August 13, 2025, 1:44 pm | Read time: 10 minutes

With its excellent water quality and numerous natural swimming spots, Walchensee invites you to swim, sunbathe, and relax. Due to the wide range of activities and stunning beaches, Walchensee is the perfect place for a lakeside vacation–and also a destination for those seeking an alternative to the currently overcrowded Eibsee. TRAVELBOOK highlights the best spots and activities at Walchensee.

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What makes Walchensee special?

Walchensee is a beautiful mountain lake in the Bavarian foothills with an impressive depth of almost 200 meters. Located 80 kilometers south of Munich, it is one of Germany’s largest Alpine lakes. What makes Walchensee special is the vibrant color of its turquoise-green water, which is due to the high calcium carbonate content. Tiny particles of the substance dissolve from the mountain water and follow it into the lake. In the sun, these particles reflect light, making the water appear turquoise, even though it is actually crystal clear. Because of this effect, the lake is also called the “Bavarian Caribbean.” Even Goethe liked to stop at Walchensee on his travels to Italy, contributing to the region’s tourist popularity in the early 20th century.

What are the best activities at Walchensee?

Hiking on Jochberg

To the north are Herzogstand and Jochberg, while to the south, the impressive peak panorama of the Karwendel Mountains can be admired: The mountains around Walchensee are among the most popular destinations for hiking enthusiasts from nearby Munich. Due to its relatively easy and short tour, Jochberg is especially popular–it is also fondly called the “Hangover Mountain.” For those who leave Munich later or just want a short evening outing, Jochberg is ideal. Hardly any peak in the foothills is quicker to reach, with an ascent time of only about two hours. From the summit, you have a wonderful view of Walchensee and the surrounding Alps. Our tip: On the way up or down, you can stop at Jocheralm. This is a managed hut below Jochberg, open from mid-May to mid-September, offering typical Bavarian specialties. In bad weather, Jocheralm may be closed, so it’s worth checking the opening times in advance.

A trip to the nearby Kochelsee

Kochelsee is about three kilometers from Walchensee and is significantly smaller and shallower. The towns of Schlehdorf in the north and Kochel in the east are directly adjacent to the lake. A popular activity at Kochelsee is the lake tour. Unlike Walchensee, where there are no motorized boats, a motorboat operates on Kochelsee in the summer, offering tours. A tour lasts about 1.5 hours and provides the opportunity to explore the lake at leisure from the water. Stand-up paddling, surfing, and sailing are also possible on the small Kochelsee. Our tip: The Kristall Therme in Kochel am See offers a great alternative in bad weather. Additionally, the spa has a beautiful outdoor pool with a view of the Alpine panorama for those who find the Alpine lake water too cold.

Stand-Up Paddling

Stand-up paddling, abbreviated as SUP, has become a particularly popular leisure activity at Walchensee. Experience on the board plays a minor role, as fun is guaranteed either way. The calm, expansive waters of Walchensee are perfect for gliding over the lake in peace and enjoying the surrounding nature. Therefore, there are several rental stations around Walchensee that offer SUP boards along with the necessary equipment. For newcomers to stand-up paddling, these often also offer introductory courses. Our tip: The Zwergern Peninsula is a great spot for a small break, such as a picnic, due to its particularly beautiful shores.

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Cave tour in Angerlloch

Amidst the imposing landscape of the Alps lies an adventure hidden in the depths of the earth. Angerlloch often stands in the shadow of more famous attractions in the region, yet it offers a unique experience for those who wish to explore the mysterious and unknown. Additionally, a cave tour is a nice alternative in changeable or wet weather. In prolonged rain, the cave is, of course, closed! Guided cave tours through Angerlloch cost about 40 euros, last approximately four hours, and offer exciting insights into the underground world of the mountain. The cave has only a few narrow passages, making it not difficult to traverse overall; at some points, it can be a bit slippery and wet. From fall to winter, the cave is closed to protect the bats that live there. Our tip: Wearing sturdy footwear is essential, and it’s also worth wearing pants that can be easily rolled up.

A bike tour around Walchensee

The round tour around Walchensee stretches over about 26 kilometers and is suitable for both inexperienced and experienced cycling enthusiasts. The well-developed bike path leads through sleepy villages, dense forests, and offers fantastic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The ideal starting point for the bike tour is the town of Walchensee on the northern shore of the lake. From here, the route initially follows the lakeside road westward. After just a few kilometers, you reach the Zwergern Peninsula, which is perfect for a stopover. Our tip: In good weather, be sure to pack your swimwear, as the many swimming spots around the lake offer a welcome refreshment during a bike tour. Our tip: Besides the Zwergern Peninsula, the picturesque town of Niedernach is also perfect for a short break.

Rowing and pedal boating

At Walchensee, the peaceful tranquility is ensured by a regulation that prohibits motorboats on the water. Instead, there is a pedal boat and rowboat rental. A boat tour is a great way to explore the hidden coves and beaches of the Alpine lake from the water. Some of them are only accessible from the water. Our tip: A boat tour in the early morning hours offers a special atmosphere that makes it worth getting up early. For those who prefer to sleep in, a boat trip at sunset is recommended. Either way, be sure to pack a hearty picnic!

Diving

At Walchensee, there are several diving centers that rent equipment and offer guided dives. These centers also offer diving courses for both beginners and advanced divers, allowing everyone to safely explore the underwater world of the lake. Diving enthusiasts love Walchensee for its clear water, which guarantees visibility of up to forty meters. During World War II, planes attempted emergency landings on the lake and often sank. Therefore, in addition to car and boat wrecks, airplane wrecks can also be found on the lake’s bottom.

Swimming

Since the shores of Walchensee are largely undeveloped, there are numerous beautiful swimming spots inviting you to take a dip in the cool water. Cool is the key word, as the water temperatures in Walchensee are typical for a mountain lake. In summer, the average temperature of Walchensee is only about 17 to 20 degrees Celsius. Almost everywhere, there is access to beautiful, natural shore areas. A paradise for all water lovers! If you’re arriving by car, be sure to arrive early, as parking is unfortunately limited.

Where are the most beautiful beaches at Walchensee?

The Surfer Meadow Walchensee offers the complete package and is therefore a popular meeting point. The beach at Maibaum Walchensee is a lovely sunny beach section and ideal for families. The pebble beach at Einsiedl offers a quiet spot for those seeking seclusion, while the beach on the toll road at Walchensee’s southern shore offers the opposite. Due to its easily accessible location, it is a very popular and lively beach. At the southern shore between Biedernach and Urfeld, you will find some of the best spots for swimming for those who want to enjoy the clear water and idyllic surroundings. Since many beaches are more pebbly, the sandy beach at Niedernach is a real highlight. Along the shores of the Zwergern Peninsula Walchensee, there are not only beautiful beach sections, but they also offer the best views of the surrounding mountains and villages. Our tip: There is a beautiful campsite on the Zwergern Peninsula that is highly recommended.

Which towns at Walchensee are worth seeing?

There are only a few houses around the entire lake. The only real settlement at Walchensee is the town of Walchensee itself, located in the bay below Herzogstand. However, don’t expect too much, as the town of Walchensee is rather small. Apart from a few houses along the road and a church in the middle, there isn’t much there. All other settlements around the lake are even smaller and often consist of just a few houses or even single farms scattered around the lake. These places include Urfeld, Sachenbach, Einsiedl, and Niedernach. Urfeld is closest to Kesselberg, while Einsiedl is on the way to Wallgau. The main town of Walchensee serves as the economic center of the region and offers various facilities such as shops, inns, and vacation rentals.

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Where is the most beautiful place at Walchensee?

The excursion to Herzogstand may be even more popular than a trip to Jochberg, not least thanks to the Herzogstandbahn, which allows everyone to reach the top comfortably. From the mountain station of the railway, you can reach the summit of the mountain in about half an hour on foot or alternatively just relax on the terrace of the Herzogstand mountain inn and enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding lakes and the Karwendel Mountains. Even King Ludwig II was fascinated by the beauty of this area. So fascinated that he had a hut built on his favorite mountain, Herzogstand. Today, the summit is easily accessible by the Herzogstandbahn.

What is the best time to visit Walchensee?

Walchensee is especially beautiful in the warm summer months from June to September. Then it offers the perfect weather for a mix of hiking and swimming.