Herzogstandbahn Cable Car - Image 1
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Herzogstandbahn Cable Car

4.5
·1k reviews·Kochel am See, Germany

Ascend the Herzogstand for unparalleled views of the turquoise Walchensee and the majestic Bavarian Alps. A short cable car ride leads to rewarding hi...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better views

CrowdLow
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Herzogstandbahn Cable Car - Image 1

Herzogstandbahn Cable Car

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ascend the Herzogstand for unparalleled views of the turquoise Walchensee and the majestic Bavarian Alps. A short cable car ride leads to rewarding hikes.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"The views of Walchensee from the Herzogstand are absolutely stunning, making the cable car ride and hike totally worth it!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Buy Tickets Onsite

Tickets can be purchased at the station. A round trip costs €21, one-way is €12.

☀️ Sun Protection Essential

The summit offers little shade. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days.

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 1,466 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Herzogstand Summit Views

Herzogstand Summit Views

Herzogstand Peak

Panoramic vistas of Walchensee and surrounding lakes. A rewarding hike after the cable car ride.

Walchensee Lake

Walchensee Lake

Base of the cable car

Stunning turquoise waters offering a beautiful contrast to the mountain scenery. Perfect for photos.

Cable Car Ride

Cable Car Ride

Herzogstandbahn

A swift 5-minute ascent with breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps and Walchensee.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

The Herzogstandbahn operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Arriving early, especially on weekdays, can help you avoid crowds and secure a spot on the cable car. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, though onsite purchase is possible.

Prepare for the Summit

While the cable car ride is short, the hike to the Herzogstand summit takes about 50 minutes. Bring sunscreen and a hat, as there's limited shade at the top. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the trails.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better views
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny days
Why
Vibrant lake colors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Highest mountain in Germany 🇩🇪 Zugspitze sits right in the border of Germany and Austria and from the German side you can get a Cogwheel train first opened in the 1930s but obviously modernised since then 😂 Then you can take a world record holding cable car back down (you can cable car both ways if time is of the essence) Cost me €75 and honestly is well worth it, what an experience! The cab...
@samrculley
59.9K likes • 831.4K views

🎟️ Buy Tickets Onsite

Tickets can be purchased at the station. A round trip costs €21, one-way is €12. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection Essential

The summit offers little shade. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days. Reddit

The Schafler Ridge - Switzerland 🇨🇭 This is what I did: First cable car up at 7.30am from Wasserauen to Ebenalp 24CHF one way or half that with travel card Hike 45 - 60 mins to Schafler hut all up hill! (Get a drink and relax) Hike across the ridge, rails to hold on, big drops but a good path (if you don’t like heights I wouldn’t try it) Aim for the Mesmer hut was 4km ish and will take around ...
@samrculley
36.3K likes • 406.8K views
After the cable car up the mountain and before the hike to and around the beautiful Lake Oeschinensee in Kandersteg ride the #mountaincoaster #toboggan it’s so cheap approximately £4/5 per ride #switzerland #mountian #hiddengem
@mancgirlie_7
22.2K likes • 166.2K views

🥾 Comfortable Hiking Shoes

Wear sturdy shoes for the hike to the summit, which takes about 50 minutes. Reddit

🚶 Hike Down for Views

Consider walking down for more scenic perspectives of Walchensee. It takes 2-3 hours. Reddit

⭐️FRONT ROW TIPS ⭐️ when riding the Gelmerbahn! 1. Book tickets in advance and GET THERE EARLY! First ride up is usually at 9am. I got there at 830am to get my physical ticket and I was first in line. 2. It is not operational all year round. They close during winter so check their website for updates. 3. It’s a first come first serve basis, so if you are first in line, you can choose where you ...
@_paradiseseeker_
20.2K likes • 546.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Tickets Onsite

Tickets can be purchased at the station. A round trip costs €21, one-way is €12. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection Essential

The summit offers little shade. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days. Reddit

🥾 Comfortable Hiking Shoes

Wear sturdy shoes for the hike to the summit, which takes about 50 minutes. Reddit

🚶 Hike Down for Views

Consider walking down for more scenic perspectives of Walchensee. It takes 2-3 hours. Reddit

📸 Capture the Lake

The vibrant colors of Walchensee are best seen from the cable car and the summit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Herzogstandbahn for its breathtaking views of Walchensee and the surrounding Alps, calling the cable car ride and summit hike well worth the trip. The vibrant lake colors and accessible trails are major highlights. Some note that it can get crowded, and sun protection is essential due to limited shade.

"Easy to get too from Munich and well worth a visit. It's 21 euro for a return trip on the cable car. Enjoy the views and then you can take an easy hike to the top, should take you around 50 mins. We stopped on the way back for a well deserved drink. Highly recommend."

Geordie boy lost in Asia

"Amazing color of the lake, easy hikes on he hill, but one can find challenging ones as well. It does take 2h (for some maybe 3) to walk down, but that is also nice. Or of course you can come down with the cable car.
In sunny weather prepare with hat and suncream, not too many shadows up there."

Laszlo Lanyi

"We paid 42€ for two people going up and down. It’s totally worth it just remember it’s a short ride but the views are amazing. On top be prepared to be in full sun so get your sunscreen."

Veronica Holmes

What People Like

Spectacular lake views
Rewarding summit hike
Beautiful turquoise water

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Limited shade

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Herzogstandbahn is easily accessible from Munich by car, taking approximately 1 hour. Public transport options include taking a train to Kochel am See and then a bus to Walchensee. Reddit

Yes, you can drive to Walchensee with summer tires, but if you encounter snow, it's advised to turn back. The cable car typically operates from March to November. Reddit

The cable car typically runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date operating hours, as they can vary seasonally. Reddit

While not explicitly stated in all sources, many cable cars in the Alps allow dogs, often requiring them to be leashed and sometimes muzzled. It's advisable to confirm with the Herzogstandbahn directly. TikTok mentions dogs on a cable car in Switzerland.

Yes, there is parking available at the base station of the Herzogstandbahn. It can get busy during peak season, so arriving early is recommended. TikTok emphasizes arriving early for popular cable car rides.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

A round trip on the Herzogstandbahn costs €21 per person. A one-way ticket is €12. Prices are subject to change, so check the official website for current rates. Reddit

While tickets can be purchased onsite, booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot. TikTok highlights the importance of booking tickets in advance for popular attractions.

Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or groups. It's best to check the official Herzogstandbahn website or inquire at the ticket counter for any applicable offers. TikTok mentions travel cards for discounts.

The cable car ride itself is quite short, lasting a maximum of 5 minutes, offering a quick ascent to the mountain station. Reddit

No, the Herzogstandbahn is not operational year-round. It typically closes during the winter months and reopens in spring. Always check their website for seasonal operating dates. TikTok advises checking operational status.

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

At the top, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views, hike to the Herzogstand summit (approx. 50 mins), or explore other trails like the Martinkopf hike. Reddit

The hike from the cable car station to the Herzogstand summit typically takes about 50 minutes, offering beautiful scenery along the way. Reddit

Yes, there is a mountain restaurant (Berggasthof Herzogstand) at the top where you can enjoy refreshments and meals with a view. Reddit

There are various trails, from an easy hike to the summit to more challenging routes. The descent on foot offers different perspectives of Walchensee. Reddit

The hike to the summit is generally considered moderate. While not overly strenuous, it involves an uphill climb. Beginners can enjoy the views from the cable car and the immediate area around the station. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The cable car ride itself offers incredible aerial shots. At the top, the panoramic views of Walchensee and the surrounding Alps are prime photography locations. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful golden hour shots. Sunny days enhance the vibrant colors of Walchensee. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant mountain details. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards! TikTok shows stunning mountain scenery.

Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding drone usage or commercial photography. TikTok shows a mountain coaster, implying recreational filming is common.

The lake's striking turquoise hue is best captured on a sunny day. Experiment with different angles from the cable car and the summit to find the most vibrant perspectives. Reddit

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