One of the best things about Munich is that we have local mountains! These include , of course , our “living room,” the Brauneck, as well as the Herzogstand, one of King Ludwig’s favorite mountains. But the Wallberg, at 1,722 meters, is also one of our city’s best-known local mountains. It is much more than just a hiking destination: it is a center for mountain sports and cuisine and offers one of the most famous panoramic views of the Bavarian Prealps.
Hiking above the clouds
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The Wallberg is part of the Mangfall Mountains and is located directly above Rottach-Egern on Lake Tegernsee, about 50 km south of Munich. From the summit, you have a 360-degree view: Lake Tegernsee glistens to the north, while the rugged peaks of the Wetterstein Mountains (Zugspitze) and the Hohe Tauern (Großglockner) rise up to the south. When fog lies in the valley, you can enjoy a view above the clouds from Wallberg .
There are two ways to enjoy the summit experience: either take the Wallbergbahn cable car up the mountain – the gondola lift takes you comfortably to the mountain station at 1,620 meters in about 10 minutes and even offers information via audio guide. Or you can take the classic route and hike yourself. This requires stamina, but is easily doable. The summer trail takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
What you can experience on the Wallberg
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Probably the most famous sight is the Wallbergkircherl. The striking little church, which is over 100 years old, stands on the high plateau and is one of the most photographed motifs in Bavaria. It is a popular place for mountain masses and weddings. Right next to the mountain station, you will also find a panoramic restaurant. It is known for its 270-degree glass facade and large sun terrace.
And if you prefer sports, Wallberg is also the right place for you. It is a hotspot for paragliding and hang gliding! Wallberg is considered one of the most important areas in Germany for pilots. The thermals are legendary and the colorful parachutes are a permanent feature of the landscape.
In winter, sledding is particularly worthwhile here. Wallberg is home to Germany’s longest natural sledding run! At an impressive 6.2 kilometers, the descent is rapid and takes about 30 minutes. Not for beginners, but definitely an adrenaline rush. Before you plan your trip, however, you should take a look at the website. The toboggan run is only open when there is enough natural snow.