Hiking in and around Munich: discover the city, lakes and mountains | a&o travel tips

Whether you want to get some fresh air, need a change of scenery or simply fancy some exercise: Hiking in Munich and the surrounding area offers you the perfect break. The Isar river, the Alps within sight and excellent train and bus connections make the Bavarian capital an ideal starting point for a variety of tours - whether it's a city walk, family outing or mountain hike.

In this guide, we show you the most beautiful routes for easy hikes in the Munich area, relaxed city hikes, tours with children and real insider tips for those who want to get away from the crowds.

1. City Hikes: Urban Hiking in Munich

Who says hiking is only possible in nature? In Munich, you can even hike wonderfully through the centre of the city - without much preparation.

North-South Passage: from the Olympic Park to Großhesseloher Bridge

East-West Passage city walk: from Ostbahnhof station to Nymphenburg Palace

2. Day and Half-day Hikes Around Munich

Here are our favourites for hikes near Munich that can be reached by train or bus in under 90 minutes - perfect for a day trip.

Ammersee - lakeside hike from Herrsching

Hiking right by the water: the tour from Herrsching leads along the Ammersee through shady forests and past rustic beer gardens - ideal for families. Especially beautiful in spring and autumn!

• Distance: approx. 10 km | Duration: 2.5-3 hours | Difficulty: easy
• Highlights along the way: flat path directly on the lake with a view of the water | reed zones, sailing boats, small bathing bays | Marienmünster Dießen as a spiritual stop-off point
• Destination: round trip - destination is Herrsching again (can be easily combined with a stop for refreshments)
• Refreshments: Brauereigasthof Andechs (optional with a short climb to the monastery) | Seehof Herrsching - great beer garden right on the waterfront

Walchensee: Herzogstand tour - a classic with a view of the lake

A classic for all those who want to hike in the mountains near Munich. The ascent to the Herzogstand rewards you with a panoramic view over the turquoise-blue Walchensee - almost a bit of a Caribbean feeling.

• Distance: approx. 8 km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: medium
• Highlights along the way: Ascent through forests & alpine pastures | views of Walchensee & Kochelsee - almost 360° panorama | summit with cross and panoramic path to the mountain station
• Destination: Herzogstand summit (1,731 m)
• Refreshment stops: Herzogstandhaus (mountain hut near the mountain station) | inns in Walchensee or Kochelsee on the way back
• Tip: Combination of mountain railway & hiking possible (e.g. up by train, down on foot)

Lenggries – Hike to the Denkalm

From Lenggries, the route leads through a picture-book landscape towards the Denkalm. A dream, especially in autumn with its colourful foliage. The hut also offers culinary refreshments!

• Distance: approx. 6 km | Duration: 2-3 hours | Difficulty: easy to medium
• Highlights along the way: Start through dense forests, accompanied by the rushing stream | In between wide alpine meadows with views of the Isar valley | Denkalm - rustic & cosy with a viewing terrace
• Finish: Denkalm (970 m)
• Refreshment stops: Denkalm itself - regional delicacies & homemade cakes | on return: Gasthaus Altwirt in Lenggries

Simssee – Walk Along the Water

Another real insider tip: Lake Simssee is less crowded than Lake Chiemsee or Lake Tegernsee and offers a peaceful, almost meditative hiking atmosphere.

• Distance: approx. 7 km | Duration: 2 hours | Difficulty: easy
• Highlights along the way: natural lakeside paths with reeds and birdwatching spots | viewpoints with benches to relax on | small moorland nature trail with information boards
• Destination: circular route around the southern part of the lake
• Refreshment stops: Seewirt Ecking - directly on the lakeshore | Gasthaus Jobsthof in Söchtenau (5 min from the lake)

3. Insider Tips for Hiking Around Munich

Fancy some lesser-known trails? Here are our insider tips for hiking around Munich - far from the classic tourist routes.

Jexhof & Wildmoos Near Schöngeising - Nature & History

Through moors, forests and past the Jexhof farm museum - a varied tour with lots of learning and play opportunities for children.

• Distance: approx. 9 km | Duration: 2.5 hours | Difficulty: easy
• Highlights along the way: route through the Wildmoos - tranquil moorland | play stations for children along the way | visit to the Jexhof farm museum possible
• Destination: circular trail with a focus on experiencing nature
• Refreshment stops: Café Jexhof (small selection of regional dishes) | Picnic in the countryside very popular

Gleißental – Green Oasis Near Deisenhofen

An idyllic valley hike with a stream, small bridges and cosy resting places. Ideal for anyone looking for pure nature - right on their doorstep.

• Distance: approx. 7 km | Duration: 2 hours | Difficulty: easy
• Highlights along the way: Pure nature: stream, meadows, birds & butterflies; small bridges, wooden footbridges & quiet resting places - surprisingly wild for the outskirts of Munich
• Destination: Circular trail through the Gleißental valley
• Refreshment stops: Gasthof zur Post in Deisenhofen | also ideal for a coffee picnic with a thermos flask

Heuberg – Summit With Far-reaching Views

A real insider tip for mountain hiking from Munich: The Heuberg offers fantastic views of the Inn Valley and is still comparatively quiet.

• Distance: approx. 6 km | Duration: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: medium
• Highlights along the way: Initially through shady forests, later across open meadows. Great views of the Inn Valley and the Wilder Kaiser again and again. Summits with panoramic views - and much less busy than on more well-known mountains.
• Destination: Heuberg summit (1,338 m)
• Refreshment stops: Daffnerwald-Alm below the summit - rustic & delicious | inns in Nußdorf or Brannenburg

4. Tips For Your Hike From Munich

Best seasons for hiking

• Spring & autumn: Perfect temperatures, beautiful colours, little going on.
• Summer: Ideal for lake or forest hikes - shade & cooling!
• Winter: Depending on snow conditions, snowshoe hiking is also possible!

Packing list - what you should take with you:

• Comfortable sturdy shoes with tread
• Weatherproof clothing (onion principle!)
• Sun protection (sunglasses, sun cream, sun hat)
• Sufficient water (drinking plenty is important)
• Regional hiking map or reliable GPS app
• Small first aid kit (blister plasters)
• Snacks for on the go and a picnic blanket if necessary

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

• Is it possible to hike in Munich? Yes - for example along the Isar or through the English Garden.
• Which hike with children? Ammersee, Gleißental or Jexhof are particularly family-friendly.
• Where can you hike in the mountains near Munich? Herzogstand, Heuberg or Denkalm are good options.
• Insider tips around Munich? Gleißental, Wildmoos, Heuberg - all quiet and close to nature.

Out of the city - into hiking fun!

Whether city, lake or mountain - countless hiking tours await you around Munich. Many of them are perfect for beginners, families or anyone who just wants to clear their head.

Book your room at the a&o Hostel München Hauptbahnhof now - ideal for your next hike!

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