Schrecksee: A Comprehensive Guide to Germany’s Highest Alpine Lake
- Schrecksee is known as Germany’s highest mountain lake because of its green water and remote feel. It is quiet and free of people if you make the three- to four-hour climb.
- The paths of Schrecksee lead to beautiful views of forests, meadows, and rough terrain.
- The best times to see clear paths and bright views in Schrecksee are in the summer or fall.
Many people think that the beautiful mountain lake Schrecksee in the Allgäu Alps is one of the most beautiful natural sights in Germany. Right? But for those who want to experience peace and beauty like never before, Schrecksee is the best place to go. The spot’s beauty is enhanced by the requirement of hiking for three to four hours to reach it. This means that it will never be too crowded with tourists, so everyone can enjoy its real Alpine beauty.
This guide will show you how to find the start, hike the whole length of Schrecksee, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
But Why Schrecksee?
The German mountain lake with the name “Fear Lake” (Schrecksee) is the highest in the country. The lake is named because it stays close to freezing all year, so don’t be afraid. For those brave enough, swimming in Schrecksee can be fun, but it can also be very cold.
Schrecksee is a wonderful place to take pictures, and not just because of its strange name. The turquoise water and tiny island in the middle make it look like something from a picture. There are no cable cars or other quick ways to get to the lake, so visitors can go hiking, which isn’t possible at many tourist spots. Schrecksee is a wonderful spot to get away from it all and enjoy nature.
How To Get To Schrecksee?
The fact that Schrecksee is difficult to get to is one of its selling points. How you plan your trip will depend on the type of transportation you choose:
Route 1: The Bus And The Train
If you leave from Munich, the trip takes four hours. While it may be challenging to complete in a single day, it is achievable with proper planning. This is the way:
Get on a train from Munich to Sonthofen that is going to Oberstdorf. From Kaufbeuren, you may need to change trains to get on a regional rail (RE), or you may be able to take a straight train to Oberstdorf. It depends on the schedule. Get away from Sonthofen. The bus number 48 leaves from the train station in Sonthofen and goes to Bad Hindelang.
From Bad Hindelang, keep going on bus number 49 to Hinterstein. You can find the exact bus schedules online by searching for “München Hbf” and “Hinterstein Grüner Hut, Bad Hindelang.” You might be able to take the Giebelhaus bus (line 50) from Hinterstein to Auele Kraftwerkhaus. This will get you pretty close to the start. Unless you do that, you’ll have to walk to this starting point.
Route 2: Riding A Motorcycle Or a Car
If you drive, you can get to the start faster. Use your GPS to find the lot of parking space close to the start. From Munich, it takes less than two hours to drive there. You can start the walk at Auele Kraftwerkhaus, which is not far from the parking lot. You might not have to walk as far if you take the Giebelhaus bus instead of driving an automobile.
Going down to Schrecksee
Summary of the Route
Even though the climb to Schrecksee is challenging for weak-willed people, the stunning views and sense of accomplishment make it worth it. The hike starts at Auele Kraftwerkhaus and goes up about 1,000 meters over three hours.
How Long and Challenging Is the Journey?
The hike, including the way down, takes about seven or eight hours from start to finish. It shouldn’t be challenging for experienced hikers, but it might be challenging for people who are just starting. Having hiking sticks is a must if you want to make the trail easier on your knees, especially when going down. Several routes leave from Schrecksee that people can take to extend their trip. Some of these tracks lead to nearby lakes, like Austria’s Vilsalpsee, while others offer a way to go back the way you came via Rauhhorn, which has outstanding views.
In what season is Schrecksee at its best?
Late spring, summer, and early fall are the most beautiful times to visit Schrecksee. The following is a list of anticipated events:
- SPRING: The best times to see clear trails and bright mountain scenery are in late spring and summer. The lake looks beautiful right now because the colors are so bright.
- SUMMER: On a bright fall day, the sun can make golden colors look different, but remember that the days will be getting shorter.
- WINTER: If you’re not an experienced mountain climber, you should probably stay off the paths during the winter. The trail is in terrible shape, and the lake’s natural beauty is sometimes hidden by how often it freezes over.
- RAINY: Before you go on a hike, you should always check the weather report, because heavy rain can make the ground slippery and dangerous.
Important Things to Remember When Hiking Schrecksee
- Schrecksee is different from other mountain trails in Germany because there are no rest stops or cabins along the way. Make sure you bring everything you need. Bring enough snacks, water, and food to last the whole trip.
- Hiking poles are essential for keeping you stable and saving your knees from the steep drops and climbs on the trail.
- Don’t walk about 10 kilometers; instead, take the Giebelhaus bus. To get the most out of this choice, look at its schedule ahead of time.
- Schrecksee is in the Allgäu High Alps Nature Reserve, so you can’t camp, paraglide, use drones, or have campfires there. Please follow these rules to protect the lake’s natural beauty.
How Much does it cost in money?
The Bayern Ticket, which leaves from Munich, is a beneficial way for groups to save money. What does this day pass cost? It lets you ride any regional train in Bavaria without any limits.
- €25 for one person
- It costs €7 for each extra person, up to a maximum of five.
Take this example:
- Traveler on their own: €25
- It costs €32 for two people or €16 per day.
Bavaria, the bus lines that go from Bad Hindelang to Hinterstein and Auele Kraftwerkhaus are not open to people who have tickets. It costs about €4.60 per person.
The Bottom Line
Schrecksee is a secret gem that hikers will enjoy for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Clear blue water and sharp mountain peaks frame the picture-perfect setting. It takes planning and work, but reaching your goal is worth it. Schrecksee is a must-see in the summer, no matter how experienced you are with hiking or how new you are to it. Read my guide to make sure you have everything you need for a fun and safe hike in the mountains. It’s time to put on your boots and go on an adventure to Schrecksee!
FAQs
How long does it take to climb to Schrecksee?
Getting to Schrecksee on foot takes about seven to eight hours, with three to four hours spent going up and back down.
At what time of year is Schrecksee the most beautiful?
Going to Schrecksee in late spring, summer, or early fall will give you the best mountain views and clear paved paths.
Is it hard to get to Schrecksee?
Yes, Schrecksee is out in the middle of nowhere, and getting there isn’t easy. It’s great for people who want to get away from the city and enjoy nature without any noise.
