3 Days of Lake Life in Spitzingsee, Bavaria

Fly into Munich or Vienna, then continue to Spitzingsee by train or car. From Munich Airport, the journey takes about two hours by train, including a scenic regional connection, or roughly 90 minutes by car. From Vienna, plan on about four hours by car or a longer but picturesque train journey.

Check in at Arabella Alpenhotel am Spitzingsee and enjoy your lake-view room. The hotel leans into classic Bavarian style with warm wood interiors, cozy textiles, and a welcoming alpine feel. Rooms are spacious with very comfortable beds, a sitting area, and a balcony overlooking the lake or mountains.

Take a gentle walk along the lake to get your first feel for the area, then settle in for dinner at the hotel restaurant. Order the schnitzel, a thinly pounded and breaded cutlet that is crisp on the outside and tender inside, or Käsespätzle, soft egg noodles tossed with melted Alpine cheese and crispy onions. End the night with a nightcap at the hotel bar.

Ease into the morning with the hotel’s generous breakfast buffet. Expect German classics like Leberkäse, a savory baked meatloaf, and Frikadellen, seasoned pan-fried meat patties, alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, waffles, fresh juices, lots of cheeses and cold cuts, and even sparkling wine.

Get ready for a hike and walk to the Taubensteinbahn, where the trailhead begins. The hike up takes about two hours and rewards you with sweeping mountain views, alpine meadows, and plenty of cows wearing bells along the way. It is a satisfying climb that gets your blood flowing. At the top, enjoy a light snack and an Aperol spritz at the mountain restaurant before taking the gondola back down. If you prefer a slower pace, take the gondola up and hike down instead.

Back at the hotel, spend the afternoon in the spa. The facilities include a large indoor pool, relaxation areas, and adults-only saunas and steam rooms that are ideal for sore muscles. A massage makes it even better. For dinner, head to Spitzingalm or one of the nearby alpine restaurants for a relaxed, local meal.

After another leisurely breakfast, spend time by the lake in summer or browse the small shops around Spitzingsee in winter. Then continue on to Schliersee, a slightly larger but still charming town with traditional architecture and a lively promenade. Pick up a few treats from a local bakery to enjoy later.

In the afternoon, visit Slyrs Distillery for a whiskey tasting and guided tour, followed by a late lunch next door. Return to Spitzingsee in the early evening for one last walk around the lake. End your stay with dinner on your balcony, watching the sun dip behind the mountains.