Last weekend I was searching for an easy hike in Tegernsee area
Saturdays means sleeping in, right? At least for me! Normally! But not this Saturday! The ants in my pants woke me up at 7 a.m (!!!) and didn’t let me fall asleep again. That’s why I decided to get up and check the weather situation by opening the curtain a tiny little bit in order to avoid too much daylight coming into my room. The sky was deep blue and the sun was shining already. Suddenly I was very awake and had just one thought in my head „I have to go to the mountains to hike“. No sooner said than done. I organized a rental car within few minutes. I didn’t even know that this was possible that spontaneously, but it was. Packed the most important things and started my travel towards Lake Tegern, which is just one hour from Munich, without any preparation on where I actually wanted to go. During the car drive mountain „Riederstein“ came into my mind because I read about it a few days ago. So this was supposed to be my destination now.
1.5 hours later I arrived at the parking which was still completely empty. Who would ever get up at 7 a.m on a Saturday to hike?!
Hike to Riederstein in detail
The first part of the hike was very nice because it was just a little trail in a forest without cars or bikes or any other people.
After one hour of walking, I barely meet any other people, I almost arrived at the peak already. How fast! From this point, you can choose between an easier way and a more steep way called „Way of the cross“. The last mentioned one tells the Catholic story of Jesus’ last walk to the crucifixion. But don’t worry you can just ignore the church part of this way 😉
I decided for the Way of the Cross – for sporty reasons, not for religious. I was still quite fit and not tired at all from the walk up which was so short. Very motivated I started taking the stairs – two at once. But few minutes after I had to take a break and catch breath – the way is not as easy as it looks like. While having a little break, a woman passed me running (yes running!) up the stairs. Even her dog was more exhausted than her. How crazy! I thought. But 2 minutes later I thought this is quite cool and added it to my imaginary bucket list of 2018: „Do a mountain run.“
After approximately 200 steps I finally arrived at the peak which hosts a little chapel. Behind the chapel is a little bench to relax and to enjoy the wonderful view at Lake Tegern. Unfortunately, the weather changed a lot now and it was windy, rainy and cold. But this didn’t distract my good mood even if I just decided to hike because I expected great weather and best views. The journey is the reward! All in all, it was still an easy hike in Tegernsee.
I took another route on the way back which I always prefer when hiking. Follow the signs to „Galaun“ and a wide street with unbelievable high trees – the highest trees I’ve ever seen!
After around 45 minutes I arrived at the viewpoint „Pfliegeleck“ where a summit cross was set up – even if it doesn’t represent a summit or any peak. Nevertheless, it is a very beautiful viewpoint worth a stop. The weather during my hike became worse and worse, I tried not to let this influence my mood!
The path turned from the big street into a little path through the forest and you will be rewarded during the whole walk down by a great view at Lake Tegern.
Happily, in the car on my way back, it even started raining. Still, I was happy about my spontaneous hike and can definitely recommend this easy hike in Tegernsee to everybody – even the lazy ones among you.
And I saw the house of my dreams, which I want to show you as well: Wooden, with many flowers and view at the lake – isn’t it truly beautiful?
Find here all facts about this easy hike in Tegernsee:
Summary of the hike to Riedereck
- Level of difficulty: easy
- Altitude difference: about 400 meters
- Length: around 2.5 hours in total; up: around 1.5, down: around 1
- Route: different ascent and descent. When leaving the parking lot always follow the signs direction to „Riederstein“. The first part of the track leads through the forest. After about 1 hour a path of stairs start and you can decide between an easier walk of about 45 minutes or the more steep option which takes about 30 minutes till the peak. For the descent follow the signs via „Galaun“ and you will arrive at the parking lot after about 1 hour.
How to get to Riedereck?
- around 55 kilometres south of Munich
- Address of the parking lot: Sonnleitenweg 16, 83684 Tegernsee
- How to get there by public transport: You can take the train from Munich to Tegernsee. From the train station, it is a walk of 1.2 kilometres to the start of the hike
This hike is very short and easy. No hiking skills or special equipment are required.
Insider tip: Is there anything else to do in the area?
There are plenty of things to do around after an easy hike in Tegernsee. For example, you can combine the hike with a trip to this beautiful waterfall, called Sibli waterfall, in the south of Lake Tegern in Rottach-Egern.
