Pfarrkirche St. Peter und Paul
At the far end of Mittenwald's Obermarkt, the tower of St. Peter und Paul announces itself before you reach it — not just by height, but by colour. Matthäus Günther's illusionistic frescoes wrap the tower's upper stages in painted stone frames, Peter and Paul frozen mid-gesture in a triumphal arch that exists only in pigment.
Step inside and the ceiling opens up into Günther's full programme: angels working stringed instruments overhead — lutes, violas da gamba, violins — a nod to the town's other obsession. Look closely at the back of the high altar and you'll find Matthias Klotz's name scratched into the wood by the violin maker himself.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who come back tend to time a visit for the Monday afternoon church tour, when the interior gets explained rather than just admired. The organ — 29 registers, mechanical action, built by Bernhardt Edskes in 1999 — occasionally sounds during rehearsals, and the acoustics in the hall church are worth catching.
The story behind Pfarrkirche St. Peter und Paul
A church on this site was recorded as early as 1315, though what stands today is an 18th-century reinvention. Between 1738 and 1740, master builder Joseph Schmuzer raised the current structure — a late Baroque hall church with a recessed choir that preserves the proportions of an earlier Gothic predecessor. The tower followed in 1746, and the whole was consecrated on 23 June 1749.
The interior decoration came from Augsburg fresco painter Matthäus Günther, whose 1742 altar painting depicts the church's twin patrons and whose ceiling programme unfolds across choir and nave. The building has been under monument protection — Denkmalschutz — ever since, and the Jakobsweg pilgrimage route still passes directly by its door.
Good to know
The church sits on Matthias-Klotz-Straße, a short walk from Mittenwald Bahnhof with direct trains to Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Doors are open daily 08:00–18:00 (verify with the parish at 08823/92290). Entry is free; guided tours run Monday at 17:15.
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What travellers say about Pfarrkirche St. Peter und Paul
Stunning church located in Mittenwald. This is a must see. The painting on the outside of the church is beautiful, but the inside of the church is just stunning. Amazing artwork on the ceilings. Beautiful altar. The church dates back to 1315 and was reconstructed between 1738 and 1740 in late baroque style. The stunning frescos were painted by Matthaus Gunther (renowned Augsburg artist). The high altar was made with Veronese red marble. There are name plaques on the pews which is common in Bavarian and Tyrolean churches. They are reserved pews and were purchased or rented as a way to support the parish financially. Now it is open seating, but they keep these as historic reminders. I thought this was very interesting. We really enjoyed our visit.
Amazing and Beautiful Kirche surrounded by the beautiful mountains… The architecture inside the Kirche is attractive and really loved the vibe of this Kirche. The entry is free and one can easily walk to this place from the main train station. Recommended from my side 10/10…
Beautiful church in the town of Mittenwald. Free entry. Very quiet but very beautiful. Candles not available for lighting.
A very nicely decorated church with free entry. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to see such amazing inner details inside the church for a very small town here in Germany. However, it managed to surprised me with its beauty 😍 You should definitely walk in to see this when you're already in Mittenwald.
Free to enter, and recommend seeing the beautiful paintings on ceiling, and (in December) nativity scene near the front.
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