Munich is a great starting point for exploring Bavaria: from here you can easily get to the Alpine beauties. Catch a list of scenic hiking routes near Munich – for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Schliersee
The easiest route in the selection. Lake Schliersee is located just 50 minutes from Munich. It is convenient to get here by train, but be careful: the train going in this direction splits at some point, you need to get into the car in the direction of Bayrischzell (or Schliersee) and get off at the Schliersee stop. You can get around the lake in a couple of hours. And after a walk, you can swim or rent a sap.
Aibsee
To get to the beautiful lake Eibsee, you need to take the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (1 hour 20 minutes), and then by bus (another 20 minutes) – so you will arrive directly to the lake. If you have more time and want to take a longer walk, you can take the same train to Grainau station and walk from there to the lake.
The Eibsee is very impressive: it offers a magnificent view of the highest mountains in Germany, including the highest point – the Zugspitze (2,962 m). The mountain can be reached by funicular. The ticket is not cheap, but it’s definitely worth it.
If you decide to stay by the lake and not go up, you can rent a catamaran.
Oital
Oital is located in the Allgau mountain region, in the south-east of Bavaria. The route runs along the Oibach Creek. You can get here in two and a half hours by train – the Oberstdorf stop. And there you can choose a route: either follow the paths through the forest (it’s especially cool on hot summer days – it’s always cooler in the forest), or on an asphalt road – this way the view of the mountains will be better. The second route is also suitable for those who want to ride bicycles – they can be rented right at the station.
Whichever way you choose, both roads lead to the Birgarten Berggasthof Oytalhaus Oberstdorf, where you can take a break and refresh yourself. And then – either go back to the train station, or continue the walk. Depending on the route chosen, the journey may take from two to five hours.
By the way, in Oberstdorf there is the highest point of this region – Nebelhorn peak (2,224 m). You can climb the mountain by funicular (10 minutes walk from the train station), however, the ticket, as well as on the Zugspitze, is not cheap.
Mittenwald
First you need to get to the city of Mittenwald – it’s about 2 hours by train from Munich. There is a very pleasant atmosphere in the city, here you can admire the old painting of houses in the Bavarian style.
Then move towards the top of Hoher Kranzberg. If the drop of 500 meters does not seem very attractive, we advise you to climb the Kranzbergbahn cable car, and then walk a little further to the top (from the final stop of the cable car to the top – a drop of 150 meters). Upstairs there are sun beds with a magnificent panoramic view of the mountains.
After you have rested, go towards Lake Ferchensee, and then to Lake Lautersee. If you find yourself here in hot weather, we advise you to swim in the lakes: the mountain water is very invigorating and gives strength for further walks. And you can also have a picnic on the lakes: you can buy everything you need in a supermarket in the city (but do not forget that all shops in Germany are closed on Sunday).
Johberg
Take the train towards Kochel and get to the terminal, and then transfer to the bus that will take you to the Kesselberg stop.
From here, follow the signs towards the top of Jochberg. The route we recommend does not include climbing to the summit itself, but passes through Jocheralm. Here you can buy drinks and take a break, and then go down to Walchensee and walk along the lake to the village of Urfeld. There is a nice cafe by the water, where you can wait for the bus that will take you back to the station. The last bus departs around 18:00 pm.
Gindelalmschnaid
If you choose this route, pay attention that it is important to get on the part of the train that goes to Bayrischzell and get off at the Hausham stop.
As soon as you get there, follow the signs in the direction of Gindelalmschneid. Halfway along the route there is a mountain hut Gindelalm, where you can relax. Continue along the route towards Lake Tegernsee, the end of the route is at the Tegernsee station. If you still have the strength and desire, you can go down to the lake itself and spend time there.
It should be noted that this route, unlike others, is not circular: you will arrive in Hausham, and you will leave Tegernsee.
Garmisch-Wank
One of the most difficult but beautiful routes. To get to the first point of the route, take the train to Farchant, and then transfer to the bus to Wankbahn.
The cable car serves as a landmark in this hiking – the route runs along it. First you should go to the top of the Schafkopf: there is a hut where you can rest. After that, go to the endpoint of the Wank vertex. From here you can enjoy a cool view of Garmisch-Partenkirchen – a town that lies in a valley between the mountains.
The nice thing about this route is that if you have reached the middle station and realized that there is no strength to go further, you can climb to the top by funicular.
Herzogstand
is a route with stunning views of two lakes from the top. You can get here as well as to Johberg (see above): train to Kochel, and then by bus. We get off at a station called Herzogstandbahn.
To get to the top, follow the Herzogstand signs. In about two and a half hours you will see the Berggasthaus Herzogstand birgarten, where you can have a snack. About 200 meters above the Birgarten is the peak itself. The view is definitely worth all the effort: from the highest point you will see two lakes – Walchensee and Kohelsee.
After enjoying the views, go down towards Kesselberg. The bus that will take you to the station departs from the village of Urfeld.
Wendelstein
Take the train to Osterhofen (Oberbay) – it is important to get on the car to Bayrischzell. Then we move towards Hochkreuth – in this place you can make the first stop for rest. Then follow the signs to the top of the Wendelstein. Before reaching the highest point (in about 15 minutes) at the funicular station there is a large Wendelstein Haus birgarten – there you can take a breath on the way to the top.
There are a lot of interesting things at the very top: there is an observatory of the University of Munich, a church, and even caves that can be visited for a fee. And, of course, an incredible panoramic view.