From impressive mountain landscapes to picturesque lakes —there are countless natural treasures to discover around Munich. These include the many waterfalls that plunge into the depths, sometimes as roaring cascades, other times as a gentle veil. If you’re in the mood for a refreshing break in nature, then you shouldn’t miss these 7 stunningly beautiful waterfalls around Munich. They’re the perfect destinations for nature lovers and adventurers. Pack your hiking boots and set out to explore these gems.
The Tatzelwurm Waterfalls are located near Bayrischzell and offer a true natural spectacle. The waterfall plunges 95 meters down into the valley over several cascades, offering a breathtaking view. Surrounded by forests and meadows, this waterfall is a perfect destination for a hike in nature. According to legend, a dragon is said to dwell here, from which the falls derive their name.
The Scheidegger Waterfalls are about two hours from Munich, near the spa town of Scheidegg in the Allgäu region. With its cascades and pools, this waterfall is a spectacular sight. A walk along the waterfalls takes you through an enchanting landscape and offers a welcome way to cool off on hot days. The Scheidegger Waterfalls consist of two main falls and a third, smaller one that you can even walk right under!
The Buchenegger Waterfalls are a hidden gem near Oberstaufen. The waterfall plunges down two tiers . The water collects in a large pool that looks like a dark pond. Surrounded by lush vegetation and green forests , this waterfall offers a beautiful spot for your next hike!
The Kuhflucht Waterfalls near Garmisch-Partenkirchen are among the highest in all of Bavaria and are still considered an insider’s secret. They plunge a total of 270 meters in three stages and feed around 1,500 liters of water per second into the pool below. From Farchant, you can reach the falls in about an hour’s hike. On site, there are lookout points with great views of the falls, a forest nature trail with 18 stations, as well as a barefoot trail and a Kneipp facility. Here, you’ll feel connected to nature in every way.
Among the waterfalls around Munich, the Josefsthal Waterfalls near Lake Schliersee are among the highlights that are particularly easy to reach. They’re only about an hour away from Munich and feature an impressive 12-meter-high main cascade as well as clear pools that are perfect for an ice-cold foot bath. The hike isn’t long: From the hiking parking lot in Josefsthal, you can reach the main cascade in about 10–15 minutes.
Looking for a peaceful natural spectacle? Then the Glasbach Waterfall in Jachenau is a particularly relaxing option. This tranquil natural oasis near Bad Tölz and Walchensee is ideal for a day trip from Munich with a short hike. The water flows in a wide, white fan across the Hauptdolomit, draping itself over the rock like a veil. A truly enchanting sight.
The Berchtesgadener Land has so many natural gems to offer that you won’t know where to start. Among them is the Schrainbach Waterfall at Königssee, which—unlike the Röthbach Falls —you can admire year-round. It’s an impressive 360-meter-high cascade that you can experience up close on a walk from the Hirschau Peninsula. However, you can only see its full extent from a boat, as the final 80 meters plunge freely into the lake.
