Munich to Tegernsee Hiking the German Alps

A clearing opens before you as you leave the padded forest behind. The sound of goats bleating fades into the distance. You smile, spotting a hut with the white and blue of Bavaria adorning the umbrellas. You have just enough time to recharge your batteries with a refreshing locally brewed Tegernsee beer before beginning the grueling stair climb. Your motivation is the view from the top. The stairway ends at a small chapel with breathtaking panorama views; nestled among the red-roofed houses of Bavaria lays the sparkling lake of Tegernsee. This is hiking in the German Alps and this is a fun day trip from Munich to Tegernsee.

Munich to Tegernsee by Train Hiking the German Alps

Another exciting installment in our Day Trips from Munich series is here! This time we’re heading to the foothills of the German Alps for hiking in the gorgeous Tegernsee. This day trip from Munich to Tegernsee can be done year round, but I’m debuting this post during my favorite season to visit, autumn. Hiking in the Bavarian Alps is a great autumn activity in Germany and truly something special with the trees shining bright shades of orange and yellow and the cool temperatures. I’ll cover a few of my favorite routes, but once you’re in town you’ll be able to plan your own adventure if you choose. The town is incredibly hiker friendly and is well marked from the second you leave the train station. Make sure to stick around to the end because I’ll go over some of the highlights of making this day trip from Munich in the winter too!

Trip Stats Munich to Tegernsee

Length of Time: 6-8 hour day. About 2 hours of transit and about 4-6 hours of hiking, plus lunch!
Skill Level: 20-70 HP, which is a beginner and intermediate trails. Some of these trails are very easy and paved/smooth rock the whole time, some of them are uneven and rocky. Elevation gain ranges from 400-1000 depending on the hike you take.
Options and Cost: The cost of your BOB ticket, if you have more than 2 people in your group, buy the group ticket. It’s 31 Euros and saves your a ton! Bring some extra spending money for beer and lunch.
Seasons: All seasons. Hiking in the spring, summer and autumn and Tobogganing and ice skating in the winter!
Packing List:

• • Small backpack.
  • Water bottle or camelback.
  • Camera.
  • Good walking or trail shoes.
  • Light jacket in the fall. (check the weather for rain)
  • Extra food or snacks, I usually go to Dean and David at the train station and back a sandwich.

Starting Your Day trip from Munich

The day trip from Munich to Tegernsee is a great option for the outdoor lover who needs a break from the city. The train leaves from the Munich Hbf about every 30 min from 5 after. You can find a detailed Timetable here. Head to the train station about 20-30 min before your train leaves, so you can grab some breakfast, coffee, buy your ticket and have plenty of time to find your train. There are plenty of ticketing stations near the platforms with English translation. Buy your BOB or Meridan (only on weekends) group tickets from the station, they also have a kiosk with English speaking attendants to help if you’re scared to navigate the tickets or station on your own. Head toward platforms 23-27, in the back corner. Look for the train that has Tegernsee lit on the front and all aboard! Make sure to load into the front cars that say Tegernsee on them. ***This train splits into three parts and if you’re not on the right compartment you’ll be having a different type of day trip! Tegernsee is your last stop, so sit back and enjoy the views!

Finding Your Tegernsee Hiking Trail

As soon as you leave the train station there’s restrooms and a shop, if you need anything. When you’re ready to start your day, walk along the station toward town and you’ll see a huge billboard with hiking trails and directions on it. You can wing it and plan your day based on this map, or use my guide for help. Pick your trail and look around for the yellow signs on poles. These will be your handy helpers for sticking to the trail and knowing how long and how far you have to go. Here’s the rundown of a few options!

Tegernsee Hiking – Riederstein

• • 9km. 400m.
  • 2.5 hours.
  • Circuit trail.

Probably the easiest hike with the best views. The best bang for your buck, if you will. This trail starts along the paved road before crossing a river continuing to a steady uphill climb. This first part is steep, but with benches and amazing views, it’s all worth it. Keep following the trail as it wraps around the side of the mountain through farmland with adorable baby sheep! After about an hour or more you’ll and some unpaved incline you’ll hit a clearing with that long-awaited beer garden! Grab some brews and enjoy lunch with a view!

After lunch, the real work starts! It’s only 20 minutes, but it’s ALL stairs through the thick lush woods. As with any hike in Bavaria you’re given a friendly reminder of the 15 stations of the cross. I think it’s their way of dealing with the torture of climbing stairs.Once you reach the top, or station 15, you’re rewarded with amazing views of the surrounding Tegernsee area! There’s also a super cute chapel on top. Sign their visitor book for a lasting memory.

The way back down connects with the beer garden then loops around the mountain and connects with the town for a scenic walk around the lake this option is mostly all paved. My tip is to grab another beer at the hut for good measure. Once you are in the town the trail makers will direct you back to the Hbf. The train departs from Tegernsee back to Munich every 20 minutes, but make sure you’re back to the station before 6 or you might not make the day trip back to Munich. Most trains will go direct to Munich, but check the signage on your carriage before sitting down.

Pfliegeleck

• • 8km. 600m.
  • 2.5 hours.
  • Circuit trail.

An alternative to the hike above is my favorite variation. It peaks at Pfliegeleck and has a lot more unpaved wooded trail. You start the trail like normal, as soon as you peak the first steep paved part and viewpoint you’ll see a yellow trail marker sign pointing right into the woods. This trail is a bit more advanced, but it’s more similar to the hiking I am used to. Once you peak, you’ll see a giant cross, as you do in Bavaria. From here the trail continues down a paved trail, which will turn back into unpaved elevation before meeting up with the beer garden. Continue up to the chapel for your panorama views.

Take a different way down for some extra variety. Once you reach the beer garden go straight down the little valley toward the town. Be careful though as you’re walking right through a herd of Alpine cattle and this trail has loose gravel! The cattle are friendly, but you’ll want to stay out of their way and give them space.

Continue through the town to the train station.

Tegernsee to Schliersee

• • 13km. 520m.
  • 4 hours.
  • One Way.

This route is for those who aren’t a fan of the circuit route and is a good intermediate level hike. The trail takes you over the spine of the small mountain area from one town the next. The start of this trail is the opposite of the other two. So, when you exit the train in Tegernsee you’ll need to turn to the left instead of the right and follow trail markings for this. The town you end up in is called Hausham. This hike has scenic views of both Tegernsee and Schliersee, so you can check out two lakes spotted with the adorable red houses of Bavaria. You can use your BOB ticket all day for any transportation, so you can easily catch the BOB or Meridan back to Munich from Hausham station.

Day trip from Munich to Tegernsee, in the Winter

You’ll want to add a lot of winter gear onto your packing list including, hats, boots, gloves, jackets and snow pants if you can get your hands on some.

This is something I have yet to personally experience, even though I’ve had several summers and autumn adventures in Tegernsee. This year I am waiting anxiously for the snowfall so I can update and share my adventures with you. The best thing about most day trips from Munich is they can be enjoyed year round. The Bavarians don’t let a little snow stop them from having fun. As soon as you exit the snowy train station follow the trail for our first hiking trip Riederstein. Yes, this involves a bit of hiking in the snow, but don’t worry the trails are well groomed and manageable! Once you’re at the top 4 Euros will get you a ride down in the toboggan or snow tube! Enjoy fast-paced snow filled ride to the bottom. Make sure to grab their famous fondue or hot chocolate to warm up before catching the train home!

Want More Day Trips?

Don’t miss  and Day Trip from Munich to Andechs Monastery

If Munich isn’t your final destination check out 7 Reasons to Visit Hamburg You won’t be sorry you did!

Check out More Autumn Beauty Around the World!

I hope you enjoy our day trip from Munich to Tegernsee. Before you go make sure to check out Mexatia’s post on how to spend Autumn in Zagreb! You’ll also find tons more places to see the autumn beauty around the world thanks to our Travel Blogger Link Party! Are you a blogger? Join the Party!