The Most Beautiful Route to Lake Schrecksee

We don’t start particularly early and take the bus just before 8:30 a.m. from above the hotel (bus stop Bad Oberdorf / Luitpoldbad) toward Oberjoch Iselerbahn, where we change to the bus to Tannheim. Conveniently, this bus ride is included in the Bad Hindelang guest card.

From there we take the cable car up to Neunerköpfle, saving ourselves a strenuous ascent. From the top we follow the signs toward the Landsberger Hut, which we reach after about two hours. The path there is surrounded by magnificent alpine flower meadows.

We make a short detour to Schochenspitze, because the view of the various lakes from there is simply spectacular. There are a few climbs along the way, but nothing too challenging.

At the Landsberger Hut we take a break and enjoy the delicious food. We especially like the large selection – not only traditional snacks but also warm meals. Refreshed and strengthened, we continue toward Schrecksee (about another two hours).

You simply walk across the terrace of the hut and continue behind it, following the signs to Schrecksee. There are occasional climbs along the way, but nothing dramatic. The mountain scenery up here is very impressive, and the views are wonderful.

What we enjoy most is that you are almost alone along this route. The quiet, the views, the nature – it’s very special.

When you finally take the last steps and look over the ridge, you see Schrecksee in all its beauty, surrounded by the mountains. I must admit: at that moment it becomes clear why the lake is so popular.

Of course, we take the obligatory photos and then descend to the lake. Admittedly, we are no longer alone there. It is full of people and many different languages. Only here do you really realize how famous Schrecksee actually is.

We walk partway around the lake and of course can’t resist taking a quick swim. It is wonderfully refreshing, though by the end of July the water is no longer icy cold. My husband even manages to swim out to the island.

We don’t stay too long, as we want to catch the second-to-last Giebelhaus bus rather than the very last one. At the signposts above it says 3¾ hours to Hinterstein. For a moment we are a bit shocked.

However, we manage the descent in under two hours (though we descend to Auele, not all the way to Hinterstein). Personally, I don’t particularly like this descent. You walk for quite a long time over loose stones and scree. It feels a bit monotonous and is still tiring because at our pace you have to stay very focused.

Depending on experience, fitness level, and equipment, the descent may take significantly longer.

In the end, we even have some time to rest and reflect before the bus arrives around 5:15 p.m. We take it to Hinterstein and then change at Grüner Hut to the regular bus to Bad Oberdorf / village center. The last short stretch we walk back up to the hotel – but after such a day, those five minutes hardly matter.

And then it’s straight to the outdoor pool to relax. A sauna session afterward and we almost feel like new again. And we even manage to avoid major muscle soreness the next day… though I can’t guarantee that for everyone.

So, perhaps not entirely without self-interest, we think that Hotel Prinz-Luitpold-Bad is a really good starting point for a hike to Schrecksee – especially if you want to reward yourself afterward with a visit to the wellness area.

And if you post a photo with the hashtag #hotelprinzluitpoldbad, you’ll even receive a free drink (Alpsider).

Our Tips

• Don’t start too late

• Bring hiking poles (especially the descent can be long and tricky)

• Take enough water

• Keep an eye on the bus schedule

• Bring enough cash – the Giebelhaus bus is not included in the Bad Hindelang guest card

Now all that’s missing is the hotel room.
Come and stay with us – and treat yourself to something special.