For those looking for a gentle half-day hike near Munich with stunning lake and mountain views, the Tegernsee Loop Trail is a fantastic choice. Located in the Miesbach region, Lake Tegernsee is easily accessible by public transport, and the circular route can be completed either in full or in sections. Unlike some other lakes near Munich, this trail runs almost entirely along the shore.
The full loop trail once around Lake Tegernsee covers a total of 21 kilometers. The most scenic sections of the route can be found between Gmund and Rottach-Egern. Few visitors cover the full distance on foot, due to the final section between Bad Wiessee and Kaltenbrunn running near the main road. The viewpoint on arrival however is amazing and the beer garden at Kaltenbrunn is a wonderful spot to end a long walk.
Along the eastern shore from Gmund to Tegernsee
| Arrival/Start: | Gmund Train Station |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Distance: | 6 km |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours |
| Buggy-friendly: | yes |
The section from Gmund to the town of Tegernsee is an ideal starting point for those traveling from Munich by train with the Bayerische Regiobahn. Gmund station is located on the northern shore of Lake Tegernsee and is the penultimate stop on the route from Munich. Follow the signs from outside the station, heading down towards the lake, crossing the Mangfall Bridge, onwards along the eastern shore, passing through Seeglas and arriving in the town of Tegernsee in just over an hour.
There’s plenty to discover along the way: the lakeside promenade in Gmund with unobstructed mountain views, the Tegernsee Pier where you can board a boat trip, numerous restaurants and cafes (predominantly in Tegernsee town), as well as the famous Tegernsee Bräustüberl (brewery). A large part of the trail runs directly along the shore, with no elevation gain. Tip: those looking for a more challenging route, can take the Tegernsee High Trail, which runs parallel to the loop trail.
From Tegernsee to Rottach-Egern
| Arrival/Start: | Tegernsee Train Station |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Distance: | 6 km |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours |
| Buggy-friendly: | yes |
The southeastern section offers the most sights, restaurants, museums, and swimming spots along the Tegernsee loop trail. Those looking for a shorter option can skip the north and east shore and join the trail here at Tegernsee station, arriving by car or the BRB from Holzkirchen/Munich. From the station it’s just a 10-minute walk down to the lake.
Those arriving from Gmund can take a short detour through the town of Tegernsee, or continue along the promenade towards the Bräustüberl Tegernsee and the parish church of St. Quirinus. At this point there is a great opportunity to catch some views up at the Paraplui at the foot of the Leeberg. Expect around a 100 meter elevation up to the top, where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the lake.
The most varied section of the Tegernsee loop trail follows along the south bank of the lake in Rottach-Egern: Running right along the shore, the path takes you through the Schwaighof complex in the Egern Bay, past several swimming and bathing areas along Seestraße, boat docks and the idyllic Malerwinkel. The walk ends at the south-western Ringsee Bay with views of the only island in Lake Tegernsee.
During Advent, the stretch between the towns of Tegernsee and Rottach-Egern is packed with visitors to the Tegernsee Christmas markets. Visitors can enjoy a stroll from one market to the next or take a shuttle boat between the markets.
Is it worth doing the entire loop trail around Lake Tegernsee?
Honestly? Not really. The most interesting parts are the stretch along the north, east and south banks. The western shore near Bad Wiessee is not easily accessible for long stretches and the path runs along the main road at times. If you want to go around the entire lake, the best way to do so is by bike on the main cycle path around the lake.
Other lakeside trails nearby
Other lakeside trails near Tegernsee:
- The Schliersee Loop Trail covers a total of 7 kilometers. Strating point is at the train station (BRB from Munich).
- The Spitzingsee Loop Trail is a short but particularly scenic walk along 3 kilometers up at 1000 meters.
- At 60km long, the Chiemsee loop trail is usually done in stages, which are easily manageable thanks to several access points as well as train stations and docks along the route.
