Top 10 Day Hikes Around Munich
Munich is a perfect destination for those who enjoy hikes and walks in the nature. The city lies between the Isar river meadows, the Alpine foothills and the Bavarian Alps. In less than an hour, you can reach lush forests, turquoise lakes and Alpine vistas. And the best part – many of the most beautiful hikes near Munich can be done easily as day trips, sometimes even without having car!
Whether you are looking for a leisurely walk for beginners, planning a little adventure in the mountains or searching for a winter tour, there are hiking options for all seasons and fitness levels around the Bavarian capital. In this article we cover Leonardo’s favourite routes for hikes around Munich.
Practical information before your trip
• Getting there: Many hiking areas can be reached from Munich Central Station by S-Bahn, regional train or local bus lines. Popular destinations such as Lake Starnberg, Lake Tegernsee, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Lenggries have direct connections, making day hikes near Munich easily accessible.
• Getting around the city: Munich’s public transport system is reliable. With a day ticket, you can travel flexibly and decide spontaneously which region you want to visit.
• Best time to visit: Spring to autumn are ideal for classic hiking trails near Munich. The foothills of the Alps and the lakes also offer wonderful options for winter hiking near Munich – some paths remain accessible even when snow-covered.
10 Most Beautiful Day Hikes Around Munich
Below you will find a balanced mix of easy walking trails, leisurely family walks, nature-focused forest paths and alpine tours for experienced hikers.
1. From Schliersee to the Hohenwaldeck castle ruins
Easy · family-friendly · accessible by train · partially accessible in winter
This route will be one your favourites if you are looking for a short, stress-free hike near Munich. Take the BOB train directly to Schliersee, stroll along the lakeshore and then walk up a gentle forest path to the Hohenwaldeck castle ruins.
At the top, there is a quiet viewpoint overlooking the lake and the surrounding hills. The trail is short and perfect for beginners, families and anyone who simply wants to breathe in fresh mountain air.
Highlights:
• Beautiful lake views
• Quiet forest section
• Easily accessible without a car
Winter: Usually accessible unless there is heavy snowfall.
2. Herzogstand
Moderately difficult · very popular · accessible by bus · perfect for warmer weather
If you are looking to hike in the Bavarian Alps near Munich, the Herzogstand is a safe bet. It is one of the best-known peaks in the Bavarian Alps, offering magnificent view over the turquoise Walchensee and Kochelsee.
From Munich, take the train to Kochel, then the bus to the valley, where the hike begins. A well-maintained path leads up to the summit, where the mountain landscape opens up before you.
Highlights:
• Spectacular panoramic views
• Alpine vistas just one hour from Munich
• Perfect for summer season
Winter: Not suitable due to avalanches.
3. The Starnberg Lake North Trail
Very easy · ideal for families · all year round · accessible by train
If you are looking for easy hikes near Munich, Lake Starnberg is a wonderful choice. The stroll from Starnberg to Leoni is one of the most relaxing routes in the region. You walk directly along the water’s edge, passing elegant villas, old trees and several small bathing spots.
The route is flat, ideal for beginners, great for children and beautifully atmospheric even on winter days.
Highlights:
• Lakeside path with no significant elevation
• Perfect connection with the S6
• Family-friendly and open all year
Winter: A classic option for winter walks around the lake.
4. Partnach Gorge & Eckbauer
Moderately difficult · impressive · partially suitable for winter
The Partnachklamm in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the most impressive natural sights in Bavaria. It might get touristy, but it’s still worth seeing. The regional train takes you to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in just around 1.5 hours. At the entrance to Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm), you step into a world of rocks, splashing water and echoing sounds.
After the gorge, you can continue to Eckbauer, a quieter viewpoint with postcard-like views of the Zugspitze massif.
Highlights:
• Impressive gorge
• Great mix of nature, culture and scenery
• A favourite among Munich visitors
Winter: The gorge is often open, but restrictions may apply during frost.
5. Jochberg tour
Moderately difficult to challenging · summer track · accessible by bus or car
The Jochberg is the quick summit for anyone wanting a fast but rewarding mountain tour. The ascent is short but steep – ideal for hikers with good fitness. At the top, you are rewarded with one of the best views of Lake Walchensee. To get to the starting point, get a bus from Kochel station.
Highlights:
• Quick summit
• Fantastic views of Walchensee
• Very popular with Munich locals
Winter: This track is not recommended in winter.
6. The Maisinger Gorge
Easy · quiet · unspoilt nature · all year round · accessible by train
For a very easy hike near Munich, the Maisinger Gorge is perfect. The track starts in Starnberg, which is accessible via S-Bahn. From there, you walk through a narrow gorge with mossy rocks, follow a gentle stream and eventually reach Lake Maisinger.
It is one of the easiest, but less touristy hiking trails near Munich.
Highlights:
• Beautiful natural gorge
• Pleasant shade in summer
• Suitable for families and beginners
Winter: Usually manageable; caution advised in icy sections.
7. Tegernsee to the Sailer or Neureuth
Easy to moderate · extremely popular · suitable for winter · accessible by train
The Tegernsee valley is one of the best regions for hikes around Munich. The routes to Neureuth or Sailer are truly rewarding – gently ascending, well signposted and ending with a wonderful view over the lake.
The hike starts directly at Tegernsee station.
Highlights:
• Great mix of forest, viewpoints and mountain huts
• Very easy to reach
• Ideal for beginners and families
Winter: One of the most popular options for winter hiking near Munich.
8. Mangfallknie
Easy to moderate · quiet · all year round · accessible by train and bus
If you want an easy but lesser-known route, try the trail through Mangfallknie. Starting in Fischbachau, the path leads through valleys, quiet forests and over small bridges. The region feels less touristy but wonderfully authentic.
Highlights:
• Idyllic nature
• Trees offer protection during hot summer days
• Less touristy
Winter: Many routes in the region are accessible in winter.
9. Chiemgau: From Aschau to Steinlingalm
Medium · summer/autumn · accessible by train
The Chiemgau is easy to reach and one of the most popular regions for hiking in the Bavarian Alps near Munich. The trail to Steinlingalm offers alpine flair without being too demanding. From Munich, take the train to Prien, then continue to Aschau, where the track begins. This route is a great choice if you want to see panoramic view of the Alps.
Highlights:
• Great panoramic views
• Well marked
• Mountain scenery
Winter: Not recommended.
10. The waterfalls at Tatzelwurm
Easy · spectacular · summer/autumn · accessible by bus or car
Further towards Rosenheim, you will find the Tatzelwurm waterfalls, a beautiful natural destination that is often overlooked. The route here is easy and therefore ideal for beginners. At the bottom, the waterfalls rush through a narrow gorge; higher up, you follow forest paths and reach several viewpoints.
Highlights:
• Impressive waterfalls
• Short route
• Perfect for warm days
Winter: Only partially possible.
You will find all kinds of hikes near Munich: easy lake trails, gentle valley paths, quiet forests and alpine summit routes. Many trails are suitable year-round, some are summer favourites and others are perfect for winter hiking near Munich.
Book your stay at Leonardo Hotels in Munich and begin your adventure now!
