Spitzingsee: Alpine Lake, Hiking and Skiing

Spitzingsee offers a clear seasonal focus: In summer, numerous hikes and mountain tours start here; in winter, skiing in the area takes center stage. The striking landscape of a high-alpine lake and dark mountain forests adds to its appeal. If you’re choosing a stay based on nature and activities, you can use the time of year as your first point of consideration.

The lake as a landscape

Covering 28 hectares, Spitzingsee is Bavaria’s largest high-alpine lake by area. Dark mountain forests frame the lake, creating a striking contrast between open water and a dark forest backdrop. When choosing a destination, you can consider this landscape alongside the seasonal leisure activities; it draws attention both to the natural surroundings and to the things to do.

Summer and winter compared

In summer, Spitzingsee is a starting point for numerous hikes and mountain tours of all difficulty levels. This range makes the season an option for different kinds of outings. If you’re planning your stay around an activity, you can first consider whether you’d rather go hiking or take a mountain tour.

In winter, you can ski in the Spitzingsee area. It has 30 kilometers of ski runs and 18 cable cars and lifts. As leisure infrastructure can change over time, check the details before your trip.

The seasonal difference is clear: In summer, hikes and mountain tours take center stage; in winter, it’s skiing, with ski runs and lifts. This comparison can help you decide when to travel before looking for a hotel.

Schliersee: Culture and a circular trail in the wider destination

One cultural attraction in the wider destination of Schliersee is the Markus Wasmeier Open-Air Museum Schliersee. Designed as an Old Bavarian farm village, it features historic buildings faithfully reconstructed in detail. Traditional crafts such as shoemaking and blacksmithing are demonstrated, along with brewing beer based on historical methods. Demonstrations may vary depending on the date.

The circular trail around Schliersee is another feature of the wider destination. It is about seven kilometers long and mostly flat. Along the way, there are benches for resting, viewpoints by the water and bathing coves; the official lakeside trail also includes a tree discovery path. The loop combines a scenic walk with opportunities to take a break and enjoy the views.

The trail is mostly paved and easy to travel on; a companion is recommended because of a few short climbs. The Vitalwelt in Schliersee can serve as a possible starting point; the adjacent Kurpark lets you choose which direction to walk. Trail conditions may change as a result of maintenance.

St. Sixtus Church in Schliersee was built between 1712 and 1715 on the site of a medieval predecessor church. Johann Baptist Zimmermann created the ceiling frescoes and stucco work. The church also houses a Mercy Seat by Erasmus Grasser, dating from 1490. This brings together architectural history and works of art from different centuries.

The Schliersee Local History Museum has been housed in the Schredl House since 1916; the house was built in the 14th century. The Schliersee Local History Association invites visitors to a year-end gathering at the museum every December 31.

Discover more destinations: Josefsthal, Fischhausen.

Back to the wider travel overview: Schliersee.