Spitzingsee is Bavaria’s largest high alpine lake by surface area: its water covers 28 hectares, and dark mountain forests frame the lake. Two distinct focuses are worth considering when choosing when to travel: in summer, hiking and mountain tours take center stage; in winter, skiing in the area. Plan your trip around which of these activities you want to shape your stay.
Summer and Winter at Spitzingsee
In summer, Spitzingsee is a starting point for numerous hikes and mountain tours of all difficulty levels. This range gives you a basis for planning your day: consider what level of challenge you are looking for, and choose accordingly. This keeps the choice of individual outing open, rather than making one particular tour the benchmark for your entire stay.
In winter, the Spitzingsee area offers 30 kilometers of ski runs, along with a total of 18 cable cars and lifts. Recreational facilities may change, so check the current situation before making plans. In contrast to the summer’s hikes and mountain tours, skiing takes center stage as the seasonal focus.
Culture and a Lakeside Walk in the Wider Schliersee Destination
Culture adds another focus in the wider Schliersee destination. The Markus Wasmeier Open-Air Museum Schliersee was designed as an old Bavarian farm village, with historic buildings faithfully reconstructed. Traditional crafts such as shoemaking and blacksmithing, as well as brewing beer according to historical methods, are showcased there. Demonstrations may vary by date; if a particular demonstration is important to your plans, check the schedule in advance. The buildings and crafts offer different points of interest: alongside historic architectural styles, traditional ways of working are also a focus.
The Schliersee Local History Museum has been housed in the Schredl House since 1916. The house was built in the 14th century. This distinguishes two dates: the house dates back to the Middle Ages, while its use as a local history museum began in 1916. St. Sixtus Church also offers a glimpse into different eras. It was built between 1712 and 1715 on the site of a medieval predecessor church. Johann Baptist Zimmermann created the ceiling frescoes and stucco work. The church also houses a Throne of Mercy by Erasmus Grasser, dating from 1490—well before the 18th-century church was built.
For nature and outdoor activity in Schliersee, you can choose the circular route around the lake. It is about 7 kilometers long and mostly flat; along the way, there are benches, viewpoints by the water and bathing coves. The official lakeside route also includes a tree discovery trail. The path is mostly paved and easy to navigate. A companion is recommended because of a few short climbs. Vitalwelt in Schliersee is a possible starting point; you can choose your direction in the adjoining spa park.
If you plan to visit Schliersee at the end of the year, there is also a recurring event: every year on December 31, the Schliersee Local History Association invites visitors to a year-end gathering at the Schliersee Local History Museum. Check the event details in advance if you want to plan your stay around this date.
Discover more destinations: Fischhausen, Josefsthal.
Return to the wider travel overview: Schliersee.
