Fischhausen: Leonhard’s Ride, Church and Hiking Trails

On the southern shore of Lake Schliersee, traditional fishermen’s and boathouses stand side by side in Fischhausen. The area is also home to the pilgrimage church of St. Leonhard, a long-standing procession, and trails with views of the lake and the Alpine foothills. Culture, outdoor activities and rail connections give you several starting points for planning your stay.

St. Leonhard and the Leonhard’s Ride

The Catholic branch and pilgrimage church of St. Leonhard is in the Fischhausen district. Its chapel has an elongated octagonal shape with rounded corners and is designed in the so-called Miesbach-Schliersee style. Inside are ornaments created by local artists.

The traditional Leonhard’s Ride from Schliersee to Fischhausen has been held since the 17th century. It takes place every year on the first Sunday in November. At St. Leonhard’s Church, the procession ends with three circuits around the church, during which horses, riders and pilgrims are blessed. A service is then celebrated outdoors. If you would like to experience the procession, check the event date as you plan your trip.

Trails to the castle ruins and along the lake

Hiking trail W6, “Oberleiten – Hohenwaldeck Ruins – Fischhausen,” leads to the castle ruins and then towards Fischhausen. From a viewpoint, you can see across Lake Schliersee and the Alpine foothills. The hiking trail is accessible, but the castle ruins themselves are currently closed.

The history and nature trail to Hohenwaldeck Castle Ruins starts in Schliersee-Fischhausen. This moderately difficult route is 4.0 km long and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the circular trail around Lake Schliersee: It is about 7 km long, mostly flat and in very good condition.

There are also options on the water: Fischhausen Boat Rental on Lake Spitzingsee offers rowboats, pedal boats, electric boats and SUPs. The fishermen’s and boathouses on the southern shore give the village its distinctive character.

Culture and nature in the wider Schliersee destination

In the wider Schliersee destination, the Markus Wasmeier Open-Air Museum is designed as an Upper Bavarian farm village, with historic buildings faithfully reconstructed. Traditional crafts such as shoemaking and blacksmithing, as well as brewing based on historical methods, are demonstrated there. Demonstrations may vary depending on the date. Since 1916, the Schliersee Local History Museum has been housed in the Schredl House, built in the 14th century.

St. Sixtus Church in Schliersee also offers insights into regional art and architectural history. It was built between 1712 and 1715 on the site of a medieval predecessor church. Johann Baptist Zimmermann created the ceiling frescoes and stucco work; the church also contains a Throne of Mercy by Erasmus Grasser dating from 1490.

The official circular trail around Lake Schliersee includes a tree discovery trail. Along the way, there are benches, lakeside viewpoints and swimming coves. Vitalwelt in Schliersee is a possible starting point; the adjacent spa park lets you choose your direction. Most of the trail is paved and easy to travel. A companion is recommended because of a few short climbs.

Plan your trip around your interests

BRB line RB 55 runs on the Munich–Bayrischzell route and passes through Schliersee and Fischhausen-Neuhaus to Fischbachau. The Markus Wasmeier Open-Air Museum is very close to Fischhausen-Neuhaus station. Check current departure times before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Josefsthal, Spitzingsee.

Return to the overview of the wider destination: Schliersee.