Padua. Later he was apprenticed to several masters in Allgäu and other parts of Swabia. Instrument-lovers can admire fine examples of Klotz’s work in the museum in Mittenwald, where violins and cellos made by his students and other masters are also on display. In the old workshop on the top floor, visitors are shown how the artisan used maple and pine to fashion violin bodies, necks and tuning pegs. Today, the violin-making tradition in Mittenwald lives on in the town’s internationally renowned violin-making school—the Berufsfachschule für Instrumentenbau (Trade School for Instrument Making), founded by King Maximilian II in 1858. After visiting this fascinating museum, enjoy a meal at the charming local restaurant Gasthof Zum Alten Rathaus (Tel. [08823] 25 07). Geigenbau-Museum, Ballenhausgasse 3, Mittenwald, Tel. (08823) 25 11, is open Mon. to Fri. 10–11:45 am and 2 pm to 4:45 pm, Sat. and Sun. 10 to 11:45 am.