"The Bavarian Fjord”
Walchensee is a beautiful lake in Upper Bavaria. It is located about 75 kilometers south of Munich and is the second largest lake in Bavaria.
It is one of the deepest (maximum depth: 190 meters) and also largest (16.4 km²) alpine lakes in Germany. Due to its deep blue color and surrounding mountains, it is often referred to as the Bavarian Fjord. The lake is also appreciated for its clear and clean water quality, which makes it a popular destination for water sports activities such as swimming, diving and windsurfing.
Around Walchensee, there are many hiking trails and viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. There are also several small towns and villages on the shores of the lake where you can experience traditional Bavarian culture and cuisine.
Walchensee can be circumnavigated on foot. Circumnavigation of the lake is a popular hike, which is about 27 km long and can take about 6 – 7 hours, depending on your physical condition. The trail is mostly flat and leads through forests, past beaches and offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
The best view of Walchensee
There are many mountains surrounding Walchensee that offer great views of the lake. A few of the best places to view Walchensee from above are:
Herzogstand: Herzogstand is a 1,731 meter high mountain located right next to Walchensee. From its summit, you have a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. There is also a cable car that goes to the top.
Heimgarten: Heimgarten is a 1,790 meter high mountain located south of Walchensee. From its summit there is a fantastic view of the lake as well as the Zugspitze and other peaks of the Bavarian Alps.
Jochberg: Jochberg is a 1,565 meter high mountain located east of Walchensee. From its summit, there is a magnificent view of the lake as well as the Karwendel Mountains and the surrounding valleys.
Each of these mountains offers a unique perspective of Lake Walchen and the surrounding landscape. Choosing the best vantage point depends on your preferences and physical fitness, as some of the peaks are only accessible via challenging hiking trails or mountain paths.
On the water
Walchensee can reach a water temperature of up to 21 degrees Celsius in summer. However, the water temperature depends on various factors, such as sunshine, air temperature and water depth.
However, it is important to note that Walchensee is a mountain lake even in summer and therefore can be quite cool even in the warm season, especially in deeper areas. Therefore, swimmers should always be careful and keep an eye on their swimming abilities.
Those who prefer to be out on the water can rent a kayak, rowing boat or pedal boat from the bicycle & boat rental Einsiedl among others.
Neighbor: Kochelsee
Kochelsee is about 10 kilometers – about 15 minutes by car – from Walchensee.
It is a natural lake and has an area of about 6 square kilometers, 66 meters deep and a circumference of 15 km.
This lake is also a popular destination for water sports activities such as swimming, boating, fishing and stand-up paddling.
Directly on the shore is the Kristall Therme Kochel am See, which advertises “relaxation and recreation with first-class panoramic views of Lake Kochel and the mountains.”
Arrival
Travel time from Munich to Walchensee is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and route. The fastest route is via the A95 and the B11 to the turnoff for Walchensee.
Walchensee can also be reached by public transport from Munich. The fastest and easiest way is to take the train from Munich main station to Kochel am See and from there take the bus to Walchensee. The travel time by train is about an hour and from Kochel am See to Walchensee it takes about another 20 minutes by bus. In total, the travel time from Munich main station to Walchensee by public transport is about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the connection and waiting times.
Walchensee a beautiful destination for nature lovers and active vacationers who want to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Bavarian Alps. At https://www.walchensee-kochelsee.de/ you can find all the information about Walchensee and Kochelsee, as well as tips on hikes, activities and how to get there.
