Reit im Winkl, Alpine village in Bavaria, Germany
Reit im Winkl lies in the Chiemgau Alps at an elevation of around 700 meters (2,300 feet) above sea level, close to the Austrian border and surrounded by forested slopes. The municipality spreads across several valleys and is framed by peaks such as Winklmoos-Alm and Hausberg.
The first written mention dates to the 13th century, when the area was opened for agriculture through forest clearing. After King Maximilian II visited in 1858, the settlement gradually developed into a tourism destination.
The name comes from Middle High German meaning cleared land in a corner angle of the mountains, pointing to early forest management by farmers. In the village center several wooden houses with painted facades and carved balconies give the area its characteristic look.
The federal road B305, part of the German Alpine Road, connects the settlement with larger cities in the area and continues toward Austria. The nearest international airport is in Salzburg, roughly 56 kilometers (35 miles) away, with regular bus connections into the region.
In 2012 the settlement became the first municipality in Germany to receive Premium Winter Trails Certification, a result of reliable snow conditions and well-groomed cross-country ski trails. The trails lead through quiet forests and across open plateaus that often hold a continuous snow cover for weeks in winter.
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