Tegernsee: Favorite Spot South of Munich
Just one hour south of Munich lies a place that combines everything I love: nature, relaxation, movement, and indulgence.
Tegernsee isn’t just a beautiful lake, it’s a full experience. Whether you prefer a glass of champagne by the water, a luxury spa day, or a quiet hike to a mountain peak, you’ll find it all here.
How to Get to Lake Tegernsee
By Train: The easiest and most scenic way to get there is with the Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB). Trains run regularly from Munich Central Station and take about 1 hour to reach Tegernsee. Train info and tickets: https://www.brb.de
Tip: Sit on the right side of the train for lake views as you arrive.
By Car: Take the A8 Munich–Salzburg motorway, exit at Holzkirchen or Irschenberg, then follow signs toward Gmund and Tegernsee.
Parking: Available near Tegernsee station, along the lake promenade, or at Seestraße Nord. During peak season, arrive early, spaces fill up fast.
Alternative: Park in Gmund and hop on the Tegernsee ferry to cruise across the lake to Tegernsee town.
Tegernsee: Favorite Spots & Hidden Gems
Riederstein: A Short Hike with a Huge Payoff
If you’re looking for a spot that offers maximum views with minimal effort, Riederstein is it.
This small peak above Lake Tegernsee is one of my absolute favorite places: a tiny chapel perched on a rock, offering a view that will leave you speechless.
From Tegernsee into the Sky
The most popular route starts at the Galaun Hut, located above Tegernsee Abbey. Want more of a workout? Start from town and take the Prinzenweg trail, it adds about an hour of hiking through peaceful forests and lush terrain. From the Galaun Hut, the hike to the top takes about 30 to 45 minutes. It’s steep but short and every step is worth it.
The Trail 570 Steps to Magic
The final stretch begins in the forest and leads up roughly 570 stone steps carved into the mountainside. At the summit, you’ll feel like you’re standing closer to the sky.
Pure panorama: the shimmering lake below, snow-capped peaks on the horizon, and only the sound of the wind surrounding you.
Geology to Admire
Riederstein is part of the Flysch zone a geological formation made up of limestone and marl, shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age.
The result: dramatic cliffs, narrow ridgelines, and a landscape that looks straight out of a painting.
Pro tip: Hike early in the morning to catch the magical Alpenglow the pink-orange light that touches the Alps at sunrise.
Insider Tips
• Sunrise over sunset, fewer people, more magic.
• Pack coffee and a slice of cake from a local bakery, your perfect summit picnic.
Insider Tips
Come early in the morning or after lunch the silence and light make it a truly peaceful experience.
Sacred History by the Lake
Founded in 746 AD, Tegernsee Abbey with over 1,200 years of spiritual and cultural history became a major Benedictine monastery. Today, the Wittelsbach royal family still owns the complex, preserving its legacy.
Inside the ChurchBeauty & Stillness: ornate stucco ceilings, gilded altars, soft light filtering through historic stained glass.
The church holds the relics of Saint Quirinus, brought from Rome in the 8th century. He’s still honored as the lake’s patron saint.
Fan fact: The monks once brewed their own beer here, a tradition that lives on through the Tegernsee brewery next door. When you drink a Tegernseer, you’re sipping centuries of brewing history.
My Rating: 9.5/10
A relatively short hike with stunning views of the Tegernsee, offering both a rewarding nature experience and a bit of Bavarian history at the chapel. The views and serenity at the summit are unparalleled. The 570 steps to the top might be a challenge, but it’s well worth the effort.
Best Time to Visit:
Summer (June–September): Swimming, hiking, lakeside cafés, and Waldfeste
Autumn (October): Stunning colors, cozy alpine huts
Winter (December–March): Cross-country skiing, spas, snowshoeing
Spring (April–May): Scenic walks, fewer tourists
Things to Avoid
• Weekends without reservations, plan ahead!
• Inappropriate hiking gear, wear proper shoes
• Swimming outside marked zones
Photos and text by: Instagram: @waldmomente
Facebook: Forest Moments With Lissi
I’ve never had the chance to visit Tegernsee, but the charm and natural beauty shown here have completely won me over. It’s definitely going on my list of future travel destinations!😍😍
Tegernsee wow! You made me want to visit it in the future.🥰