Tegernsee
What would NearFromHome’s Bavarian lake series be without a feature covering Münchners’ favorite lake? Tegernsee represents a local daytrip favorite, not only due to its proximity and accessibility to Munich, but also for its broad appeal to general audiences. Offering the general Bavarian lake activities of hiking, views, beer gardens, swimming and lakeside lounging, Tegernsee is perfect for those looking for an evenly represented sampling of those Alpine lake activities. Bavarian lakes usually offer similar fare, but with one activity far outshining others. For example, the hiking at Walchensee represent’s the lakes tent pole activity, as does the whisky distillery at Schliersee. With Tegernsee however, I would rate this lake’s activities equally enjoyable and broadly accessible. Check out our Tegernsee itinerary below to see just how even tempered this lake daytrip is!
Start at the Munich Hauptbahnhof with your Bayern ticket in hand, and head towards the BOB trains near platforms 30-34. As you board the BOB train in the direction of Tegernsee, pay special attention to the carriage, as these BOB trains leave from Munich as a sort of long mega train, with carriages splitting off at various train stations, going in different directions to different adventures. I’ve seen a few frazzled tourists who hadn’t quite understood this concept exiting their carriage at a random stop along the way running down the platform for the correct carriage. This particular train contains the carriages eventually splitting off, towards Tegernsee, Lenggreis, and Bayrischzell, so obviously, the carriage for our trip to Tegernsee, is the carriage marked “Tegernsee”. As for timetables, I always arrive at the platform 20 minutes before the scheduled departure, given that especially in the summer, the BOB trains to Tegernsee are typically packed, and this train might possibly be their most popular route (besides maybe the trains to Füssen) as I’ve seen many a traveler standing for the entire hour long ride. Once in sight of the Tengernsee lake, be aware of the two stations along the western lake front by which the BOB trains run; Gmund am Tegernsee and Tegernsee. We need to exit the train at the second station. So, to summarize, take the BOB train from Munich in the direction of Tegernsee to the lake of Tegernsee, exiting at the Tegernsee Bahnhof in the town of Tegernsee. With this level of naming consistency, this might just be our easiest daytrip logistics.
Once off the train at the Tegernsee Bahnhof, get ready for the first activity on the itinerary, hiking. Our destination is Berggasthof Neureuth, a cute Gasthaus commanding a stunning view over Tegernsee encircled by the imposing mountains. Our path from the Tegernsee Bahnhof to the Gasthaus leads past the half timbered suburbs through a crisscrossing maze of forested hill trails. I can’t recommend any specific path, as on each hike, I’ve simply wandered, following the frequent and well marked signs in the direction of the Berggasthof Neureuth. Although I have recommended this lake to generalists, the trail is certainly considered a hike, covering about 500 meters of elevation gain over about an hour and a half, so pack plenty of water, and wear good hiking shoes.
Once through the forest, cross into an open meadow for the final uphill push before Neureuth Gasthaus. Finally at the top, relax with a beer, or even some cake on the outdoor patio overlooking a southeastern view of Tegernsee. Afterwards, have a meander around the Gasthaus, as there are several cute wildflower gardens, and even a small chapel tucked away near the mountain’s edge. After a relaxing and aesthetic respite, retrace your steps back down to the town for some lakeside activities.
As you approach the train station, continue down the paved road, eventually hooking left, walking south along the lakefront near the highly trafficked main road 307. Follow the sidewalk as it separates itself from this road, snaking along the the shore front above the water’s edge. Along this path are several restaurants offering lunch and dinner fare, but my favorite lakeside treat is a mid afternoon coffee and cake. Bachmair Weissach is my favorite, but several other restaurants also boast excellent food, and lake views. If uninterested in food, continue walking south towards the Tegernsee town center, crossing the tiny Alpbruch stream as it flows from the surrounding mountains into the Tegernsee. Just over this bridge is a grassy park over looking the lake which, on a hot summer day, is normally filled with droves of sunbathers. Joining the locals, I attempted a swim, but Tegernsee has the most frigid waters I’ve experienced to date, and I only managed a wade up to my knees.
Finally, round out the day with every German’s second favorite beer, Tegernsee Special. Their first favorite beers being wherever the particular German in question is from, earning the Tegernsee Special some of the highest accolades. To try this specially regarded beer, continue along the lake southwards through the small town center to the Herzolich Bayerisches Brauhaus. Located just inside the north wing of former Tegernsee Abbey not far outside the main strip, this brew house offers traditional Bavaria lunch and dinner fare in addition to their famous brew. Enjoy your time in either the traditional outdoor Biergarten seating or the smaller indoor section.
As the late afternoon transitions into early evening, mind the train schedules, as the final train back to Munich leaves sometimes annoyingly early. Retrace your steps back to the Tegernsee Bahnhof, boarding the same BOB train, this time in the direction of Munich.
