Walchensee

Top 5 mountains near Munich

As Munich's local mountains Several mountains are considered part of the Northern Limestone Alps...which are reachable from the Bavarian capital as a day trip. Munich doesn't have a true local mountain directly within the city limits or in the immediate vicinity, as the Isar metropolis lies on a gravel plain. The peaks, on average an hour and a half away by car, belong to the Wetterstein or Mangfall Mountains, Rofan, Karwendel, Ammergau or Chiemgau Alps. In summer, the mountains can be reached by cable car, via easy hiking trails, challenging paths or climbing routes. In winter, many of them are ideal for extended ski tours. On this page, we present our Top 5 mountains near Munich We'll introduce you to our 3D hiking map, which is your perfect companion for every mountain adventure!

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1. Benediktenwand

View from the Benediktenwand

Anyone wanting to climb the Bendiktenwand needs to be in good shape, as it involves an ascent of almost 1.300 meters. Approximately eight hours of pure hiking time ensures that the summit isn't overcrowded. The Tutzinger Hütte mountain hut makes it possible to split the tour into two days. This not only allows for a more relaxed ascent and descent but also offers the opportunity to observe the ibex on the mountain's north face in peace.

07: 30 pm

1280 m

1280 m

21.2 km

Difficulty

Endurance

Landscape

Starting point in the valley: Benediktbeuern, Gschwendt hiking parking lot

Ascent aid via cable car: no

RefreshmentsYes, Tutzinger Hütte

Suitable for children : conditional; requires good physical condition and sure-footedness

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2. Herzogstand and Heimgarten

Ridge from Herzogstand to Heimgarten

Herzogstand and Heimgarten are two peaks in the Bavarian Prealps, connected by a beautiful ridge trail. This challenging path offers fantastic views of the high mountains, across the flat plains towards Munich, and the Bavarian Alpine lakes. Thanks to the Herzogstand cable car, the hike can easily be completed as a day trip.

3: 15 pm

380 m

1180 m

10.2 km

Difficulty

Endurance

Landscape

Starting point in the valley: Valley station at Walchensee

Ascent aid via cable car: ja

RefreshmentsYes, Herzogstand mountain inn and Heimgarten hut

Suitable for children : Herzogstand from the mountain station: yes; crossing to the Heimgarten requires sure-footedness and a head for heights.

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3. Kampenwand

Kampenwand summit

The striking summit of the Kampenwand is adorned with the largest summit cross in the Bavarian Alps. Reaching it is possible for the whole family thanks to the Kampenwand cable car. The first section of the trail is almost level, following a wide panoramic path, before becoming steeper and rockier in the second part. The path is secured with cables in one section and is also suitable for children who enjoy scrambling.

2: 15 pm

20 m

940 m

7.0 km

Difficulty

Endurance

Landscape

Starting point in the valley: Aww

Starting point: Kampenwand cable car mountain station

Ascent aid via cable car: ja

RefreshmentsYes, different

Suitable for children : ja

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4. Rotwand

Rotawand

Climbing the Rotwand is a mountain adventure for the whole family, offering a magnificent panorama. The hike from the Taubenstein cable car mountain station, which connects two peaks—Taubenstein and Rotwand—takes only an hour. A different route is suitable for the return journey, creating a pleasant circular hike. Those seeking a more challenging option can then descend further into the valley. 

4: 00 pm

150 m

650 m

11.2 km

Difficulty

Endurance

Landscape

Starting point in the valley: Spitzingsee

Starting point: Taubensteinbahn mountain station

Ascent aid via cable car: ja

RefreshmentsYes, Rotwandhaus and Taubensteinhaus

Suitable for children : ja

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5. Wendelstein

Wendelstein summit

The Wendelstein is one of the most beautiful panoramic mountains in the entire region and a paradise for families with children: In addition to a large playground, the mountain offers two easy routes – the Panorama Trail and the Geology Trail. Exploring the Wendelstein Cave is a must for young and old alike – don't forget warm clothing! Both a cable car and a cog railway are available for the ascent and descent.

1 room

110 m

110 m

1.5 km

Difficulty

Endurance

Landscape

Starting point in the valley: Wendelsteinbahn valley station, Osterhofen/Bayrischzell

Starting point: Wendelsteinbahn mountain station

Ascent aid via cable car: ja

RefreshmentsYes, different

Suitable for children : ja

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Challenging mountain tours in every season

In addition to the hiking tours already presented, the mountains surrounding Munich offer numerous via ferratas and climbing routes of varying difficulty. Even ambitious hikers and climbers will find their sporting challenge during the summer months. The mountains are appealing in every season and possess a special charm in winter, appreciated by ski tourers, snowshoe hikers, and downhill skiing enthusiasts.