Nope this is not in the jungle of Bali. This is actually a waterfall in Bavaria not too far from Munich, called Buchenegger waterfalls. You can jump as well as swim in this waterfall – and the good thing is, it might be quite close to you if you live in Munich or Bavaria.
Summary of the hike to Buchenegger waterfall
Destination: Buchenegger waterfall (1428 meters)
Distance: approx. 6 kilometres
Difference in altitude: approx. 220 meters
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Parking: address: Im Dorf 12, 87534 Oberstaufen
A detailed description of the hike:
https://www.outdooractive.com/de/route/wanderung/allgaeu/mit-kindern-zu-den-buchenegger-wasserfaellen/1530166/
Hike to Buchenegger waterfall
This waterfall is located in the Allgäu area of Bavaria between the two towns Steibis und Buchenegg. There are various mostly very easy and flat hikes leading to the waterfall. I am describing one option in this blog post: from a town called Steibis.
I parked my car at the cheese dairy in Steibis (address: Im Dorf 12, 87534 Oberstaufen) and bought some snacks there for my hike.
The hike starts with a flat dirt road on the other side of the cheese dairy. At the beginning of this easy hike to the waterfall, you have to follow the signs to „Alpe Neugreuth“. After 20 minutes or so you will arrive at the little Restaurant „Alpe Neugreuth“
From now on the hike will go a bit up-hill but it is still very easy and people with normal conditions easily make it. Now you just need to follow the signs to „Buchenegger Wasserfall“ and after half an hour more you will first hear and then soon see the stunning waterfall.
Things to do at Buchenegger waterfall
You can swim in the waterfall. It is a bit deeper directly where the water is coming down. But a fit further where the water is flowing away from the waterfall and forming a little river, it is very very shallow and also great for little kids or to refresh your feet. The water is very cold but also very refreshing on hot summer days! Don’t miss your chance for a unique dip!
The waterfall has 2 cascades and there are people jumping from a rock into the first cascade (above from where the hike will lead you). HOWEVER, THIS IS AT YOUR OWN RISK AND VERY DANGEROUS. I personally did not jump because I’m a scaredy-cat, but I saw some people jumping and they were fine. However this is nature, you don’t know how deep the pool is at the time of your visit, nor can you see if there is any rock or dangerous thing underwater. So please be careful if you choose to jump.
Best time to visit Buchenegger waterfall
I was there in August and it was quite crowded, even on a weekday due to school holidays in Germany. I guess another month except August is better and like for all popular places a weekday in the morning is better than on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Where to park at Buchenegger waterfall
You can’t park directly at the waterfall. To get to the waterfall it requires a very easy hike of 45 minutes. (see my description above). But there are various ways to get to the waterfall.
I was parking at small parking for hikers on the left side of the street of this address: Im Dorf 12, 87534 Oberstaufen. I think only 4 cars could fit there, so be early!
What else to know about Buchenegger waterfall
There is no possibility to buy food or drinks at the waterfall directly so make sure to bring enough water and snacks. But there are two possibilities on the way to buy food. The first one is the cheese diary at the parking lot and the second one is a mountain hut called „Neugreuth“ which is located half-way on your way to the waterfall.
I hope this blog post inspired you to go? This day-trip taught me that we don’t always have to fly far away to discover cool, new places or experience a new adventure. There are so many places where we haven’t been, so close to us. So whenever you can’t fly somewhere far for whatever reason, don’t be disappointed and just start exploring the area around you!
