Hikes near Munich: Your fall excursion from the city to the mountains

You're in Munich and have perhaps just completed one of our exciting city tours. You've seen the city, soaked up the culture, and now you're wondering: What next? The answer is quite simple: Get out into nature! Autumn is the best time for a hike, especially when the forests around the Isar and the foothills of the Alps are bathed in a spectacular play of colors in gold, orange, and red. Munich not only has architectural masterpieces and beer gardens to offer, but is also located in the middle of a true hiking paradise. The clear autumn air ensures particularly wide views – a real highlight after the hustle and bustle of the city.

Convenient: Hiking near Munich by train

The best thing about the tours around the Bavarian capital is the stress-free journey. We'll show you how to reach the most beautiful places without having to search for a parking space.

The classics in the Alpine foothills

A simple train ticket opens the door to real mountain peaks and spectacular autumn landscapes.

The classic lakes: Herzogstand (1,731 m) and Walchensee. Take the regional train to Kochel am See. From there, you can decide whether you can start a sporty hike up the Herzogstand for a fantastic view of the lake, or you can take the mountain railway. The panoramic views of Walchensee and Kochelsee, framed by colorful autumn forests, are breathtaking and definitely worth the trip. Getting there by train is easy and ideal for an active day trip.
The challenging hike: Head to Benediktenwand (1,801 m). Take the BOB (Bayerische Oberlandbahn) train directly to Lenggries. From here, you can start your hike to the Tutzinger Hütte and continue on to Benediktenwand. This is a longer but incredibly rewarding fall hike. The clear visibility in autumn rewards you with a 360-degree view of the Bavarian Alps. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring enough food and drink!

For mountain enthusiasts: Experience the Wendelstein

The scenic route: To the Wendelstein (1,838 m). The Wendelstein is one of the most famous peaks and is easily accessible via the BOB to Brannenburg station. You can either hike up (a moderately difficult climb) or take the historic cog railway or cable car to the top. Once at the top, you can take a short hike along the Panorama Trail and marvel at the colorful landscape from a bird's eye view.

Easy hikes near Munich for connoisseurs and those in a hurry

Are you looking for a relaxing outing, a short hike around Munich, or a quick walk around Munich? There are wonderful routes in the surrounding area that can be easily integrated into a sightseeing trip.

The idyllic Isarauen: The perfect, easy hike around Munich! You can reach the Isarauen south of the zoo by subway or S-Bahn. Here you can hike for miles along the river. It is flat, beautiful, and the colorful trees along the banks are a dream in autumn. You set the pace and the duration – ideal for a few hours of relaxation in the fresh air. Best of all, it's super central and easy to get to.
The Five Lakes Walk at Lake Starnberg: Take the S-Bahn to Starnberg or Tutzing. Instead of a big mountain hike, you can walk along easy lake promenades or parts of the Marienwanderweg trail. These are short, easy to manage, and still offer a wonderful natural backdrop. Enjoy the view across the lake as the autumn sun makes the water glisten and the forests glow golden.

Hikes with children near Munich

Traveling with your family doesn't mean you have to miss out on beautiful nature experiences. Here are some hikes that are suitable for little legs and are fun too.

The Fairy Tale Forest near Wolfratshausen: The area around the Fairy Tale Forest is ideal for short hikes and walks, which can be perfectly combined with a visit to the park. The paths are mostly flat and offer lots of colorful leaves to collect in the fall. Here, a short hike becomes an adventure before it's time for a snack.
The Planetary Trail in Herrsching am Ammersee: Take the S-Bahn directly to Lake Ammersee. This trail is designed as a model of our solar system and offers an easy hike of about 4 kilometers. Children can explore our solar system in a playful way while you enjoy the picturesque autumn landscape. The trail is mostly suitable for strollers and offers great play opportunities on the lake shore.

Tip: If you're looking for more family-friendly ideas for your stay that go beyond hiking, be sure to check out our article on Munich with family – here you'll find all our tips for the city!

Our conclusion: a combination of city and mountains

The hikes around Munich are the perfect, nature-oriented addition to your sightseeing tours, especially when the autumn sun colors the leaves. The opportunity to start your journey into the alpine world directly from the main train station makes the region unique. For the perfect overview of the city before you head out into nature, take advantage of our Hop On Hop Off Tour! That way, you'll know exactly where your mountain adventure begins (namely, in the middle of the most beautiful city in the world!). Pack your snacks, put on your hiking boots, and enjoy Bavarian nature!