My family loves this gorgeous hike! It begins at one scenic lake (Schliersee) and then climbs up and down through the mountains to reach a second lake (Tegernsee). While the trail isn’t technically difficult, it’s long enough and steep enough at times to feel like an epic journey. Scenery on the hike varies from both deciduous and pine forests to picturesque towns and high mountain meadows. Throughout the roughly eight miles, there are incredible views of the mountains and the Bavarian countryside.
Where: The hike is located in the Bavarian Prealps, or Voralpen, a mountain range south of Munich. In this stunning region, verdant farmland flows into lake-strewn foothills and then the towering Alps along the German-Austrian border. As in most Alpine regions, the Bavarian Prealps are crisscrossed by hiking trails and dotted with mountain alms, or huts, that offer food and drink (and bathrooms) to weary hikers.
Schliersee to Tegernsee Hike Report:
Schliersee is both a lake and a small mountain town of around 7,000 people. From the train station, follow signs to the lake. Turn right to walk east on the path along the lake, following the yellow signs pointing to Tegernsee via Kreuzbergalm. There are different ways to combine trails to reach Tegernsee–this hike gets you there via the lovely Kreuzbergalm (so at this point, focus on following directions for signs pointing to Kreuzbergalm, not Tegernsee).
Once you leave the lake, you’ll walk through the streets of Schliersee, eventually transitioning to a road that leads out of town towards the mountains. The road becomes more rugged as you enter a deciduous forest and begin an increasingly difficult ascent. Eventually, the road becomes a rocky trail that opens up at a mountain meadow. From there, about ten minutes of climbing will take you to the Kreuzbergalm, where you can stop for food, rest, and spectacular views all the way back to Schliersee. Buy a slice of their delicious cherry cake and thank me for the tip!
When you’re ready to resume the hike, you’ll follow the yellow signs to Tegernsee. After a steep descent, you’re in for about 20-30 minutes of intense climbing. Fortunately, you can enjoy more beautiful views as you stop to catch your breath! All the climbing leads to a stretch of mountain meadows that will make you feel like Maria von Trapp from The Sound of Music.
From this point, you’ll start descending the mountain. You’ll pass the Neureuth Berggasthof, a mountain restaurant offering the first views of Tegernsee. From Neureuth, we walk the “Sommerweg” path that cuts through meadows before entering a pine forest. (The descent through the pines can be tricky at times.)
When you reach the outskirts of Tegernsee, there’s no single path that takes you to the train station. Continue following signs and, if possible, use an online map to help you find it.
Getting There
Because the trail starts and ends at two different lakes, it works best to use the train to get there and back. From the main Munich train station (Hauptbahnhof), take the BOB train to Schliersee. To get back to Munich, you’ll catch the train from the Tegernsee station. You can also hike in the opposite direction–from Tegernsee to Schliersee–but we think it’s more fun and a little less complicated to start at Schliersee.
The Bayern Ticket allows unlimited single-day travel throughout Bavaria (and a little bit beyond). It also offers discounted prices for groups of up to five people and allows children up to age 14 to travel free of charge.
Hiking with Kids
The trails are wide with no steep drop offs. However, since the hike is long and the ascents can be strenuous at times, don’t try the hike if your child isn’t an experienced hiker or you aren’t able to carry your child comfortably in a backpack for a good part of the time. Take plenty of breaks to rest, and make the most of your time at the Kreuzbergalm!
While You’re There
Former Olympic alpine skiing champion Markus Wasmeier runs the Markus Wasmeier Freilichtmuseum, a popular open air museum, in his hometown of Schliersee. Visitors can tour a number of historic buildings and learn about long-ago life in rural Bavaria.
