Herzogstandbahn Cable Car
Ascend the Herzogstand for unparalleled views of the turquoise Walchensee and the majestic Bavarian Alps. A short cable car ride leads to rewarding hi...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Herzogstandbahn Cable Car
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend the Herzogstand for unparalleled views of the turquoise Walchensee and the majestic Bavarian Alps. A short cable car ride leads to rewarding hikes.
"The views of Walchensee from the Herzogstand are absolutely stunning, making the cable car ride and hike totally worth it!"
🎟️ Buy Tickets Onsite
Tickets can be purchased at the station. A round trip costs €21, one-way is €12.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
The summit offers little shade. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Herzogstand Summit Views
Herzogstand Peak
Panoramic vistas of Walchensee and surrounding lakes. A rewarding hike after the cable car ride.
Walchensee Lake
Base of the cable car
Stunning turquoise waters offering a beautiful contrast to the mountain scenery. Perfect for photos.
Cable Car Ride
Herzogstandbahn
A swift 5-minute ascent with breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps and Walchensee.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Prepare for the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🎟️ Buy Tickets Onsite
Tickets can be purchased at the station. A round trip costs €21, one-way is €12.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
The summit offers little shade. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days.
🥾 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Wear sturdy shoes for the hike to the summit, which takes about 50 minutes.
🚶 Hike Down for Views
Consider walking down for more scenic perspectives of Walchensee. It takes 2-3 hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Onsite
Tickets can be purchased at the station. A round trip costs €21, one-way is €12.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
The summit offers little shade. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days.
🥾 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Wear sturdy shoes for the hike to the summit, which takes about 50 minutes.
🚶 Hike Down for Views
Consider walking down for more scenic perspectives of Walchensee. It takes 2-3 hours.
📸 Capture the Lake
The vibrant colors of Walchensee are best seen from the cable car and the summit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Herzogstandbahn for its breathtaking views of Walchensee and the surrounding Alps, calling the cable car ride and summit hike well worth the trip. The vibrant lake colors and accessible trails are major highlights. Some note that it can get crowded, and sun protection is essential due to limited shade.
"Easy to get too from Munich and well worth a visit. It's 21 euro for a return trip on the cable car. Enjoy the views and then you can take an easy hike to the top, should take you around 50 mins. We stopped on the way back for a well deserved drink. Highly recommend."
Geordie boy lost in Asia
"Amazing color of the lake, easy hikes on he hill, but one can find challenging ones as well. It does take 2h (for some maybe 3) to walk down, but that is also nice. Or of course you can come down with the cable car.
In sunny weather prepare with hat and suncream, not too many shadows up there."
Laszlo Lanyi
"We paid 42€ for two people going up and down. It’s totally worth it just remember it’s a short ride but the views are amazing. On top be prepared to be in full sun so get your sunscreen."
Veronica Holmes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Herzogstandbahn is easily accessible from Munich by car, taking approximately 1 hour. Public transport options include taking a train to Kochel am See and then a bus to Walchensee.
Yes, you can drive to Walchensee with summer tires, but if you encounter snow, it's advised to turn back. The cable car typically operates from March to November.
The cable car typically runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date operating hours, as they can vary seasonally.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, many cable cars in the Alps allow dogs, often requiring them to be leashed and sometimes muzzled. It's advisable to confirm with the Herzogstandbahn directly. mentions dogs on a cable car in Switzerland.
Yes, there is parking available at the base station of the Herzogstandbahn. It can get busy during peak season, so arriving early is recommended. emphasizes arriving early for popular cable car rides.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A round trip on the Herzogstandbahn costs €21 per person. A one-way ticket is €12. Prices are subject to change, so check the official website for current rates.
While tickets can be purchased onsite, booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot. highlights the importance of booking tickets in advance for popular attractions.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or groups. It's best to check the official Herzogstandbahn website or inquire at the ticket counter for any applicable offers. mentions travel cards for discounts.
The cable car ride itself is quite short, lasting a maximum of 5 minutes, offering a quick ascent to the mountain station.
No, the Herzogstandbahn is not operational year-round. It typically closes during the winter months and reopens in spring. Always check their website for seasonal operating dates. advises checking operational status.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
At the top, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views, hike to the Herzogstand summit (approx. 50 mins), or explore other trails like the Martinkopf hike.
The hike from the cable car station to the Herzogstand summit typically takes about 50 minutes, offering beautiful scenery along the way.
Yes, there is a mountain restaurant (Berggasthof Herzogstand) at the top where you can enjoy refreshments and meals with a view.
There are various trails, from an easy hike to the summit to more challenging routes. The descent on foot offers different perspectives of Walchensee.
The hike to the summit is generally considered moderate. While not overly strenuous, it involves an uphill climb. Beginners can enjoy the views from the cable car and the immediate area around the station.
📸 📸 Photography
The cable car ride itself offers incredible aerial shots. At the top, the panoramic views of Walchensee and the surrounding Alps are prime photography locations.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful golden hour shots. Sunny days enhance the vibrant colors of Walchensee.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant mountain details. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards! shows stunning mountain scenery.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding drone usage or commercial photography. shows a mountain coaster, implying recreational filming is common.
The lake's striking turquoise hue is best captured on a sunny day. Experiment with different angles from the cable car and the summit to find the most vibrant perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as options at the top can be limited or pricey. Ensure children wear comfortable shoes and are supervised closely, especially near any steep drop-offs. Consider the one-way cable car ticket if you plan to hike down with children, allowing for a more leisurely pace.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Recommendations for hikers: Plan your route in advance and check trail conditions. The descent on foot is highly recommended for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the landscape. Be prepared for changing mountain weather and carry appropriate gear, including layers of clothing and a first-aid kit.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips: Visit on a sunny day for the most striking colors of the lake. Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful lighting. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive scenery and consider a polarizing filter to enhance the lake's colors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Herzogstandbahn Experience
Upon arrival at the mountain station, you're greeted with breathtaking panoramic vistas. The most popular activity is the hike to the Herzogstand summit, which takes roughly 50 minutes. This trail is well-maintained and offers rewarding views throughout. For those seeking more adventure, the Martinkopf hike is also an option. Remember to bring sunscreen and a hat, as the summit area is quite exposed.
Practicalities for the Herzogstandbahn include operating hours typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a round trip costing around €21. While onsite ticket purchase is common, booking ahead can save time during busy periods. The experience is highly dependent on weather, with sunny days offering the most vibrant views of the lake's unique turquoise color.
Hiking and Trails Around Herzogstand
For those looking for a more challenging trek, the Martinkopf hike is an option, offering different perspectives of the region. Many visitors also enjoy the experience of hiking down from the mountain station instead of taking the cable car back. This descent can take 2-3 hours and allows for a more immersive appreciation of the natural beauty, with numerous viewpoints along the way.
It's crucial to be prepared for hiking in the mountains. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, carry water, and check the weather forecast before setting out. While the trails are generally well-marked, having a map or using a navigation app can be helpful. The exposed nature of the trails means sun protection is essential, especially during summer months.
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