Hike to Herzogstand + (optional) Swim in Walchensee
Hike to Herzogstand + (optional) Swim in Walchensee Join us for a classic summer day in the Bavarian Alps: a hike up Herzogstand followed by an optional, refreshing swim in Lake Walchensee, which is rightfully nicknamed Bavarian Caribbean!
📍 Meeting Point: Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), at the start of the platform for the RB66 train to Kochel.
🗓️ When: Saturday, 5 September, at 8:45 AM (train departs at 9:00 AM sharp).
👤 Host: Alexander
🥾 Elevation gain: 900m; hiking time: 2.5 - 3.5h
The hike is moderately challenging, but the goal is for everyone to enjoy it, not to arrive at the destination at sharp o’clock. No one gets hurried, no one is left behind.
Plan: We'll meet at Munich central station at 8:45 am and take the regional train RB66 to Kochel at 9:00am.
Exact meeting point: beginning of the platform of the train towards Kochel - don't be late.
After a change in Kochel, we'll take a bus and arrive at Herzogstand cable car station at 10:39am. Instead of taking the cable car, we’ll hike up a moderately steep mountain slope until we reach Berggasthaus Herzogstand around 1:00-1:30pm and have lunch there.
We will have some free time at the top with an option to climb the Herzogstand peak. We'll descend by cable car (optional but recommended; one-way fare €12), after which there will be an optional swim in the Walchensee lake.
Note that the lake is very deep, and even at the height of summer the water can be quite cold.
The return bus departs from the same station every 30 min until 8:49pm. Based on previous experience, it is advisable not to leave too late. Missing a connection later in the evening can result in a much longer wait for the next bus or train.
Prerequisites & What to bring Fitness & gear: you need good fitness, sure-footedness for steep/rocky trails, and sturdy hiking boots with ankle support.
Water & snacks: bring enough to last you until we reach the restaurant at 1:00-1:30 PM.
Swimming: you must be a confident swimmer if you plan to swim in the lake.
Cash/card: for lunch and the €12 cable car fare.
Important: in case of poor weather our backup plan is to take the next train to Prien am Chiemsee instead, where we’ll enjoy some relaxing time at the lake, visit cafes/restaurants and walk along the promenade unless the rain is pouring nonstop. Meeting place and time remain unchanged - we meet at the platform of the train to Kochel at 9am and then move to the other platform.
Disclaimer: Please also note that this is not a professionally organized tour. By joining this event, you agree that you participate at your own risk. The organizer is not liable for injuries or damages. Please ensure you’re physically fit and hike/swim responsibly.