Hike Herzogstand: Unforgettable Tips for Spectacular Lake Views

16.12.2024.

The breathtaking views from Herzogstand are the reason enough to choose this day trip from Munich.

Admiring the colours of Kochelsee and Walchensee, you’ll realize why Herzogstand was the favourite

mountain of the King Ludwig II. Definitely, you’ll see his statue that will reminiscent you of your journey to

the Castle Neuschwanstein or prepare it.

Within more than one hour by train from Munich, you’ll arrive to Kochel am See, your starting point.

This pleasant hike is truly a paradise for outdoor and hiking photographers and it was even more during my autumn visit.

Probably the most stunning view in the Bavarian Alps is this beautiful panorama of two lakes. Being the cozy hike close to Munich, just like Wallberg Summit, it’s simply unmissable. Actually, it’s

officially known as the Land of Two Lakes and its marvels are waiting for you.

Let me take you to a journey of enchanting views on Herzogstand.

This post contains links which could help me to earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for reading and supporting Under Flowery Sky.

How to reach Herzogstand hike from Munich

Firstly, you’ll need to take a train from Munich to Kochel am See which lasts a bit more than one hour.

My train was about 30 minutes late, but I still managed to see everything as planned. Arriving to the cable car by bus 9608 (towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen) is the next point.

As this route covers 90 km from Munich, you have to start early to skip the cable car. For your convenience, the cable car can easily take you up and you need to hike 1h to Herzogstand.

Similarly to the journey to Wallberg and Tegernsee, you don’t need a Bayern Card. All you need is a MVV Day Ticket for the Zone 9, which is in the Munich Area.

Costing 22€, it will also be cheaper than the Bayern Card and covers the entire 24 hours.

About the cable car

As already said, the cable car doesn’t go all the way to the top which gives you a chance for a lovely hike.

From 9 am till 5 pm is the working time of the cable car.

Prices:

Return ticket- 18€

Children 6-12: 7,5€ and under- free

Group ticket for 11-30 people- 13€

Dogs- 5€

One way- 10€ for adults

Chidren from 6-12: 4,5€

Group ticket- 8€

Dogs- 3€

About the route

Within 3h you can reach the top from the cable car near Walchensee. If you’re quick, it might be even less.

Going down it would take you 2h. I didn’t do the hike all the way up, but from the cable car station. The route is mostly straight, at moments a bit steep.

Visiting a little chapel after 15 minutes will offer you a time to relax. Close to the chapel is also a mountain hut at 1575m or the Berggasthaust Herzogstand where you can enjoy a lunch or a drink. During my visit on Tuesday, it was closed. So remember that days off are Monday and Tuesday.

The traditional meals like Schnitzel, Carrywurst or Lentil soups await you here.

You can visit another cute peak on the way to the top in 20 minutes taking a different path- Martinkopf.

As the trail is very popular, the various school trips come on Herzogstand as it was in October.

From Herzogstand(1731) to Heimgarten (1790m)

These twin peaks lead to breathtaking views along the narrow ridge that I will have to cross another time.

There’s almost 2h distance from one another on this circular trail getting more steep towards the Heimgarten.

Below the summit of Heimgarten you can reward yourself with a rest in the hut and try local food.

For this hike a good mountain equipment is necessary.

Exploring Walchesee

Walchensee is about 30 minutes away by foot from Kochel am See, if you count from its northern corners.

The turquoise-emerald colours of Walchensee will enchant your visit, which gives it the nickname

Bavarian Carribean.

As the largest of the Alpine lakes, its clear waters invite you for a swim on the summer days.

You can cycle more than 16 km around the lake and enjoy boat rides or various camping sites.

Shortly after you ascend from the cable car, you can visit the small town of Walchensee. Walchensee is

surrounded by the gorgeous mountains such as Herzogstand and Jochberg on the north and Karwendel

on the south. Hiking is inevitable, but you can also enjoy swimming, windsurfing or kayaking.

Except beaches, you can explore its villages Walchensee, Einsiedl, Urfeld and Zwergern.

What to see at Kochelsee

You can easily stroll around the town of Kochel am See after heading from Herzogstand.

Except Herzogstand, there are many hiking opportunities, such as the Way of St. James and other family hikes. The Way of St. James leads to the astonishing Benedictine Monastery along the Isar river.

Enjoying the beautiful scenery for families is the most popular at the Bird Nature Trail to Lainbach Waterfalls.

After admiring the expressionist art at the Franz Marc Museum, continue on the Art Trail.

At Kristall Therme Trimini dwell in the wellness fun to recharge from the hiking efforts. Located 20 minutes from the Kochel train station by foot, you can relax in the healing waters.

Close to the train station, you’ll see the local cheese shop. You have to enter inside as you’ll see various

cheeses, even the caramelized one.

Where to stay

Hostel Bergblick Kochel am See– an affordable place to stay with a lovely garden and delicious vegan dishes in the restaurant;

Hotel Sonnenspitz, Kochel- the peaceful hotel with rich breakfast, perfect for hiking and walking;

Ferienhotel Alpenpark– stunning mountain views that surround the hotel are so relaxing, let’s add the beautiful garden with children’s playground;

Kesselberg Campsite– located in Kochel directly on the lake, the hotel offers a playground, restaurant and rent-a-bike;

Renken Campsite– awesome location in Kochel with the possibility of kayaking, renting a boat and tends to be very popular;

Camping Walchensee– located near the alluring beach in Lobisau, you can enjoy outdoor and indoor pools nearby and other sport facilities;

Final thoughts

What makes Herzogstand so alluring are the lake colours at the top, that are even more incredible during the autumn. Combining with the nearby lakes, you deserve to indulge in your hiking vacation more than one day.

Being one of the most stunning hikes in Bavaria, you’ll want to return and explore more. Trying the local cheese is unmissable and opens the panorama of Bavarian delicacies.

Exploring Herzogstand in all seasons unveils its beauty while makes you eager to discover other German lakes.

PIN IT FOR LATER: