
Escape to the Hidden Gem and one of the Most beautiful Lakes in Bavaria, where serene waters of Walchensee meet Bavarian Alps. Walchensee is situated between the mountains Herzogstand and Heimgarten in the Bavarian Alps in Germany. Join me on a day trip to Walchensee where the Breathtaking Landscape and crystal-clear water and majestic mountains meet.
How to Reach the Lake Walchensee from Munich
Beauty of Walchensee is that you can reach there either via Hiking or by Bus because of the well-connected route, making it enjoyable to everyone depending on your preference. Munich is well connected to the area and therefore you can take multiple routes there.
- Via Public Transport (Train and Bus):
The cheapest way to go to Walchensee is with 49 Euro monthly Deutschland Ticket. Because direct booking from DB navigator app can cost you up to 19,40 Euro. Because of Deutschland ticket your Train as well as Bus expenses are covered. The total journey is around 1 hour 40 minutes in time.
Tip: Keep the QR ticket for Deutschland ticket ready with screenshot because you can enter the bus only after showing the ticket.
- Starting from Munich Hauptbahnhof you have to take the RB 66 train to Kochel
- From Kochel you have to take the Bus 9608 to Walchensee Herzogstandbahn
- From Walchensee Herzogstandbahn the lake is at walking distance with many Restaurants and Gardens on the way.

2. Via Car:
Distance from Hauptbahnhof to Walchensee Herzogstandbahn is around 83 km. The car takes about 1 hour 24 minutes to complete the journey. There is available pay and park near Herzogstandbahn costing 3 Euro.

Top 5 Activities to do at Walchensee:
Because of its location there are a lot of activities to do around the lake. The top five things to do at Walchensee are listed below, along with more information:
- The Herzogstand Cable Car:
Also known as Herzogstandbahn, offers a quick and scenic ride from the valley station to the summit of Herzogstand mountain, covering a distance of approximately 1.3 kilometers in about 7 minutes. If you don’t want to hike up to the destination, this is the perfect option. The cable car operates during the spring to autumn seasons, and visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Walchensee and the surrounding Bavarian Alps during the ascent.
As for the pricing, a round-trip ticket on the Herzogstand Cable Car was approximately €22 for adults. However, it’s recommended to check the following official website Herzogstand Cable car or contact the cable car operator for the most up-to-date pricing information and to confirm the operating hours, as they may vary depending on the season. The cable car ride provides a convenient and time-saving way to reach the summit of Herzogstand mountain, allowing visitors to soak in the stunning views and explore the beautiful landscapes of the Walchensee area.

2. Swimming and water activities:
The crystal-clear waters of Walchensee are ideal for swimming. Numerous designated swimming areas are available at the lake, making for a revitalizing experience. You can also engage in other water activities like sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding (depending upon the season). You can rent equipment from nearby rental businesses, enabling you to take advantage of the lake’s exciting water activities while exploring the stunning surroundings.

3. Walking through nature and hiking:
The area around Walchensee is a hiker’s dream. There are many beautiful trails in the area, with options for hikers of all abilities. The Walchensee Panorama Trail is a well-liked choice because it provides breath-taking views of the lake and the surrounding Alps. The Herzogstand-Benediktenwand Loop is another noteworthy trail that rewards hikers with expansive views and verdant forests. Herzogstand is 11Km in length and 914 m in elevation taking on average 5 hours to complete. Check out Herzogstand from Walchensee for complete details of the trail.


4.Mountain biking and cycling:
Enthusiasts will love the opportunities that Walchensee has to offer. The well-paved roads that circle the lake offer a beautiful route for leisurely rides. It’s 25,4 km (~15,8 miles) and takes about 2 hours. There are mountain biking trails that wind through the nearby hills and forests for more daring riders, providing an exhilarating experience amidst nature.
5. Photography and relaxation:
Walchensee’s scenic surroundings make it a top choice for photographers. With its azure waters and breathtaking mountain backdrop, the lake offers countless opportunities for taking memorable photos. You will be motivated by the beautiful landscapes whether you are a professional photographer or just like to capture memories with your camera or smartphone. Additionally, Walchensee has a number of peaceful areas where you can unwind, read a book, have a picnic, or just take in the peaceful ambiance.
Before engaging in these activities, be sure to check the weather, safety precautions, and any applicable local laws or restrictions.




Food and Restaurants nearby:
There are a lot of small Kiosks nearby the Walchensee route, also lots of Restaurants on the way, however most of them
- Have very specific opening time mostly open for Breakfast.
- Better to pack lunch and drinks from home itself.
- If that is not possible, It is also advisable to get the drinks or food near the Train station Kochel Bahnhof.
We ate at a local small restaurant near Kochel Bahnhof called “Dallmayr” as we did not see any open restaurants near Walchensee. The Restaurant/ Café was beautiful and easy on wallet and had variety of food from Beverages, to full meals such as Coffee, Tea, Beer, Wine, Pasta, Soups, Pizzas etc.




Author:
Siddhi
Masters Student
TU Munich
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddhi-raskar-459179137

