Waterfalls around Riegsee offer diverse natural experiences in the Upper Bavaria region. While Riegsee itself is a lake without natural inflow or outflow, the surrounding area features numerous cascades. The landscape includes forests, gorges, and river valleys, providing varied settings for these natural landmarks. This region is known for its impressive waterfalls, making it a notable destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
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The stream winds its way down into the valley over waterfalls of varying heights. This is a beautiful gorge with mossy rocks and ferns, but it's also clearly shaped by the force of the water and not always easy to navigate. Be sure to have surefootedness and wear proper footwear.
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It's also great to walk in winter. Our recommendation: poles and/or spikes and walk the circuit anti-clockwise. Then it's easier to go uphill at the "critical" points!
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Great hike, even for inexperienced hikers. With a great stop at Leindl Alm...
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Very beautiful stream with various waterfalls. Absolutely worth seeing. The path was badly damaged at the time of our visit in June 2024. Only suitable for sure-footed and agile people.
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Beautiful waterfall just above Ohlstadt
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Great path along the stream up to the Lainbach waterfall. Rocks and roots are very slippery, so sure-footed shoes are an advantage.
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Directly above the "Heimgarten" car park in Ohlstadt - worth seeing and v. a. a great place for children! 👍🙂
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Yes, several waterfalls in the region are suitable for families. The Lainbach Waterfall is easily accessible and offers a peaceful natural setting. The Kaltwasser Waterfalls also feature a scenic route with bridges, making it an enjoyable experience for families. Further afield, the Josefsthaler Waterfalls are known for their relaxed walk through the forest, ideal for all ages.
Beyond the most popular spots, the region boasts several impressive cascades. The Kuhflucht Waterfalls near Farchant are among Germany's highest, with a cumulative height of 270 meters. The Höllentalklamm near Grainau offers a spectacular gorge experience with numerous waterfalls and tunnels. You can also find the powerful Lech Waterfall in Füssen and the impressive Stuiben Waterfall, known for its misty spray.
The trails vary in difficulty. For instance, the path to Lainbach Waterfall follows the Lainbach stream and can be slippery, requiring sturdy shoes. The Kaltwasser Waterfalls are part of a scenic route that requires surefootedness over bridges. For a more challenging experience, trails leading to At the Kesselbach Falls and Schleifmühlenklamm Waterfall are rated as challenging, with some sections being exposed or washed out.
Many waterfalls are particularly impressive after heavy rain or during spring when snowmelt increases water flow. The Kuhflucht Waterfalls, for example, are most spectacular then. Gorges like the Höllentalklamm are typically open during the snow-free period, usually from mid-May to late October. Always check local conditions before your visit.
Yes, for those seeking a more demanding hike, the trails to At the Kesselbach Falls and Schleifmühlenklamm Waterfall are rated as challenging. The path to Schleifmühlenklamm, in particular, can be very washed out and exposed in places, requiring good footwear and caution. These trails offer rewarding views for experienced hikers.
The Riegsee area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous gravel biking routes, such as 'Through the Murnauer Moos' or 'Gravel biking – the Blue Land and the Plansee lake.' There are also running trails like 'View of Riegsee – Froschhauser Lake loop' and various MTB trails, including 'View of the Bavarian Alps – Forest path along the Loisach River loop.' You can find more details on these activities in the respective guides for gravel biking, running, and MTB trails around Riegsee.
Sturdy, waterproof footwear is highly recommended, especially for trails that can be slippery or washed out, like the path to Lainbach Waterfall. For gorge experiences such as the Höllentalklamm, bring appropriate clothing as conditions can be cool and humid even in summer. Always be prepared for changing weather conditions in the mountains.
Yes, the Kuhflucht Waterfalls near Farchant are known to be particularly spectacular after heavy rainfall, especially in spring. The increased water volume enhances their already impressive height and flow, making for a more dramatic viewing experience.
Visitors appreciate the peaceful natural idyll and the opportunity to connect with nature. Many find the sound of rushing water and the scenic beauty very relaxing. The accessibility of some waterfalls, like the Lainbach Waterfall, is also frequently praised, making them perfect spots to unwind and enjoy the Bavarian Prealps.
While the At the Kesselbach Falls might require a bit more effort to reach, they are described as a beautiful photo opportunity found in the middle of the forest above Lake Kochel, suggesting a more secluded experience. Similarly, the Schleifmühlenklamm Waterfall, due to its challenging access, might offer a less crowded visit.
Many waterfall trails offer excellent viewpoints. The Lainbach Waterfall itself is a viewpoint, allowing you to observe the water cascading into its basin. The Kaltwasser Waterfalls are also situated along a trail with scenic views. The Walderlebnispfad leading to the Kuhflucht Waterfalls provides views of Kloster Ettal and the Wetterstein mountains.
Yes, the Höllentalklamm near Grainau is a prime example, offering a spectacular natural experience with numerous waterfalls, small tunnels, and illuminated passages within a deep gorge. Additionally, the Along the Lainbach trail leads through a small gorge towards the Lainbach Waterfall, where the stream flows over rocks and through clear pools.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Riegsee: