Discover Wildensee

Wildensee is a small mountain lake at an elevation of 1,136 metres, northwest of Mittenwald and facing the Karwendel mountains. The lakeshore, alpine meadows and mountain forests shape the approach; from the nearby Berggasthof Wildensee, views stretch across the Wetterstein, Karwendel and Estergebirge mountain ranges. At this destination, you can enjoy both views of the lake and a sweeping mountain panorama.

The lake, its surroundings and special details

Wildensee is one of the warmest bathing lakes in the area and is only about two metres deep. A small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary stands right beside the lake. Anton Tiefenbrunner had it built in 1960 in gratitude for his safe return from the Second World War. The chapel adds a personal reminder of the area’s history to this natural setting.

The history of the hut above Wildensee can also be traced through specific dates: in 1933, it was known as the “Goaßoim”, meaning a goat alpine pasture. Hanni and Anda Tiefenbrunner served the first beers at the Wildenseehütte in 1951. These are distinct milestones in local history—from the hut’s earlier name to the start of beer service.

Hikes and mountain destinations

An easy hike leads from the car park at the Luttensee ski area to Wildensee. The route is 2.1 kilometres long, takes about 45 minutes and climbs 145 metres. The path winds through green alpine meadows and mountain forests. At the destination, there is a large children’s playground, a raft on the lake and somewhere to stop for refreshments. This short hike offers several ways to spend time at the destination.

The walking time to Berggasthof Wildensee is different: from the “Luttensee” car park, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the inn on foot. When planning your day, be sure to distinguish between the destinations: the estimate of about 45 minutes refers to the easy hike to the lake, while the longer walking time is for the route to the mountain inn.

Other routes offer different experiences. The Kranzberg panoramic loop follows a hiking trail to the mountain inn. A mountain bike tour on Hoher Kranzberg passes through the Rossgraben to Wildensee. The Kranzberg ski area is very close to the lake; a winter hike to Wildensee starts at the valley station of the Kranzberg chairlift and leads through the ski area. If you prefer to explore on foot, you can choose between a shorter hike to the lake, routes to the mountain inn and a winter trail.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

Day visitors can use the hiking car park at Luttensee or the car park at the chairlift’s valley station. From Gries, a district of Mittenwald, Berggasthof Wildensee can be reached on foot or by bicycle. Depending on your plans, different starting points may be relevant: Luttensee for the hike to the lake, the valley station of the Kranzberg chairlift for the start of the winter hike, or Gries for the route to the mountain inn. Choose your accommodation search based on the tours you want to shape your stay, and compare walking times only for the specific destination mentioned.

After the winter hike, you can take the ski and guest bus from the valley station of the Luttensee lifts back down into the valley. Service information may vary by season, so check the timetable in advance if you plan to make this return trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Triefenstein, Marktheidenfeld, Rothenfels, Schollbrunn, Weibersbrunn, Neustadt Am Main, Gemünden am Main, Bischbrunn.

Back to the main travel overview: Main-Spessart.