The Tegernsee and Schliersee regions are among Upper Bavaria’s most popular winter destinations – and for good reason. Nestled between snow-covered forests and easily accessible mountains, these lake areas provide the perfect conditions for a varied winter day. Whether you’re planning a gentle winter hike, tobogganing down the slopes, or a cozy break in a mountain hut, this guide gives you all the best tips for your winter excursion.

1. Winter at Tegernsee & Schliersee – Location & Getting There

• Location: Tegernsee and Schliersee lie in the Bavarian pre-Alps, south of Munich, surrounded by gently rolling hills. Both lakes are popular winter destinations, offering nature experiences, outdoor activities, and classic Bavarian charm all at once.
• By car: From Munich, take the A8 towards Salzburg – both lakes are reachable in about an hour. Parking is available in town centers and at many trailheads. Roads are well cleared in winter, but winter tires and possibly snow chains in higher areas are recommended.
• By train: Tegernsee is reachable from Munich in around an hour via the BOB (Bayerische Oberlandbahn), and Schliersee is similarly well connected. From both towns, buses take you directly to hiking and sledding areas.

2. Best Time to Visit in Winter

Winter at Tegernsee and Schliersee typically lasts from December to March, with each month offering unique experiences:

• December: Advent atmosphere, Christmas markets, and first snowfalls transform the towns into winter wonderlands.
  • Tegernsee tip: Scenic Christmas markets around the lake can be explored using the shuttle boat. More info
  • Schliersee: The historical Christmas market at the Markus Wasmeier Open-Air Museum runs on the 2nd and 3rd Advent weekends. Read more
• January: Stable snow conditions – perfect for tobogganing, winter hiking, and cross-country skiing. Clear paths and visibility provide spectacular panoramas.
• February: Good conditions for active winter days – skiing, snowshoeing, and lakeside strolls.
• March: Milder temperatures and sunshine invite long winter hikes. Cozy stops at mountain huts are even more enjoyable in the warmer sun.

3. Winter Highlights & Hikes

• Tegernsee: In winter, the lake is especially picturesque, with cleared and walkable shore paths offering stunning pre-Alpine views. Recommended walks:
  • Lake promenades in Tegernsee, Rottach-Egern, and Bad Wiessee
  • Malerwinkel in Rottach-Egern
  • Weißach-Auen near Rottach-Egern
• Schliersee: Snow-covered paths around the lake are perfect for winter walks:
  • Schliersee Circular Trail
  • Spitzingsee Circular Trail
  • Schliersee–Westenhofen route
  • Walk to the Markus Wasmeier Open-Air Museum
• Viewpoints: From Wallberg, enjoy panoramic views over Tegernsee, Schliersee, and the surrounding Alps – ideal for photos or short winter hikes.

4. Other Winter Activities at Tegernsee & Schliersee

Both lake regions offer simple walks as well as more challenging winter adventures:

• Tobogganing: Numerous well-prepared runs, some with lift support:
  • Wallberg (approx. 6.5 km – one of Germany’s longest natural sled runs. Lift and sled rental available)
  • Hirschberg (near Kreuth, Tegernsee Valley)
  • Alte Spitzingstraße
  • Untere Firstalm (Spitzingsee area)
  • Tip: Conditions (snow, slope preparation) vary – check webcams before visiting.
• Ski Resorts: Popular areas include:
  • Hirschberg (Kreuth)
  • Spitzingsee–Tegernsee ski area
  • Sudelfeld (Bayrischzell)
  • Brauneck (Lenggries)
• Cross-Country Skiing: Excellent trails with stunning mountain panoramas:
  • Rottach-Egern
  • Gmund–Ostin–Holz (sunny open-field trails)
  • Bayrischzell / Ursprungstal (classic & skating)
  • Fischhausen Trail
  • Wildbad Kreuth / Klamm
  • Lenggries – Fall / Sylvenstein
• Snowshoeing: Recommended routes:
  • Over Neureuth and Gindelalmschneid (start in Tegernsee, end at Schliersee)
  • Taubensteinbahn to Rotwandhaus and up to Rotwand summit (1,884 m)
• Winter Hikes: Many trails are cleared and walkable without special equipment. Notable hikes:
  • Tegernsee Höhenweg
  • Schliersee Circular Trail
  • Spitzingsee Circular Trail

5. Additional Winter Highlights Nearby

Other winter attractions make your visit even more special:

• Ice Skating: In cold conditions, Tegernsee, Schliersee, Spitzingsee, or Sylvensteinsee can freeze, offering natural ice surfaces. Alternatively, local rinks provide safe skating: KunsteisArena Tegernsee or Eisstadion Schliersee.
• Winter Photography & Panoramas: Snow-covered lakeshores, mountainsides, and huts create scenic photo opportunities.
• Cultural Highlights: For a break from outdoor activities, visit the Tegernsee Bräustüberl or explore small museums around Schliersee.

6. Wellness & Cozy Stops

After an active winter day, Tegernsee and Schliersee are perfect for relaxing:

• monte mare Seesauna (Tegernsee): Modern sauna world with indoor and outdoor areas and direct lake access
• Spa at Hotel Bachmair Weissach (Tegernsee): Luxury wellness, pools, and relaxation zones
• Spa at Hotel Bayerischer Hof (Schliersee): Sauna, steam bath, and cozy relaxation areas. Find your perfect Tegernsee / Schliersee hotel here
• Cozy Mountain Huts: Recommended stops during hikes or other activities:
  • Wirtshaus Aibl Alm (Kreuth)
  • Schwarzentenn-Alm (Kreuth)
  • Berggasthof Klausenhütte (Schliersee)

7. Practical Gear for the Perfect Winter Day

A checklist ensures you fully enjoy your winter day in the Tegernsee and Schliersee regions:

• Winter boots with grip
• Warm jacket, hat, gloves, scarf
• Thermos with tea or coffee, and small snacks
• Traction spikes or Grödel for icy paths
• Hiking poles for snowshoeing or steep routes
• Camera or smartphone for winter panoramas

Winter essentials: These items are must-haves for a winter outing – or even for visiting a Christmas market.

Our conclusion: Tegernsee and Schliersee are ideal winter destinations for anyone seeking nature, activity, and Bavarian coziness. Tobogganing, winter hikes, snowshoeing, or a cozy stop in a mountain or lakeside hut make for a varied and unforgettable winter day.

Are you planning a winter trip to Tegernsee or Schliersee? Which activities interest you most – sledding, winter hiking, or cozy hut visits?
Share this guide with your favorite road trip buddies and leave us a comment below!

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