Hikes Around Munich – 10 Spring & Summer Tours Accessible by Train  

Hikes Around Munich by Train – Enjoying Nature Without a Car  

The best thing about hiking around Munich is how easy it is to get there. You can easily reach many starting points by regional train. Often, an MVV day pass or the Deutschland-Ticket is all you need. This way, you can explore the mountains in a relaxed manner, without the hassle of finding parking or dealing with traffic.  

Challenging Hikes Around Munich  

1. Herzogstand (1,731 m) – Panoramic Views Over Walchensee  

The Herzogstand is one of the peaks around Munich that is particularly easy to reach yet still offers fantastic views. In spring, Walchensee is often still shrouded in a light morning mist, while the alpine meadows slowly turn green. In summer, the water glistens in the sun—and if you still have energy left after the hike, you can even take a dip in the cool waters of Lake Walchensee.  

Lake Walchensee is located about 70 km south of Munich at an elevation of 802 m, is up to 70 m deep, and is one of the deepest and clearest mountain lakes in Bavaria. It is known for its turquoise-blue water and ideal windsurfing conditions. 

• Ascent: A challenging hike along the south ridge; alternatively, take the Herzogstandbahn to the mountain station  
• Spring: Accessible from April; quiet early in the year; residual snow possible  
• Summer: Ideal for early risers; be aware of the risk of thunderstorms in the afternoons during the height of summer  
• Tip: Can be combined with the Heimgarten (difficult hike, ~1,200 m elevation gain, for experienced hikers only) 

2. Benediktenwand (1,801 m) – the landmark of the Bavarian Pre-Alps  

The Benediktenwand is one of the most striking peaks in the Munich area. The ascent initially leads through forests that turn a fresh green in spring and provide pleasant shade in summer. Once at the top, the view opens up far across the surrounding mountains, from the Karwendel peaks to the Chiemgau Alps. 

• Ascent: Via the Tutzinger Hut; alternative route from Jachenau (more scenic, slightly longer)  
• Spring: Recommended starting in May; the summit area may be covered in snow until April 
• Summer: Start early (no later than 7 a.m.); pack plenty of water—there are no places to stop for refreshments at the summit 
• Tip: One of the few hikes around Munich where spending the night at the Tutzinger Hütte is worth it 

3. Wendelstein (1,838 m) – Bavaria’s Most Famous Local Mountain  

The Wendelstein is recognizable from afar thanks to its distinctive observatory and is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Munich area. The ascent leads through forests and along varied trails up to the summit. The panoramic trail below the summit is particularly beautiful, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains of the Alpine foothills. 

• Ascent: A moderate trail to the Aiblinger Hütte from the Birkenstein hiking parking lot in Fischbachau, followed by a more challenging final climb  
• Spring: Easily accessible starting in April; the cable car is available year-round as an alternative  
• Summer: Wendelsteinhaus and terrace open – perfect for a snack at the summit 
• Tip: Start early—the summit gets busier after noon with cable car visitors 

4. Jochberg (1,565 m) – between Walchensee and Kochelsee

The Jochberg lies between two of Bavaria’s most beautiful lakes. From the summit, you have a particularly beautiful view of Walchensee and Kochelsee. In spring, the peaks here are often still snow-capped, while the first flowers are already blooming below. In summer, a swim in the clear waters of Walchensee is a perfect way to end the hike.  

Kochelsee lies directly north of Walchensee at an elevation of 600 m and is connected to it via the Kesselberg Pass. It is significantly shallower and warmer than Walchensee and ideal for swimming in the summer. 

• Ascent: A pleasant hike through the woods with continuous views of the lake  
• Spring: Accessible from March/April, depending on snow conditions  
• Summer: Combine with a dip in Lake Walchensee after the hike  
• Tip: If you want to catch the sunrise, start before dawn—you’ll usually have the summit all to yourself 

5. Brecherspitz (1,683 m) – a short climb with lake views  

The Brecherspitz is one of the hikes around Munich where the climb pays off particularly quickly. From the summit, you’ll enjoy an impressive view of three lakes: Spitzingsee, Tegernsee, and Schliersee. Especially in the summer, this hike is perfect for a spontaneous evening walk—with a little luck, you might even catch the sunset over the lakes from the top.

• Ascent: Direct climb across alpine meadows, short secured climbing section on the west ridge; a head for heights is helpful  
• Spring: Recommended from April/May; the ridge can be slippery if there is lingering snow  
• Summer: Perfect evening hike – pack a headlamp for the return trip  
• Tip: Bring a snack and a cold drink—there is no hut at the summit 

Easy Hikes Around Munich for Leisurely Hikers  

6. Neureuth on Lake Tegernsee (1,264 m) – The Perfect Introductory Peak  

The Neureuth is a great destination for anyone looking to kick off the hiking season after winter without planning a long hike right away. The trail winds leisurely through the forest up to the hut. In summer, the sun terrace at the top invites you to take a break with a view of Lake Tegernsee.  

Lake Tegernsee is located about 50 km south of Munich at an elevation of 740 m, is up to 72 m deep, and is one of Bavaria’s most famous lakes. It is surrounded by mountains reaching nearly 1,900 m and offers numerous hiking and swimming opportunities right on the shore. 

• Ascent: Well-marked forest trail, slightly steeper toward the end  
• Spring: Accessible starting in March – one of the first trails to be snow-free after winter  
• Summer: Lodge open, sun terrace with a view of Lake Tegernsee; swimming in the lake possible afterward  
• Tip: Combining this hike with the Riederstein (a small chapel with a view) makes for a pleasant extension of the tour 

7. Isar Floodplains near Höllriegelskreuth – Nature Right on Your Doorstep  

The Isar floodplains are one of the easiest ways to get out into nature quickly without leaving Munich. Especially in spring, the landscape along the Isar feels fresh and vibrant. In summer, there are many small spots along the riverbank where you can relax or dip your feet in the water.  

The Isar River originates in Tyrol, enters the Bavarian Alpine foothills near Bad Tölz, and flows through Munich to the Danube. In the Munich area, it is known for its clear, cool water and natural gravel banks—making it a particularly popular local recreation area. 

• Spring: Accessible year-round; especially charming in March and April when the first green shoots appear  
• Summer: Pack your swimsuit—the swimming spots along the Isar are a Munich institution in the summer  
• Tip: Watch out for mountain bikers—the trails are also popular with cyclists 
• Read more: If you want to experience the Isar right in the heart of the city, you’ll find Munich’s most beautiful green spaces in the English Garden. 

8. Lake Starnberg – Lakeside Promenade with Views of the Alps  

A hike along Lake Starnberg is one of the most relaxing outings around Munich. The trail often runs right along the water’s edge and offers beautiful views of the lake at every turn. On a clear day, you can even see the Alps to the south—and in summer, a swim is naturally a must.  

Lake Starnberg is located about 30 km south of Munich, is approximately 21 km long, and up to 128 m deep—making it one of the largest and deepest lakes in Bavaria. It can be reached by S-Bahn in under 40 minutes and offers hiking trails right along the shore as well as numerous swimming spots. 

• Spring: Accessible year-round; particularly charming in April thanks to the blossoming trees along the shore  
• Summer: Several swimming spots right on the lake; ice cream parlors and beer gardens open along the promenade  
• Tip: If you’re up for more, hike from Starnberg to Tutzing (approx. 12 km, flat) and take public transportation back from there 
• After the tour: A Munich beer garden awaits—you’ll find the best ones in our overview.  

Hikes with Kids Around Munich  

9. Wolfratshausen Fairytale Forest – A Forest Adventure for the Whole Family  

In the spring, the forest around Wolfratshausen slowly turns green again, inviting visitors to take leisurely walks. The trail winds through shady sections of the forest and is pleasant to walk even in summer. Right next to it lies the Fairy Tale Forest Park, which is a wonderful destination, especially for families with children. 

• Route: Flat forest trails around the park; also suitable for strollers  
• Spring: Accessible year-round; especially beautiful in spring thanks to blooming trees and birdsong  
• Summer: Shady forest trails offer a cool respite; the Fairy Tale Forest Park is open during the summer season  
• Tip: Combine this with the Fairy Tale Forest Park right next door for a longer family outing 

10. Herrsching Planetary Trail – Discover the Solar System at Lake Ammersee  

The Planetary Trail at Lake Ammersee combines an easy hike with a fun educational trail. Over a distance of about four kilometers, a model of our solar system illustrates just how far apart the planets actually are. The trail leads down to the lakeshore—and in summer, it’s a great spot to cool off.  

Lake Ammersee is located about 40 km west of Munich at an elevation of 533 m; it is approximately 16 km long and up to 81 m deep. It is directly accessible by S-Bahn, warmer than mountain lakes, and therefore a popular destination for families, especially in summer. 

• Route: An easy lakeside path along Lake Ammer; mostly stroller-friendly  
• Spring: Accessible year-round; in April, it’s worth stopping right by the lakeshore 
• Summer: A swimming spot on Lake Ammer right at the end of the path—the perfect way to end the day for families  
• Tip: At the end of the path, there are play areas right by the lake—plan to spend more time there than you expected 

Frequently Asked Questions About Hikes Around Munich  

Which hikes around Munich can be reached without a car?  

All 10 tours featured here are fully accessible by public transportation—via S-Bahn, regional train, or BRB. An MVV day pass or the Deutschland-Ticket is sufficient for all destinations.  

Which hikes around Munich are suitable in the spring?  

Easy routes such as the Isarauen, Lake Starnberg, and the Planetenweg in Herrsching are accessible starting in March. Mountain hikes such as Herzogstand or Neureuth are suitable from March through April. For Benediktenwand and Brecherspitz, we recommend starting in May.  

Which hikes around Munich are particularly beautiful in the summer?  

In the summer, hikes that include swimming are especially recommended: Jochberg with a swim in Walchensee, Neureuth with a dip in Tegernsee, and the Planetenweg with a swimming spot on Ammersee. For mountain hikes in midsummer, start no later than 7 a.m. to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.  

Which hike around Munich is suitable for children?  

The Planetenweg in Herrsching (4 km, flat, stroller-friendly), the Isarauen, and the Märchenwald Wolfratshausen. All three are directly accessible by S-Bahn and have no significant ascents. 

What should you pack for hikes around Munich?  

For flat routes, athletic shoes are sufficient. For mountain hikes, sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are a must. In the spring, be sure to bring a rain jacket and a warm layer. In the summer, pack sunscreen, plenty of water, and swim trunks—many hikes end right at a lake.