Best mountain peaks around Wendelstein are found within the Bavarian Alps, specifically the Mangfall Mountains in the eastern Bavarian Pre-Alps of South Germany. The Wendelstein itself stands at 1,838 meters, serving as the highest point in its massif. This region offers panoramic views, with the summit providing vistas across the Alps, including the Zugspitze. The area is known for its accessibility, featuring a historic rack railway and cable car, alongside unique summit features like Germany's highest church, an observatory, and a show cave.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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"You set my feet in a wide-open place" Psalm 31:9 (LUT 2017)
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This area can be recommended at any time of the year.
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This summit - or joint cross - invites you to rest and perhaps even contemplate, away from the hustle and bustle of the lake.
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On the small Hasenbruck Island there is even a summit cross at the highest point.
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Here, in the Brunn district, you will find the highest point in the city of Nuremberg.
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The highest point in the city of Nuremberg is neither on the Kaiserburg (352 m above sea level) nor on the Schmausenbuck (390 m above sea level). Most Nuremberg residents answer these two places when asked about the highest elevation in their city. The Bavarian Surveying Authority has now clarified this question. The highest point in the city is in the Brunn district and is 408.4 m above sea level.
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The tower is located on a hill and is open as an observation tower during the summer months.
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The Schmausenbuck is an elevation right next to the Nuremberg Zoo, in the middle of the beautiful Reichswald. For a beautiful view high above the treetops, you can climb the historic observation tower. The Reichswaldfest takes place here every year. You can find the opening times and prices at: https://www.nuernberg.de/internet/stadtportal/behoerdenwegweiser/dienstleistung/ansichtsturm_schmausenbuck.html.
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Visitors particularly enjoy the Schmausenbuck Tower, which offers a beautiful view high above the treetops from its historic observation tower. Another popular spot is the View of the Dillberg Transmission Towers, a unique viewpoint with man-made monuments. The Summit Cross on Hasenbruck Island is also a cherished summit and viewpoint, inviting visitors to rest and contemplate away from the lake's bustle.
The Wendelstein summit is highly accessible. You can reach the summit area via the historic Wendelstein Rack Railway, which was the first of its kind in the German Alps, or by the modern Wendelstein Cable Car. From the mountain station, a well-protected and paved summit trail leads to the very top in about 20 minutes, suitable for most visitors.
The Wendelstein summit offers several distinct attractions. You can visit the Wendelstein Church (Wendelsteinkircherl), Germany's highest church, or explore the Wendelstein Observatory and a weather station. The Wendelstein Cave allows you to delve 300 meters into the mountain's interior, and a Geopark with information boards details 250 million years of geological history. A mountain inn is also available for refreshments.
Yes, the region offers numerous hiking trails for various skill levels. For a comprehensive overview of routes, you can explore the Hiking around Wendelstein guide. Options range from leisurely walks like the Panorama Trail on Wendelstein itself to more challenging routes from valley settlements such as Osterhofen or Brannenburg.
Absolutely. The Wendelstein summit itself is very family-friendly due to its accessibility via rack railway or cable car, and the paved summit trail. The Summit Cross on Hasenbruck Island is also noted as family-friendly. Many of the hiking trails, especially those marked 'easy' in the Hiking around Wendelstein guide, are suitable for families.
While the Wendelstein is the highest point in its massif, the highest terrain point within the city of Nuremberg is the Highest Point in Nuremberg (Brunn), standing at 408 meters above sea level. It's accessible via a short but steep climb from Brunn.
Beyond hiking, the area around Wendelstein is excellent for other outdoor sports. You can find a variety of mountain biking trails, detailed in the MTB Trails around Wendelstein guide, and numerous cycling routes, which are available in the Cycling around Wendelstein guide.
The Wendelstein region boasts stunning natural landscapes that change with the seasons. The summit offers magnificent 360-degree panoramic views across the foothills of the Alps to the Berchtesgaden Alps, Kaisergebirge, Karwendel, and even the Zugspitze. The area is also good for birdwatching, with Yellow-billed Choughs often seen near the summit, and features rich biodiversity along its hiking trails.
Visitors frequently praise the panoramic views, especially from the "Gacher Blick" viewing platform on Wendelstein. The accessibility of the Wendelstein summit, with its rack railway and cable car, is also highly appreciated. The unique attractions on the summit, such as Germany's highest church and the show cave, also contribute to a memorable experience. The komoot community has collectively given over 1,000 upvotes and shared more than 450 photos of the region's mountain peaks.
Yes, the region includes beautiful forest areas and smaller elevations. For example, the Erlberg (401 m) is a small hill in the middle of the forest, offering a beautiful view deep into the woods via root paths through sparse pine forest.
The Wendelstein region is enjoyable year-round. While summer offers ideal conditions for hiking and exploring the summit attractions, the area's natural beauty changes with the seasons, providing different experiences. The accessibility via rack railway and cable car makes it a viable destination even outside of peak hiking season, though specific trail conditions may vary.


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