Lake Schliersee
Lake Schliersee is a natural glacial alpine lake, 777m above sea level, located inside the Alps about 50 mins by train southeast of Munich in Upper Bavaria, Germany. Its proximity to Munich, with direct train connections, makes it a perfect day-trip destination from Munich.
The beautiful lake is surrounded by forested hills and mountain peaks and offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and traditional Bavarian character that attracts visitors throughout the year.
The lake covers approximately 2.2 square kilometers. Its clear and calm waters are popular for swimming during summer. Paddleboarding, rowing, sailing, and lakeside relaxation are among the most popular warm-weather activities.
Wörth, the small island which sits near the center of the lake, creates picturesque views from almost every shoreline vantage point and contributes to the lake’s postcard-perfect scenery. Walking paths and promenades around parts of the shore allow visitors to enjoy constantly changing perspectives of the surrounding Alps.
The popular Schliersberg area, reached by cable car, provides spectacular panoramic views over the lake and surrounding peaks.
Schliersee Town
The town by the lake also has the name Schliersee. Schliersee Town, with a population of around 6,600, is a traditional Bavarian lakeside community that has evolved from a rural farming settlement into a charming resort town that combines alpine scenery, local culture, and year-round recreation in a way that appeals to both domestic and international visitors.
The town’s greatest appeal lies in its authentic Bavarian atmosphere. Visitors encounter flower-decked chalets, church steeples, family-run cafés, beer gardens, and mountain inns that contribute to a very distinct local feel. The compact town centre is easily explored on foot, allowing visitors to move seamlessly between the lakefront, shopping streets, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
The town’s railway station, located right in the town centre, provides direct connections to Munich, making it highly accessible for day trips from Munich while also functioning as a convenient starting point for longer alpine holidays.
The nearby Schliersberg cable car, only a short walk from the train station, carries visitors to Schliersbergalm, elevated viewpoints overlooking both the lake and the broader Alpine foothills.
Due to the town’s proximity and convenient train connections with Munich, it is totally feasible for some of the town’s residents to live here and travel to Munich for work.
The Walk
From the train station, walk south, and in 5 minutes you will be at the lakefront Kurpark. Take the lakefront walking paths in either east or west directions and enjoy the lake views from different viewpoints. Also walk in the compact town streets and enjoy a break at one of the cozy cafes.
For panoramic views of Lake Schliersee, take the Schliersberg-Seilbahn cable car from the bottom station (Talstation) on the eastern side of Schliersee town on the lower slopes of Schliersberg, about a 10-minute walk from the lakefront. The cable car takes 10 minutes to climb to the Schliersbergalm, which overlooks the lake and surrounding Alps.
Want to discover more great walking locations? Check out the “By the Waters” blogs.
Lake Schliersee is a natural glacial alpine lake, 777m above sea level, located inside the Alps about 50 mins by train southeast of Munich in Upper Bavaria, Germany. Its proximity to Munich, with direct train connections, makes it a perfect day-trip destination from Munich.