Kochel a. See between art and nature

Kochel a. See offers different ways to enjoy a stay: art at the Franz Marc Museum, a lake cruise that can be combined with other activities seasonally, and routes to explore on foot or by bike. The aspect that appeals to you most may also shape your choice of accommodation.

Art and Lake Kochel

The Franz Marc Museum in Kochel am See displays works by Franz Marc and his fellow artists from the Blue Rider movement in dialogue with modern and contemporary art. The museum’s sculpture park brings art and nature together outdoors and adds another perspective to the works.

You can also combine a visit to the museum with a trip on Lake Kochel: From Easter to October, the motor vessel Herzogstand calls at the Franz Marc Museum landing stage. During these months, you can combine a lake cruise with a visit to the museum. During the cruise, you can visit lakeside attractions such as the museum and the Walchensee Hydroelectric Power Station. Check the current timetable before planning your visit.

Routes on foot and by bike

The Loisach-Moos Loop starts at Kochel a. See station and first leads to the Loisach Bridge, then follows a flat fitness trail along the river. Along the way, there are views across the Kochelsee Moor, a habitat for numerous plant and animal species; you can also exercise along the route. The Short Circular Route offers a different perspective on the landscape: it follows a flat path along the Loisach and past meadows and fields. On the return to Kochel, Jochberg, Herzogstand and Heimgarten are visible in clear weather.

For cyclists, the 47.97-kilometre Art Loop offers a distinct experience. It starts at the Franz Marc Museum, follows the cycle path towards Schlehdorf and continues through Großweil to the Schlossmuseum in Murnau. The e-mountain-bike tour to the Berggasthaus Herzogstand, at an altitude of 1,575 m, also starts at Kochel a. See station and heads towards Lake Walchen. The two tours therefore differ in their stated destinations and routes.

Another route leads from Kochel a. See station along Lake Kochel to the Walchensee Hydroelectric Power Station in the district of Altjoch, then along the scenic Felsenweg path by the lake. The trail is cut into a 300 m-high rock face on the south shore. For the return journey to Kochel a. See after the Felsenweg tour, you can take a motorboat on Lake Kochel or the MVV bus. Check the current availability of these return options in advance.

Getting around Kochel a. See

The Kochel a. See Tourist Information Office is located right in the station building. Outside, a digital information terminal provides information around the clock, including event listings, a map of cycling and hiking trails, and a selection of important brochures. As service details may change, it is worth checking the information again before your trip.

In the wider Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen destination

The wider Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen destination also offers a variety of routes and cultural experiences. The Tölzer Land Health Climate Park has 37 routes across a network of more than 340 kilometres between Bad Heilbrunn, Bad Tölz, Kochel am See, Wackersberg and Lenggries. The region’s hiking options also include six signposted Nordic walking routes between 2 and 8.6 kilometres long. Route numbers may change; check local information when planning your trip.

One themed route in the region is the Benedictus Way, which loops around Benediktbeuern Abbey in the Loisach-Kochelsee Moor. The meditative circular route is 2.31 kilometres long and rated easy. Twelve stations explore the teachings of Saint Benedict; QR codes and audio files provide further insights into the topics. The Loisach Path in Wolfratshausen offers a different focus: this easy 3.34-kilometre walk follows the Loisach past traces of rafting history, the Kastenmühl weir and the raft landing. The stated walking time is 49 minutes.

Culture is also on show in Bad Tölz at the annual Leonhardi procession. It is considered the largest Leonhardi procession in Upper Bavaria and one of Germany’s most beautiful horse pilgrimages; it attracts tens of thousands of spectators every year. The procession passes through Marktstraße to Calvary Hill and the Leonhardi Chapel, where a service is held and participants are blessed. It then circles the Leonhardi Chapel, built in 1718, twice before returning to Marktstraße. Check the latest dates and schedule for your visit.

For children, the wider Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen destination offers the Explorer Trail on Blomberg: its stations invite visitors to try things out and solve puzzles, wooden telescopes draw attention to features of the natural environment, and stories accompany the route. The trail is open from spring to autumn. Such regional activities can be included as a dedicated theme in your trip planning.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Reichersbeuern, Bad Tölz, Münsing, Königsdorf, Gaißach, Sachsenkam, Wolfratshausen, Wackersberg.

Back to the regional travel overview: Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen.