Hiking in Germany: A Journey to Schrecksee Lake and Rauhhorn Mountain

Springtime is here, which means it’s finally time for some hiking in Germany! The rivers are full, the flowers are blooming, and if you’ve been south to the Bavarian region, you’ll notice that the cows have been put out to pasture. The promise of longer and warmer days also brings the possibilty of more outdoor activities like hiking in Germany’s Alps.

If you’re considering a hiking trip, Schrecksee Lake and Rauhhorn Mountain should be at the top of your list of destinations for hiking in Germany. I visited this hidden gem in the Summer of 2022; my first hike in the Alps. I’ll never forget the views that greeted me after that long day’s hike, or the feeling of the cool water against my skin as I cannonballed into the lake.

Although Schrecksee Lake wasn’t initially on my radar before arriving in Europe, a glimpse of a few captivating photos quickly convinced me that it’s a must-visit location. Read on to see why I still agree with that initial assessment!

Schrecksee Lake FAQs

1. Where is Schrecksee Lake Located?
   To get to Schrecksee Lake, you’re going to want to chart a route to Bad Hindelang, Germany. Schrecksee Lake is just southeast of Bad Hindelang and sits just a few kilometers from the Germany-Austria border.
2. How to get to Schrecksee Lake
   There’s a few different routes you can take but all will involve some moderately tough hiking.
   
   Easiest Method:
   1. Park your car at the “Parkplatz ‘Auf der Höh'” first. Parking costs ~10 euro. You can pay either with cash OR via an app that’s on the parking meter in the parking lot. I opted for the app because, well, who carries cash anymore lol?
   2. From there, take the Giebelhaus bus that stops at the bus stop in that parking lot every 15 minutes past the hour (e.g., 07:15, 08:15). The cost is 5 euro.
   3. Take the Giebelhaus bus to the first stop, the Kraftwerk Auele, or the electric powerplant stop.
   4. Hop off there and then begin your hike! Here to the lake and back is 6.3 miles and will take about 5h 15min.
   5. If you hang at the bus stop, they’ll pick you up and you can ride back down to your car. I didn’t do this because I hiked back to my car but it does work.
   
   Harder method:
   1. Park your car at the “Parkplatz ‘Auf der Höh'” for ~10 euro for the day. This can be done though the app listed on the parking meter or with cash
   2. Hike directly to Schrecksee Lake. This trip is about 10.6 miles and will take about 7 hours.
   
3. Can you swim in Schrecksee Lake
   Absolutely! I swam out to the island in the lake and did a cannonball back into it. It was so refreshing after the long hike!
   
4. How far is Rauhhorn from Schrecksee Lake?
   Just under 4km (3.8km to be exact), and it’ll take you about an hour and a half.
   

As you can see, there’s the easier and the harder methods of just getting to Schrecksee I detailed above. Then there’s what I did below: Schrecksee Lake (A), followed by a “quick” Rauhhorn Mountain summit (B), a beer at the Willersalpe shelter (C), then back to the car (D)–the perfect trip lol! 15km (~9.6mi) of amazing hiking in Germany.

My journey to Schrecksee Lake and Rauhhorn Mountain

Where to stay

Embarking on my journey to Schrecksee Lake and Rauhhorn Mountain was a momentous occasion. It was my first trip the Alps afterall. It began on a serene Sunday morning as I emerged from my tent at Camping Bergheimat Oberjoch just outside town.

I hardly sleept the night prior knowing that I’d be hiking through the Alps the following day. That and a symphony of snores from the neighboring tent kept me in-and-out of sleep all night. This was a humorous reminder of why I always avoid public campgrounds!

Nevertheless, I shrugged off the lack of sleep and proceeded to kick-start my day with a steaming cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast. I love relishing the tranquility of the still-sleeping campground. Accompanying the idyllic setting was a thick blanket of fog. It was stubbornly cloaking the mountains, and veiling the panoramic views in a haze. Honestly, it was reminiscent of the bustling streets of Korea on any given day. Determined to conquer the misty shroud, I forged ahead, making my way to the parking lot.

Getting to the trailhead

With my trusty GoPro in hand, camera poised for action, and ample water supply, I eagerly boarded the Giebelhaus bus. One stop later, I landed at the electrical powerplant to begin my hike.

The initial ascent into the mountains proved to be a grueling challenge. This was akin to navigating the steep staircases of Korea’s National Parks! Each step propelled me ever higher, until I reached a “false summit”—an enchanting lake nestled amidst the peaks, formed by a picturesque dam. Pausing momentarily to catch my breath, I savored the serenity of the surroundings. Back on my feet, I began forging ahead for the real reason I was here: Schrecksee Lake.

As the mist hovered above me, my initial frustration with it gave way to a sense of appreciation. What could’ve been a rather hot day was actually the ideal conditions for a leisurely hike through the German wilderness!

Arriving at the Lake

Before I knew it, the terrain transitioned from level ground to a steep incline, propelling me upward once more. After what felt like hours of relentless ascent, a melodic tinkling in the distance caught my attention: cowbell! Thi was a telltale sign of nearby cattle. Instinctively, I knew that where there were cows, there was water. And where there was water meant Schrecksee Lake couldn’t be far away. I had heard that grazing cows were a quintessential part of hiking in Germany. Now I was about to see them for myself!

The gentle chiming of cowbells grew louder with each step, leading me to the final crest of the mountain. Descending into the crater-like valley below, the fog lifted for a moment, and a breathtaking sight greeted me. Like a painting, a pristine alpine lake emerged, shimmering under the sunlight with its azure waters mirroring the surrounding peaks.

The tranquil ambiance was further enhanced by the presence of grazing cows, their carefree demeanor adding to the scene. Engulfed by the mountain air, I found myself irresistibly drawn to the water’s edge, compelled to capture the moment in a photo.

As I indulged in my hobby of documenting God’s beautiful creations, my weary legs craved rest. Giving into their demands, I sought refuge on a secluded patch of terrain. There, I unpacked a simple yet satisfying hiker’s lunch of PB&J and a crisp apple. With each bite, I savored the unparalleled beauty of my surroundings

Gradually, the ever-shifting fog played a mesmerizing dance, veiling and unveiling the landscape with each passing moment. It was as though nature itself was orchestrating a symphony of sights and sounds, enveloping me in a cocoon of tranquility amidst the rugged beauty of the mountains. This harmonious interplay of light and mist seemed to transport me to a realm where time itself stood still, allowing me to immerse fully in the splendor of the moment.

Taking a dip!

As I observed other hikers, some chose to strip down and dive into the lake. This was a surprising sight given the restrictions on swimming in lakes back home in Colorado. Yet, here in Germany, it seemed to be a norm among outdoor enthusiasts. Naturally, I couldn’t resist joining them. I wanted to experience firsthand the joy of swimming in the pristine alpine waters, a newfound and unique aspect of hiking in Germany!

The moment I submerged myself into the glacier-fed lake, an exhilarating rush enveloped me. Despite the frigid temperature of Schrecksee Lake, the sensation was nothing short of heavenly. With each stroke, I ventured farther from the shore, immersing myself completely in the serenity of the surroundings.

#Blessed

I always pack an extra shirt and pair of socks when hiking, knowing full well that I sweat profusely. These extra provisions have become essential for me, ensuring that I have a clean set of clothes for the journey back home. So, with my shirt doubling as a makeshift towel, I dried off on the muddy bank. Cloaked by the fog, I was now changed and prepared to continue my expedition to Rauhhorn Mountain.

Summiting Rauhhorn

From the lake, the hike gradually intensified, especially during the final 30-45 minutes leading to the Rauhhorn summit. This stretch of the trail demanded considerable exertion, involving exposed scrambling over rocky terrain.

It’s worth noting that this part of the hike is not for the faint of heart; those with a fear of heights or discomfort with precarious mountain paths may find Rauhhorn Mountain a daunting challenge during their hiking adventure in Germany.

I distinctly remember scaling the ridge and thinking to myself, “Boy, these Germans are crazy” lol. Nevertheless, I couldn’t help but marvel at the audacity of the German landscape. The rugged beauty of Rauhhorn Mountain, coupled with the misty veil that enveloped the surroundings, added an air of mystique to my journey.

Despite the limited visibility caused by the fog, I found solace in its protective embrace, shielding me from the vertigo-inducing depths below. With each step, I navigated the jagged ridge with newfound confidence, inching closer to the summit marked by a massive iron cross.

As I ascended towards the summit, I found myself in the company of only two other groups, totaling five individuals. It was at this point that I realized the ridge I was scaling marked the border between Germany and Austria. Naturally, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to straddle the boundary, positioning one foot in each country for a comical selfie, capturing the moment of being in two places at once.

Instead of retracing my steps back to Schrecksee Lake, I opted for a different route. My campground host suggested a charming rest stop known as Willersalpe. He assured me that the establishment offered a warm welcome and refreshing beverages, particularly beer—a tempting prospect for a weary traveler like myself.

Retreating to the bottom

As my body climbed slowly out of the clouds, my mind chose to remain in them. Step by step, I was beaming with happiness brought about by the realization that I was finally living out the dream I had stored up for years.

Remember all those runs you did on the treadmill during the COVID pandemic? Remember how you could select “interactive terrain” and run through the streets of Paris or hike a trail in the Alps? Maybe you don’t, but I sure do lol and here I was actually doing the damn thing rather than seeing it on a screen on a stationary piece of exercise equipment.

Arriving at the doorstep of Willersalpe, eager for a refreshing beverage, I suddenly realized my oversight: I had forgotten to bring cash! To my dismay, the quaint shelter nestled in the valley of the Alps did not accept Visa—a humorous reminder of how hiking in Germany is different than in the US. With a resigned sigh, I reluctantly continued my journey towards my car, my weary feet dragging along the path.

With about 45 minutes remaining in my hike, my protesting legs begrudgingly followed me on a small detour towards a point marked on the map as “Diewildenfraulein.” Upon reaching the spot, I discovered a small plaque detailing the legend of the Wilden Fräuleins, mythical beings native to the Alps.

Though the existence of these creatures remained uncertain, someone had erected a bench in their honor—an unexpected but welcome break for my tired legs. As I settled onto the bench, a sense of gratitude washed over me, acknowledging the physical and emotional journey of the past seven hours.

Reflecting on the day’s adventures, my mind drifted back to the mesmerizing dance of fog in the crater-like valley surrounding Schrecksee Lake. I recalled the enchanting sight of the small island within the lake, appearing and disappearing like a giant illusion.

The memory of my invigorating polar plunge echoed in my thoughts, and how it rejuvenated me like a sip from the fountain of youth. And then, there was the iconic iron cross atop Rauhhorn, a symbol of conquest and achievement against the rugged backdrop of the Alps.

As small raindrops began to graze the pine needles around me, accompanied by the diminishing calls of the birds, I closed my eyes in quiet contemplation. With the fading sunlight casting a warm glow, I offered silent thanks to God for the opportunity to explore and appreciate the wonders of His creation.

In conclusion

My hiking adventure in Germany was nothing short of extraordinary. From the breathtaking landscapes of Schrecksee Lake and Rauhhorn Mountain to the unexpected encounters along the trail, every moment was filled with awe and wonder. As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the unparalleled beauty and serenity that hiking in Germany offers. The rugged terrain, the pristine lakes, and the towering peaks create an immersive experience that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice adventurer, hiking in Germany promises unforgettable moments and unparalleled discoveries. So, lace up your boots, grab your backpack, and embark on your own journey—where every step reveals a new adventure and every trail beckons you to discover the wonders of the great outdoors.