Despite its reputation as a beloved destination for holidaymakers and day-trippers from Munich, Lake Tegernsee offers countless hidden gems tucked away from the bustling crowds. Beyond the well-known tourist hotspots of the Tegernsee Bräustüberl and the Wallberg await impressive waterfalls, specialty farm shops, spectacular vantage points and cosy cafes with panorama views.
Whether you’re headed to Gmund, Bad Wiessee, Rottach-Egern or Tegernsee, let’s venture beyond the tourist trails and check out Tegernsee’s better kept secrets…
Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the freshest fish from Tegernsee at Kreuth Fishery
From its roots as a pure fish farm, the Kreuth fishery has developed in recent years into a true insider tip on the gastro scene at Lake Tegernsee. The tradition of fish farming at the ducal fish farm Wildbad Kreuth goes back to the 19th century. Sit between the fish ponds with hikers, cyclists and locals alike and enjoy fish specialties from fresh fish rolls to smoked plates. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more authentic Tegernsee experience than here.
Lake views from Wallberg Panorama Route
Only motorists and e-bikers get to enjoy this wonderful view over Lake Tegernsee. An adventurous drive along the Wallberg Panorama Road takes you to this hidden vantage point at an altitude of almost 1,117 m. At the end of the toll road you’ll find a car park and a cosy Alm to stop for refreshments at the Wallbergmoosalm.
Grab a seat in the wooden house on the shore at Confiserie Hagn
Confiserie Hagn Ladenengeschäft Seestr 80. Rottach pic.twitter.com/7DqWQNVrQi
— info (@confiseriehagn) January 30, 2014
Head to Cafe Confiserie Hagn in Rottach-Egern for excellent cakes, great coffee, ice cream and special chocolates from the in-house chocolatiers. If you don’t manage to grab one of the only 4 tables on arrival, you’ll have time to browse the numerous gifts for yourself or to give away. Visitors arriving early will get the most coveted “seat by the window” above the crystal waters of Lake Tegernsee.
Marvel at the waterfalls in the Wolfsschlucht
The name “Wolfsschlucht” derives from the German words for “wolf” and “gorge,” symbolising the mystique and wild beauty associated with this impressive, heavily indented rock gorge south of Wildbad Kreuth. As you explore the area, you’ll be greeted by towering trees, moss-covered rocks, and the peaceful sounds of trickling water. The hiking trail leading through the gorge winds its way along the stream, providing a tranquil and immersive experience in nature. The two waterfalls are of course perfectly instagrammable. Discovering the riverbed of the Felsweißach along the way to the waterfalls is the perfect day out for kids of all ages.
Visit the Boarhof organic farm for the best breakfast at Tegernsee
In a wonderfully quiet location in the middle of nature with a view of the mountains, the Biohof Boarhof Hofladen & Cafe invites visitors to what is perhaps the best breakfast on Lake Tegernsee. On Fridays and Saturdays, hikers, cyclists and motorists make their way here to Holz between Bad Wiessee and Kaltenbrunn. If you arrive later, you can still enjoy a snack by the pond. Don’t forget to bring cash for organic vegetables, spices and fresh bread in the farm shop for home.
Take a walk away from the crowds at Sutten Lake
Idyllically located and surrounded by unspoilt nature, the Suttensee with its beautiful circular hiking trail is the perfect destination for those looking for some peace and quiet during the holiday season at Tegernsee. Take the Enterrottach-Sutten toll road from Rottach-Egern or hike from the car park below. The leisurely stroll around the Suttensee lake is ideal for the whole family.
Sample tasty alternatives to the famous Tegernseer beer
In Waakirchen-Marienstein, two brothers from a family of miners have set up a rather tasty micro-brewery. The labels of the traditional flip-top bottles of the Mariensteiner beer bear the mining symbol (hammer and mallet). This symbol is reminiscent of the hard coal mining that took place in Marienstein until 1962. Available in various beverage markets and delicatessens around Lake Tegernsee, Mariensteiner beer can be enjoyed freshly tapped at the neighbouring Schliersee Lake Festival.
Only a few minutes away in Waakirchen, visitors can experience the art of brewing live in the Hoppebräu brewery and taproom (restaurant & bar) as part of a guided tour. Don’t forget to plan enough time to enjoy a beer-bratwurst and other snacks in the beer garden with its stunning view of the Tegernsee mountains!
Relax and enjoy the views from a local bathing area
Insider tips and hidden gems among the Tegernsee bathing spots are rare, but they exist. The municipal beach in Bad Wiessee is popular, but only with the locals. If the lidos in Point and Seeglas are too crowded for you, then head west to Bad Wiessee and enjoy the wonderful view of the Tegernsee castle on the opposite shore. The mountain backdrop makes up for the lack of a kiosk and other facilities – the nearest toilets are 500 meters away.
Visit the production site of the envelopes used for the Oscars
Who would have thought it: The paper for the envelopes used during the Oscar awards comes from Gmund at Tegernsee! If you are wondering how the fabulous golden shine of the Oscar covers is created and are looking for a break from hiking or swimming, a factory tour of the multi-award-winning Gmund handmade paper factory is the right place for you. We recommend finishing your tour with a bite to eat in the beautiful factory restaurant Mangfallblau.
Cool off at the spectacular Walchenklamm
The Walchenklamm is a gorge up to 20 meters deep with partly overhanging rock faces. There are waterfalls, pools and, with a bit of luck, some kayakers to watch paddling through. The gorge is located at the eastern end of the Sylvensteinsee near Tegernsee and is one of the most stunning hidden gorges in Bavaria.
Take a break at Seeblick Kaltenbrunn
A phenomenal view of Lake Tegernsee and the famous peaks of the surrounding mountains for non-climbers: the Seeblick Kaltenbrunn vantage point is a popular stopover on a bike tour around the lake, after a day of swimming at the beach below or after a visit to the Käfer Gut Kaltenbrunn beer garden next door. Parking is nearby so you can easily stop for a souvenir photo on the way home.
