Have you ever been to the “Bavarian Caribbean”? Anyone who has stood on the shore of Lake Walchensee and gazed into the almost unreal turquoise-blue water knows exactly why it bears this nickname. In summer,the lake’s shores are perfect for swimming, as are the many other bodies of water in Upper Bavaria. And the nearby mountains offer perfect hiking opportunities in every season. But if you want to use the winter in Munich to do something for your soul, you can enjoy the wide range of wellness options at Walchensee.
Alpine wellness: sauna with a box seat
Photo: Chris Holgersson / Unsplash
While Munich offers many great spas and massages, Walchensee focuses on the panorama. Snow-covered mountain peaks in the distance, clear water right in front of you – the view from the warmth is worth the visit alone.
Just a stone’s throw away in Kochel am See is the Kristall Therme Trimini. In the “Herzogstand Sauna,” five themed saunas with different temperatures and scents await you . Here, you can sweat it out during infusion championships while your gaze wanders across the lake and the rugged peaks through huge panoramic windows . If you’re feeling brave, cool off after the sauna in the ice-cold water of Lake Kochel.
Around the lake, charming wellness hotels such as the Seehotel Einsiedl or day spas in Murnau and Walchensee itself offer private retreats. Here you will often find Finnish saunas made of Swiss stone pine, organic herbal baths, and relaxation areas where you can hear nothing but the distant ringing of cowbells.
Yoga on the shore and pure silence
Photo: Roberto Nickson / Unsplash
Wellness at Walchensee doesn’t just take place indoors. The lake is a natural therapy center, with yoga retreats held regularly. The Wallerei also offers beautiful places to stay – either with a direct view of the lake or, alternatively, of the mountains.
And you can also climb up to the Herzogstand to recharge your batteries on the summit plateau. The traffic-free zones on the eastern shore are perfect for a “digital detox.” Here you can walk for miles, breathe in the clear mountain air, and dip your feet in the water at hidden bathing bays.
Walchensee is not a place for loud entertainment. Silence reigns here. What makes it so relaxing is the combination of the extremely high water quality and the thermal calm in the morning. When the lake is as smooth as glass and the mountains are reflected in the water, your brain automatically switches into vacation mode.