Is the city noise getting to you, and are you longing for fresh country air, shaded hiking trails, and breathtaking views? The great thing about Munich is definitely that the nearest natural paradise is rarely far away. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll around a lake, want to hike through breathtaking landscapes, or are planning to conquer a mountain peak , the Munich area offers the perfect outdoor adventure for every taste. We’ll show you the most diverse hiking routes and nature destinations right on Munich’s doorstep.
Just under two hours from Munich lies the health resort of Bad Hindelang. Bad Hindelang in the Ostrach Valley combines an idyllic village atmosphere, impressive mountain scenery, and beautiful hiking trails. The town captivates visitors with its location in the heart ofthe Allgäu High Alps Nature Reserve. Local peaks such as theIseler andtheImberger Horn createa spectacular backdrop and reward hikers with magnificent views over the entire valley.
Just one hour from Munich lies the 1,800-meter-high Benediktenwand in the Bavarian Pre-Alps. This destination offers varied hiking and climbing routes, views stretching all the way to Lake Starnberg, and the chance to encounter ibex on the trails. Right at the foot of the mountain, the Tutzinger Hütte offers lodging and a place to stop for a bite to eat.
The 1,881-meter-high Tegelberg in the Ammergau Alps offers spectacular views of Neuschwanstein Castle and the surrounding lakes and mountains. Whether hiking, rock climbing, paragliding, or winter sports—there are activities here for every fitness and adventure level.
Just 80 minutes from Munich lies one of Bavaria’s largest mountain lakes. The Spitzingsee, south of the Schliersee, is a year-round destination for swimming, hiking, mountain carting, and winter sports. There are numerous hiking trails you can explore, both along the lake’s shore and in the surrounding mountains.
The Zipfelsbach Waterfall near Hinterstein in the Allgäu plunges down the mountain in several cascades over a distance of about 300 meters. You can reach the lower falls in about 15 to 20 minutes; the hike continues uphill to the idyllic Zipfelsalpe and can optionally end with a dip in the historic Prinz Gumpe.
A truly fascinating natural spectacle awaits you in the Miesbach district, just 90 minutes from Munich. The Bayrischzell waterfall is located right on the outskirts of town and is only about a 15-minute walk from the train station. A short hike leads up stairs to a wooden bridge with a view of multi-tiered, turquoise pools cascading down the mountain.
Lake Chiemsee is the perfect destination for a day trip: island-hopping to Herreninsel and Fraueninsel, swimming at idyllic beach resorts, and activities like stand-up paddleboarding or boating. In addition to picturesque islands and beach resorts, Bavaria’s largest lake also offers a nearly60-kilometer-long loop trail forhiking or biking.
About two hours from Munich, the Hölltobel near Oberstdorf leads along rocky paths beside the Dietersbach stream to two spectacular waterfalls and ultimately to the mountain village of Gerstruben. The tour also features viewing platforms directly above 20-meter-deep gorges.
