Into the Wilderness
Munich, Germany
The Guide to Munich
Munich might conjure visions of beer halls, pretzels, and Dirndls—particularly around Oktoberfest—but the city goes far beyond its Bavarian tropes, especially when it comes to hiking. There are plenty of such opportunities in Munich to go outdoors and enjoy the astounding beauty of the Bavarian Alps and wilderness. If you are ever in need of some adventure and thrill, embark on these hiking trails in Munich to get the best views of nature and some adrenaline in your veins.
Hirschberg
Length: 1,670 meters
Difficulty: Easy
Hirschberg is one of the most popular hiking destinations to plan a day trip to the Bavarian Alps. The mountain crowns above the Tegernsee resort town and offers beautiful scenery across the lake. The entire trek takes only 3 to 4 hours and all the routes to Hirschberg are short and easy to find. Stop at Hirchberghütte for a quick bite or book a room at the inn to enjoy the tranquil scenery.
Partnachklamm
Length: 702 meters
Difficulty: Easy
Partnachklamm (Partnach Gorge) is one of the highlights of Bavaria and the German Alps with its wild roaring waterfalls, white water pools and rapids. This hike is perfect for everyone, even with children. In 1912, The Partnach Mountain torrent has dug its bed up to 80 m deep into the rocks over a distance of ca. 800 m, creating one of the most beautiful gorges in the Alps.
Tegernseer Hütte
Length: 1,650 meters
Difficulty: Moderate
Tegernseer Hütte is built up on a saddel between Buchstein and Rossstein summits with a spectacular view. The hike to the hut can be steep and quite strenuous, but once you reach the top, you won’t regret a single step. From the balcony on the west side, you have a direct view of the foothills of the Alps and Lake Starnberg. The shortest route up to the Tegernseer Hütte starts at the hiking car park near Bayerwald.
Rumer Spitze
Length: 2,454 meters
Difficulty: Challenging
Rumer Spitze mounts above the outskirts of Innsbruck from the Karwendel highlands. It is one of Munich's most challenging hiking trails, and the entire trek takes 12.5 hours to reach the summit – so be warned that it’s not for everyone. Being only two hours train ride from Munich, it is a perfect destination for a weekend trip to the Bavarian Alps. If you are planning to take this route, make sure to stop by Pfeishütte to enjoy the majestic mountain peak view.
Where to Retreat
After enjoying the magnificent view of the Bavarian Alps, sit down and find yourself a time for a well-deserved meal and spa. Depending on how long you’re planning to stay in Munich, here are few places you can rest and relax after a long hike.
TIAN WIEN
Located in the heart of Munich at the Viktualienmarkt, The TIAN restaurant will convince everyone that meat and fish don’t always need to be part of your culinary experience in Munich. Opened in 2014, TIAN offers a 4 to 8-course seasonal menu and sources all of its ingredients from local farmers. Unusual pairings include pear and parsnip curry and cauliflower roasted with chanterelles and passionfruit.
DAS TEGERNSEE
If you plan to hike on Hirschberg, staying a few days at Das Tegernsee is a worthwhile experience. Located on a south-facing slope overlooking lake Tegernsee and the Alpine foothills, Das Tegernsee Hotel offers Bavarian delicacies and beers from its brewery. Beyond the culinary attractions, there are a wealth of opportunities to enjoy sailing, paragliding, and golf for outdoor enthusiasts.
THE ROYAL BAVARIAN
Conveniently set in the center of Munich, The Royal Bavarian is the perfect place to rest a few hours before your next travel. Equipped with a sauna and a spacious rest area, it is an inviting place to kick back and relax after a strenuous hike. The hotel is close to several noted attractions, around an 11-minute walk from Konigsplatz and 1 km from Munich Residenz.
How to Pack for a Weekend Off the Grid
