Tegernsee has a lot of competition in Bavaria in the mountain lake competition but with its proximity to Munich and frequent direct trains, it’s very much the weekend playground of often too many. It has a more bustling atmosphere than its neighbors with a promenade often besieged with pilgrims come to bask in the admittedly gorgeous views.
the stunning Tegernsee
Easily arranged boat trips are more popular than swimming due to the lake’s cold temperature but on a very hot day, a dip is invigorating to say the least.
views from understandably popular boat trips
With hills on all sides, it shouldn’t be surprising that one of the most beloved activities is hiking. There is a variety of trails and one of the most popular is the chapel-topped jutting peak known as the Riederstein.
a an atmospheric trail to the Riederstein
The last bit of the route up follows the stations of the cross, befitting of a pilgrimage to a mountain chapel. There are lots of steps but people of all ages seem to manage it.
one of the stations of the cross
It’s a varied trail that passes through forest mixed in with open areas, affording great views of the Tegernsee down below.
some images from the hike to the Riederstein
Though not an overly strenuous hike, once back down at the lake, it’s the rare person who isn’t ready for some nutrient replenishment. After all, you’ve earned it and the Tegernsee Bräustüberl is about as good an end to a beer hike as you’re likely to find.
a perfect end to a beer hike
Of course, one of the reasons for Tegernsee’s popularity is the Bräustüberl. It’s a traditional treat, where people in Tracht are not a tourist attraction. Locals gather in Lederhosen and drink one of Bavaria’s finest. Though the brewery’s Helles is second only to Augustiner’s in Munich in popularity, for my money I love their Dunkel Export best. The vaulted room dining area also specializes in regional dishes at very fair prices. They’ve even won an award for their incredible Obatzda, a cheesy spread you’ll be dreaming about once you get back home.
a some just rewards after your hike
Tegernsee lies in Upper Bavaria (Oberbayern in German). There are 14 hikes (including the Riedersten) in this region in my book Beer Hiking Bavaria along with another 36 from all over Bavaria. Each includes detailed descriptions of the hikes as well as information on the breweries along the routes plus some tasting notes on my favorite beers at each establishment.
It’s available in both English and German:
Rather have me show you the way:
Hi Rich! Hope you are well! This looks like a beautiful part of the world to have a beer!
We’re doing well, Anna. Hope you all are too. You’d love Tegernsee. Maybe one day we can show it to you!
It would be great to meet you and see this beautiful region of the world! One day fingers crossed!
The Dunkel Export really is delicious. Not bad out of a bottle but best enjoyed as you describe, in the beerhall, after a hike.