Hiking is probably one of the favorite pastimes of Munich residents. On sunny weekends, they lace up their hiking boots, pack their backpacks, and head out to the lakes and mountains in the surrounding area. However, these trips often involve long train or car rides. Yet there are also numerous attractive destinations near Munich that don’t require a two-hour journey. If you’re short on time or simply don’t feel like a long trip, then pay a visit to the Georgenstein near Baierbrunn and set off on a lovely hike along the Isar.
The Terror of the Raftsmen
The mighty Georgenstein stands about 5 meters tall and has a circumference of approximately 32 meters. It already rose out of the water here in Roman times, marking the crossing of the Via Julia over the Isar. Whether there was once a bridge here remains a matter of debate to this day. Towering above the Georgenstein in the forest is the Römerschanze, a structure that bears witness to that era.
Due to the rapids surrounding the rock, the Georgenstein was once a feared obstacle during the days of rafting, one that people warned against. Nevertheless, in 1805, the rafter Georg Müller crashed his raft into the rock and, in his desperation, called upon his namesake, Saint George. Georg was saved, and out of gratitude, he had an image of the saint erected on the rock. Since then, it has borne the name Georgenstein, having previously been called “Großer Hainer.” Even today, the tourist Isar raft trips pass by the Georgenstein, though you no longer need to worry about a collision.
Excursion to the Georgenstein
If you want to visit the Georgenstein, head from Munich toward Grünwald. The best place to start is at the Eierwiese, which you can reach either by tram 25 or by car. Since the Georgenstein isn’t too far from Munich, you can also walk the entire route if you’re up for a longer hike. From the Eierwiese, it’s just over 7 kilometers to the Georgenstein and back.
From the meadow, you’ll quickly reach the Isar, which you’ll follow upstream until you reach your destination. The rock is connected to the shore by an artificial dam, so you can take a break right at its base. From here, the route takes you back via the Römerschanze through the Grünwalder Forest to your starting point. This tour is therefore also well-suited for warm days, as you’ll be walking mostly in the shade and can cool off in the Isar. If you prefer a more challenging hike, you can also choose a different route, as there are numerous trails leading to the Georgenstein.
