24 hours Munich

We start in the afternoon, jump into the car, and leave Munich on A95 or A96. In just a few minutes, we spot the Alps.

Our first stop is Pilsensee lake, where we have a coffee (or a Russn-Halbe plus Obazda) at Seehaus, hang out in the cozy outdoor lounge, and enjoy the great view across the lake with the fabulous mountain range backdrop. The kids play at the waterside and if we want to go for a little SUP ride, “Bavarian Waters” is just next door, with a range of boards to rent. A few minutes later we’re gently afloat on the beautiful lake, paddling to the opposite shore, and looking at the gorgeous lakeside villas and wooden boat houses, wondering which one we’d like most to call our own.

After this, we head along the shore of Ammersee lake to the village of Pähl, park the car at Sternstraße 11 (the one with a weird turtle habitat in the front garden), and look for the sign “ZUR SCHLUCHT”. We start a fascinating hike through the woods into a natural canyon with giant trees, climbing over the ones that crisscross the narrow valley. We marvel at the extraordinary scenery, following the trail along the stream, past an ancient mill house and into the canyon. We end up in an open cave, formed by a waterfall. It’s a magic spot and a great picnic place. Walk behind the waterfall if you dare! It’s a truly hidden gem.

Hiking back to the car, we get hungry and decide to head to our favourite tavern: Landgasthof Lacherdinger in Ascholding. They have a cozy beer garden and a delicious selection of alpine food with a mediterranean touch, like “vitello tonnato and rösti”. The kids quickly place their orders and run to the outdoor playground, the rabbit hutch and, most important, the outdoor pingpong table.

We could go on drinking beers and grappa and even spend the night in one of their rooms – but we decide to head to the “Bavarian sea” and start a one-hour scenic driving to Chiemsee! At the end of the road “Forellenweg” in Prien we find a secluded spot right on the shore, roll out our sleeping bags, and enjoy the quiet beneath the stars. We get up at dawn, go for a run in the neighbouring nature reserve, have an early swim, and watch the sunrise, sitting on the wooden jetty. Absolutely fantastic. A couple of locals show up, this is THE spot for a morning swim.

Now it’s time for a great breakfast! We go to Bagel & Coffee right at Gstadt harbour. They have the most delicious selection of organic food – try their grand “glowing green smoothie”. Excellent! As we hang out in the morning sun, we spot the beautiful Fraueninsel, an ancient nunnery island, and a guy renting wooden rowboats, Mister Heistracher. So we push a boat onto the lake and row.

Local fishermen sell freshly smoked trout from their wooden kiosks along the footpath around the island, a delicious savoury treat. Of course we indulge. We return from our row, sit on the shore, dip our feet into the water and watch sail boats passing by with the alpine panorama in the distance. We feel like we’ve been on a long journey, but in fact we’re on Munich’s doorstep.

We then take country roads back to the city, with enough time for a short stop in Wasserburg am Inn – a medieval place with Italian flair, sitting on a beautiful river bend. We enter the town by crossing a bridge that leads to an ancient gate in the wall. We stroll along the coloured facades and have a Datschi (cake) at Café Obermaier before heading back to Munich.