Who We Are
Bavaria & Beyond Tours is a small privately owned company operating out of beautiful Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. We specialize in both group & private tours, package travel, and vacation planning to the southern German state of Bavaria and beyond.
All tours are designed with the retiree traveler in mind and can be broken down into two general styles: our "Bavarian” and "Beyond" style tours. The "Bavarian Tours" are often based out of beautiful Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This quaint alpine village is where we call home and makes for the perfect location to explore the region's many world-renowned travel destinations.
In addition the "Beyond Tours" bring guests to new and exciting regions of Europe. The specialty "Beyond Tours” vary from year-to-year and are a great way for returning guests to experience a little something new with each visit.Providing guests with an exceptional experience is not just our goal but our standard. It’s what we strive for with every guest we have had the privilege of hosting and something we achieve through rigorous planning and attention to detail.
All of our tours are planned, promoted, and operated by co-owners Jake Krengel and Pete Smit. From the time you submit your request to the moment your visit ends, Jake and Pete are always there to assist you in any way needed.
We realize that vacation is a special time where memories are made and we would be honored to host you on your European vacation while providing memories to last a lifetime!
Co-owners & Guides
Jake Krengel
Born in St. Cloud, Minnesota and raised in Michigan, Jake's passion for Germany, its language, and culture was seeded in his youth during several visits to extended relatives living there. After studying at the University of Munich (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität) and Grand Valley State University, Jake received his degree in International Relations and German Studies.
Upon graduation, Jake returned to beautiful Bavaria where he guided tours, taught ski lessons, and coordinated a travel program designed for retired members of the U.S. military. While establishing Bavaria & Beyond Tours, he worked atop Germany's highest mountain, The Zugspitze, operating cable cars and guiding tours of the surroundings glaciers. When he’s not with guests, he can be found chasing his 2 year old son around town along with his beautiful Bavarian wife Patricia. Hobbies include ice hockey, soccer, and just about every mountain sport around.
Favorite Quote: “The two most beautiful things in life are the home we are from and the home we discover.” - Johann Heinrich Jung-Stilling
Pete Smit
Pete also hails from the Great Lakes state of Michigan. Born and raised in the lakeside town of St. Joseph, his childhood summers were spent enjoying the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan. Pete graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Finance and a minor in Hospitality Business. After several years spent in Chicago working in Corporate Real Estate, he decided it was time for a change of pace and made his way to Germany! What was supposed to be a year-long adventure quickly turned into over a decade.
Jake and Pete met while guiding tours at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort; a U.S. Department of Defense Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen catering to members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Together, the two of them founded Bavaria & Beyond Tours in 2015. Pete has a passion for history and loves sharing the intriguing stories that make this unique region come to life. During his free time he enjoys traveling, skiing, biking and hiking. He is engaged to his wonderful German fiancée Diana.
Our Story
For decades, the quaint Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen has attracted visitors from around the globe. Following World War II, the U.S. military established several hotels in this relaxing Alpine village, making it a popular R&R destination for U.S. military service members. It is here where the story of Bavaria and Beyond Tours began.
While working as tour guides and ski instructors, Bavaria & Beyond founders Jake and Pete met at one of these popular R&R resorts in beautiful Garmisch-Partenkirchen. After several years spent coordinating and hosting special tours designed for retired members of the US Armed Forces, they were informed that a reinterpretation of the Status of Forces Agreement was forcing this beloved retiree program to be discontinued.
As the tour program drew to a close, they listened to guests' concerns and were moved to action. Inspired by the idea of creating a substitute to fill the void and keep this beloved region easily accessible to military retirees, they got to work establishing what would eventually become Bavaria and Beyond Tours. The new program was founded with the goal of providing worry-free and culturally insightful tours.
The very first tour offered by Bavaria & Beyond got underway in December of 2016 when guests from across the United States gathered for a tour of Bavaria’s most beloved Christmas Markets. The trip was wonderful and a great time was had by all. In the years to follow, Jake and Pete would build upon this initial success, accumulating a wealth of experience and knowledge with each additional tour. Today, they strive to share that knowledge and their passion for history and travel with their guests. Over the years, Bavaria and Beyond has come to truly encompass its name, offering tours not only to Bavaria, but beyond to destinations across Europe!