Munich to Tegernsee, Germany – Hiking in the German Alps

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Are you curious about one of the best places to hike near Munich? The Tegernsee region is an ideal destination for those seeking an approachable and accessible hike as an easy day trip from Munich. Hiking in Tegernsee was my first hiking experience in the German Alps, and it helped build my confidence, sparking almost a decade of hiking and a deep affinity for the mountains around Munich. 

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 a day of hiking in the gorgeous Tegernsee. This 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 indeed, something special, with the trees shining in bright shades of orange and yellow, accompanied by cool temperatures. I’ll cover a few of my favorite routes, but once you’re in town, you can plan your adventure.

After your hike, I’ll suggest fun things to do in Tegernsee. The town is incredibly hiker-friendly, and the trails are well-marked from 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!

A clearing opens before you as you leave the padded, misty forest. The crisp autumn air feels good as you take a deep breath; the orange and yellow autumn leaves break up the green foliage. You smile, spotting a hut with the white and blue of Bavaria adorning the umbrellas.

You have enough time to recharge your batteries with a refreshing locally brewed Tegernsee beer before beginning the grueling stair climb (or, if you are sensible, you could save the beer for later – ahah). Your motivation is the view from the top. The stairway ends at a small chapel with breathtaking panoramic views; nestled among the red-roofed houses of Bavaria lies the sparkling lake of Tegernsee. 

This is the perfect option for the third day of my sustainable itinerary for Munich, which allows you to experience the best of the city while also exploring its natural surroundings.

Munich to Tegernsee Overview

What to Expect

Plan for a 6-8 hour day, including 2 hours of transit and 4-6 hours of hiking, plus lunch!

There are plenty of hiking options in Tegernsee, ranging from wide, flat gravel trails suitable for beginners to intermediate trails that are rocky and wind through the forest. Elevation gain ranges from 400 to 100 meters.  

After your hike, save some time to explore the traditional town of Tegernsee for its Bavarian charm, take a dip in the Tegernsee at one of the beaches, or grab a beer at the local brewery. 

Tegernsee Trip Cost

Your train ticket will cost between 17 and 32 Euros, depending on whether you bought a group or single-day ticket. 

Bring extra cash for beer at the hut, lunch, and any other expenses. I recommend having 50 Euros in cash on hand.

When to Visit Tegernsee

The hiking season in Tegernsee is from April to October. You may encounter snow in early April or late October, so be prepared with hiking spikes if necessary. 

Summer is quite hot in Tegernsee. It’s great for swimming in the lake, but be sure to dress for the heat. 

My favorite time to visit is late September, when the temperatures are a bit cooler, and the leaves are starting to turn colors. If you want a great day trip from Oktoberfest to get out in nature, hiking in Tegernsee is an excellent choice. I took a group of friends here after they came for Oktoberfest, and we had a great time. 

Tegernsee offers a variety of winter activities, including skiing, sledding, and a Christmas market. So, you can visit at any time of the year. 

What to Pack for a Tegernsee Hiking Adventure

What you pack differs based on the weather and conditions on the day of your trip. Temperatures in summer can easily reach 30°C, spring comes with a lot of rain, while in the summer you can expect ideal weather, and in winter, make sure you pack winter clothing, gloves, and hats.

Some ideas to get you started:

• Wool socks are essential for keeping feet warm and dry.
• Reusable coffee cup and water bottle
• Hiking day backpack for men and a hiking day bag for women
• Don’t forget the water reservoir
• Hiking pants, SPF hiking hoodie, and a shirt for men (we love the Sahara line!)
• Hiking pants, SPF hiking hoodie, and a shirt for women (we love the Sahara line!)
• Reef safe sunscreen
• Your favorite hiking boots or shoes, like Salomon waterproof trail runners for women or waterproof trail runners
• Camera
• Sunglasses
• Swimmers (summer)
• Layers like a high-quality rain jacket Arc’teryx waterproof products paired with a nano puff for women or men or a technical fleece for women or men.

Pack your hat, gloves, snow pants, winter jacket, and snow boots. For more tips, check out my winter packing guide for Munich’s Christmas Markets. 

Munich to Tegernsee by Train

Getting to Tegernsee from Munich is super easy with a direct train. Catch the BRB 57 regional train from the Munich Hauptbahnhof. This train runs about every 30 minutes and departs from platforms 23-27, in the back corner, but check the timetables before departing. 

This route is very affordable. If you’re hiking with friends, you can easily get the Bayern Hopper Ticket for about 17 euros or a group day ticket for about 32 Euros to get a great deal on your transportation.

Buy your tickets at the train station and ensure you are covered by Zone 7. Arrive 20-30 minutes before your train leaves, buy the tickets from the ticketing machine, get breakfast or coffee, and get a seat on board. These trains leave promptly on time, as Munich is the end station. 

I recommend leaving after 9:00 a.m. to take advantage of these ticket deals, as you’ll still have plenty of time for hiking. 

Look for the train with Tegernsee lit on the front. Make sure to load into the front cars that say Tegernsee.

IMPORTANT: This train splits into three parts, and if you’re not in the right compartment, you’ll have a different type of day trip! Tegernsee is the last stop where you will disembark, so sit back and enjoy the views!

Best Hikes in Tegernsee

Just as you disembark the train, there are restrooms and a little shop if you need anything. When you’re ready to start your day, walk along the station toward town and see a huge billboard with hiking trails and directions. 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 the poles. These will be your handy helpers for sticking to the trail and knowing how long and far you must go. Here’s the rundown of a few options!

Tegernsee Hiking – Riederstein (Easy/Medium)

It’s probably the easiest hike with the best views – the best bang for your buck, if you will. You walk about 15-20 minutes from the train station along the paved road to the trailhead. Shortly after you cross the Alpbach, a small river channel, you will come to the official start of the trail. From here, the hike is on a continuous heady incline.

• 9km
• 500m
• 3-4 hours
• Circuit trail

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 hit a clearing with that long-awaited biergarten, Berggasthaus Riederstein.

Now, the real work starts. It is only about 20 minutes from the Biergarten to the summit near a charming chapel, 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 so you feel solidarity with Jesus.

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, the Reidersteinkapella. Sign their visitor book for a lasting memory and enjoy the view.

The way back down connects back with the Biergarten. I suggest enjoying a refreshing Helles and grabbing lunch at the Gasthaus. Once you’ve had lunch, continue the circuit that loops around the other side of the mountain. We deviated a bit from the AllTrails path here and, not far after Leeberghof, dropped down to walk along the lake, following a paved pedestrian path.

Once you are in the town, the trail makers will direct you back to the Hbf.

Tegernsee Hiking – Pfliegeleck – my top choice

The route I suggest ends differently from the AllTrail route. Follow their guide for a shorter hike, or try my suggestion. But, AllTrails shows where the wooded portion of Pfliegeleck starts, which is the key part.

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

An alternative to the hike above, taking the Pfliegeleck route is my favorite variation. The forest hike I did in Tegernsee sold me enough to keep me returning.

It peaks at Pfliegeleck and has a lot more unpaved wooded trails. You start the trail like normal; as soon as you peak at 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 summit, you’ll see a giant cross, a sign you are hiking in Bavaria and reached a summit point. From here, the trail continues down a paved trail, returning to the unpaved elevation before meeting Berggasthaus Riederstein. Continue up to the chapel for your panorama views.

Take a different route down for some extra variety. Once you reach the beer garden, go straight down the little valley toward the town. Be careful as you walk 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 along the lake to the train station.

Enjoy Tegernsee

For the above two hikes, take some time to enjoy lovely Tegernsee as you come through the town. I suggest stopping at the brewery and monastery of Kloster Tegernsee for another beer. If it’s a hot sunny day, walk along the lake and dip at the Strand (beach) near the train station.

When ready, head back to the train departing from Tegernsee to Munich every 20 minutes. However, make sure you’re back at the station before six, 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.

On weekends and busy sunny days, the trains can get very full!

Not interested in hiking but still want to visit Tegernsee?

Check out these fun private guided walking tours to enjoy the lake and charm of Tegernsee with insider knowledge!

Hiking in Tegernsee – Tegernsee to Schliersee (Most Challenging)

This route is for those who prefer something other than 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 to the next. The start of this trail is the opposite of the other two. So, when you exit the train in Tegernsee, you must turn to the left instead of the right and follow the trail markings.

• 12km
• 550m
• 4 hours
• One Way

This hike offers scenic views of Tegernsee and Schliersee, two lakes dotted with Bavaria’s adorable red houses. From the start of the trail, you’ll immediately encounter most of your elevation, with a steep incline and switchbacks through a nice forested and rocky trail.

Eventually, you’ll come to Berggasthof Neureuth, where you can grab food or beer or enjoy the incredible views. The tail gets a little easier from here as you traverse the spine. Gindelalm is your next landmark, an alpine hut with refreshments (did someone say more beer?).

Continue as you traverse the mountain and eventually begin your descent into Schliersee. If you want a longer and more challenging hike, alternative routes will take you to Hausham.

Explore Schliersee walking along the lake or checking out the town. If you have a day ticket for zone 7, you can get on any train departing from Schliersee or Hausham and return to Munich.

Tegernsee in Winter

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.

I have yet to personally experience all of Tegernsee in winter, even though I’ve had several summer and autumn adventures there. My partner went on a work winter trip to Tegernsee and had a blast. 

 As soon as you exit the snowy train station, follow the trail for your 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’ve reached the Gasthaus, about 4 Euros will get you a toboggan. Follow the designated toboggan route for a fast-paced, snow-filled ride to the bottom. 

For more tobogganing ideas, check out my favorite route in the German Alps. 

• Grab fondue or hot chocolate to warm up before catching the train home!
• If Tobogganing isn’t your thing, bring snowshoes on many of the area’s trails for a snowy hike. 
• Every Advent weekend, there is also an adorable Christmas market in the Tegernsee region.

Where to Stay in Munich

As someone who has lived in Munich for seven years and has visited as a tourist five times, I have stayed in many hotels.

I’ve stayed in all these hotels and highly recommend any of them.

• Royal Bavarian for a lavish only-in-Munich experience
• Flushing Meadows for the independent hipster traveler
• Schwan Lock is for those who want to visit Munich like a local or need remote workspace
• Living Hotel Viktualienmarkt for the sustainable traveler who wants a central hotel

Comment and Share

Tegernsee is a great day trip from Munich, where you can enjoy hiking in the German Alps. As a lower elevation area, the hikes here are approachable and beginner-friendly, with well-marked trails and many chances for a beer in a mountain hut. Follow one of my three favorite hiking routes, or choose your adventure for hiking in Tegernsee. After, take time to enjoy the charming town of Tegernsee or go for a swim in the lake.

Would you visit Tegernsee in summer for hiking or in winter for sledding and snowshoeing?

No matter what you choose, traveling to Tegernsee from Munich by train will be a great experience!

Looking for more day trips from Munich? Pin these posts for later so you have all my local insider tips for fun and sustainable day trips. * This post was originally published in 2016 and has since been updated.

• Munich to Starnberg for history and lake adventures
• Munich to Andechs Monastery for nature and beer
• Munich to Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain
• Munich to Dachau concentration camp
• Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle