What does your perfect weekend getaway look like?
If you’re anything like us … it resembles that pitch-perfect dish striking all the right notes; where the ingredients are beautifully balanced; and the equation appears something like this:
Three parts Relaxation to two parts Perspiration. A pinch of Inspiration. Liberal lashings of Indulgence (naturally). With some Romance, Culture and Excitement thrown in for extra seasoning. Oh, and Simplicity. The best 48-Hour escapes are neither too difficult to get to; nor too stressful to get to know once you’re there. But most of all, the ultimate weekend getaway is somewhere you experience that smug inner glow (let’s be honest) for encountering a magical spot that the hordes have yet to discover.
Few places fit the bill as completely as the breathtaking alpine village of Schliersee. Just 50km from Munich, this wonderfully authentic upper Bavarian settlement, located on the shores of Lake Schliersee, makes an unforgettable year-round escape – whatever the temperature.
Still delightfully off-radar outside of Germany, Munich artists claimed romantic and serene Schliersee as their muse in the late 19th century. Since then, its local reputation as an idyllic “kur” resort- or wellness retreat – has grown, and today, many German celebrities have holiday homes here.
That’s because Schliersee truly offers it all: active alpine adventures, stunning lakes and waterfalls, mysterious ruined castles, and the blissful contrast of serenity with bustling beer halls. Not to mention easy access to the world-class shopping of Munich, less than an hour’s drive away. Schliersee even boasts an Olympic glow. One of Germany’s top skiers, Markus Wasmeier, who won two gold medals at the Lillehammer Winter Olympics, grew up here and honed his craft on the local slopes.
But every perfect weekend is only as good as its base. At hospitable Karma Bavaria, nestled in the foothills of the Alps, and close to the spectacular Lake Schliersee with its wealth of activities, you’ll find your ultimate Bavarian headquarters.
In winter, you can ski or snowboard with the sun on your face; go ice-skating on Lake Schliersee; or set off on a horse-drawn carriage ride, warmed by mulled wine. During summer, thrilling active pursuits such as mountain hikes, bike rides, diving and paragliding trips await. Always with the promise of fine food, tranquillity, and reviving spa treatments to return to.
Want to Design your own Perfect Schliersee Weekend with Karma? Here’s what’s on the menu:
INSPIRATION
Schliersee Lake – The Belle of the Ball
All eyes lead to the lake in Schliersee. So there’s really no better place to start your Schliersee sortie. One can easily spend a whole day here, soaking up the serene surrounds, tapping into many activities on offer, or merely working your leisurely way around the lake’s authentic alpine eateries and Biergärten. From May to October, begin with a 20-minute motorboat crossing to the picturesque island of Wörth in the middle of the lake. Here, you can enjoy a memorable lunch on the sun terrace of the island’s lovely boathouse restaurant with its heavenly lake-side views.
From there, take the boat to Fischhausen and follow the well-signposted paths to hike the popular 7.5km Circular Walk around the Schliersee (it takes approx. 2 hours). Thanks to the bitumen path, you can also experience this exhilarating hike in winter. Or explore the lake instead by kayak, relishing the peaceful views and outstanding natural beauty. More active watersport fans can go sail-boarding, or try their hand at stand-up paddling across to Wörth.
When the sun is shining, few can resist taking a dip at one of the lake’s scenic bathing lidos. Try our favourite – Park Strandbad – on the lake’s eastern banks: a 12,000 square metre swimming surface flanked by shady trees and equipped with a diving platform, beach volleyball, and lively beer garden.
Join the Mile High Club at Schliersbergalm
Take the scenic cable car from Schliersee to the ever-popular Schliersbergalm lookout. In about 4 minutes, you’ll reach an altitude of 1061m, and be greeted by magnificent views, an open-air heated swimming pool, children’s adventure playground (with three giant trampolines), and 9-hole miniature golf course to amuse the small people while you relax with a coffee, drink or meal. In summer months, take a thrilling toboggan ride back down to Schliersee (where the daring try to outpace the cable car).
PERSPIRATION
Alpine Adventures in Spitzingsee
At the first fall of snowflakes, Schliersee and its surrounds become a winter wonderland, with winter sport enthusiasts heading straight for Spitzingsee, located at an altitude of 1,100 meters (where it snows even earlier and lasts longer, thanks to its elevation and modern artificial snow system). There, it’s not just skiers hitting the 10 or so scenic runs extending across 23km near Spitzingsee lake, (and catering well for beginners through to advanced levels). Snowboarders, too, love to flaunt their form: especially at the world-class MINI Snow Park, one of the best in Germany, where you can book lessons, rent equipment, or pick up some tips from elite skiers and boarders.
Feel the need for speed?
Experience the unforgettable adrenalin-charged fun of one of Lake Spitzingsee’s newer attractions: Mountain Carting. In a special go-cart developed for riding mountain roads, make your hasty descent down 3.5km of designated forest roads, ending up at the photogenic valley below.
Ice-Capades
Come winter, Mother Nature transforms Schliersee’s lakes into gorgeous natural skating rinks, while the natural ice rink at Oberland Stadium also offers the chance for skating, curling and ice hockey.
Get activated at Lake Tegernsee
Venture West, 18km or so, to Schliersee’s majestic Lake Tegernsee, an outstanding 9km square recreational precinct with ample opportunity to get active with your chosen sporting pursuit. Horse-riding, water sports, golf, tennis, hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking and paragliding are at your command.
RELAXATION
Take the Waters
Enjoy some well-earned chill time at Karma Bavaria’s Wellness Area. Bathe in our heated pool with its calming waterfall; sit back in the Jacuzzi, sauna or steam bath; or laze like a contented cat in our lovely winter garden with its arresting mountain views.
Treat yourself to some Spa-Juvenation
Soothe mind and muscles while promoting inner well-being at our premium spa with its tempting array of East meets West therapies. Choose from divine treatments such as: Balinese Healing Massage; Muscle-Melt Back Therapy; Velvet & Silk Seductive Bath; or the purifying Bavarian Detox using mineral rich clay and salts sourced locally from the Alps.
Fall for Josefstal
Waterfalls are nature’s Valium. The exceedingly lovely Josefstal Falls, reached by a gentle stroll through woodland near Schliersee Lake, resemble a tropical oasis (due to the spray), and are well worth a visit for those with relaxation on their minds. Afterwards, pop around the corner to Café Brunnhof to sample their amazing array of delicious cakes.
CULTURE
Capture the Castle
Visit the atmospheric ruins of Hohenwaldeck Castle – you’ll find them between Neuhaus and Schliersee – and learn about the fort’s doomed history. Estimated to have been built somewhere between 1150 and 1250, and once home to one of the region’s most powerful families, Castle Hohenwaldeck expired tragically after a rock fall in 1480 destroyed most of the construction, except the tower.
Meet a Bygone Bavaria
While away a fascinating couple of hours by stepping back in time at the marvelously authentic farming and winter sports museum, opened by former Olympic legend Markus Wasmeiern, on the southern edge of Schliersee. Old farms from upper Bavaria were dismantled, relocated, then restored for the museum, to show how locals lived, worked, farmed (and brewed beer!) in centuries past.
Thou Art Devine
Admire gothic friezes and other treasures of famous German artists Johann Baptist Zimmermann and Jan Pollack at the stately Chapel of St. Sixtus, located in central Schliersee, and built in 1712-1715 (be sure to detour to the adjoining cemetery next door).
INDULGENCE
Shop til you drop in Munich
An easy 50-minute drive from Schliersee lies the cosmopolitan Bavarian capital of Munich, where the art of shopping is the entertainment of choice and a dizzying array of retail temptations awaits you: from the luxury designers of Maximillianstrasse Boulevard; to the edgy boutiques of Riem Aracaden; the much-loved high-street staples in Kaufingerstrasse, Marienplatz & Neuhausser; and the lavish food markets (charming Wiener Platz is our favourite).
Three Cheers for Beer!
Bavaria means Beer. Settle in for a merry evening roadtesting our delicious local brews at Karma’s Wolpertinger Bar. Or reward your day’s exertions with a bespoke cocktail, warming mulled wine or indulgent hot chocolate. In warm weather, you can imbibe al fresco in our scenic beer garden.
ROMANCE
Sleigh Bells Ring
Nothing spells romance like a horse-drawn sleigh on a winter’s day! And what better way to soak up the wonderful sights of Schliersee and Spitzingsee than from the back of a horse-drawn carriage, with an experienced coachman and guide. Treat yourself and a loved one. (Or make your family’s day instead!)
#KarmaBavaria #ExperienceKarma #PerfectWeekendEscape
To book your perfect 48 Hours in Schliersee at Karma Bavaria, visit Karma Bavaria
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