I regularly take day trips from Munich to the nearby mountain lakes. One of my favorite destinations is the Plansee in Austria, close to the Austrian-German border.
Above Plansee, there is a hidden viewpoint overlooking the lake. This Plansee Aussichtspunkt (Viewpoint) is a real hidden gem; I haven`t met a single soul during my hike there in late March.
This post is about how to hike to the hidden Plansee Viewpoint. The viewpoint is somewhat challenging to find, so read along!
View of the Plansee from Above Taking Photos at the Plansee Viewpoint
Plansee Viewpoint Hike Summary
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Parkplatz am Plansee, Austria
Parking: 5 EUR / Day
Hike Duration: Ascent 2-2,5 hours; Descent 1,5 hours
Length: 5,5 km
Minimum-Maximum Elevation: ca. 980m-1480m
Elevation Gain: 500m
Places to Eat & Drink: no option during the hike
When to Hike: late March – end of October
Suitable for Kids/Dogs: Yes (no dangerous sections)
Location of the Plansee
The Plansee is a picturesque mountain lake in Austria, close to the German-Austrian Border. The Plansee belongs to the Reutte National Park.
The Plansee is located at a 976m altitude and the lake`s maximum depth is 78m. It is a popular diving spot due to its deep, crystal-clear waters. During summertime, the water temperature of the Plansee is pleasant, perfect for swimming or paddleboarding.
The nearest cities are Garmisch-Partenkirchen (DE), Innsbruck (AT), and Munich (DE). You can reach “Am Plansee” by public transportation from Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
If you visit Munich, a day trip to the Plansee is a perfect addition to your Munich itinerary.
Getting to Am Plansee
The Plansee Viewpoint Hike starts from “Am Plansee”, a small establishment located at the northern tip of the Plansee. “Am Plansee” is a one-street village with a hotel, a camping place, a restaurant, and a big parking lot.
Where: Am Plansee, Austria
Parking: östlicher Parkplatz am Plansee an der Musteralpe (5 EUR / day)
During the summer months, the parking lot might fill up quickly.
Start the hike early on hot days.
The Plansee Viewpoint Hike
Find the Starting Point of the Hike
After reaching “Am Plansee”, start walking along the shore, towards the northern tip of the Plansee. After some minutes of walking, you will see a hiking trail to your left. You can easily recognize it from the yellow hiking signs.
The Plansee Viewpoint Hike starts right there.
Navigation: Starting Point of the Hike
Start walking alongside the Plansee The hiking route starts on your left
Map of the Hiking Trail + What to Expect
As soon as the trail starts, the terrain becomes steep and narrow. The first part of the hike is the steepest, so don`t give up right there, it will get easier.
After around 15 minutes of hiking upwards heavily, you reach a junction (location). There, continue on the trail to your right. From here, there is only one hiking path leading upwards.
Frankly speaking, finding the Plansee Viewpoint can be challenging. Therefore, I created a map and marked many touchpoints along the route.
Use the map below as a guide to reach the viewpoint.
I found this hike moderately challenging. Good fitness levels are required to finish this hike. However, once you arrive at the Plansee viewpoint, the views will make up for the challenging hike!
Great views during the hike Finally reaching the Viewpoint
Where: Viewpoint Location
Hiking with a Dog
I took my middle-aged labrador with me on the hike. As he is used to hiking frequently, he handled this hike easily. The trail is safe with no risky sections or chances of falling.
Be sure to pack plenty of water for your dog. There are no water sources along the trail to refill your bottles.
After the hike, you can take your dog swimming in the Plansee – there is even a designated dog beach next to the parking lot.
Hiking during Winter
Hiking to the Plansee Viewpoint in winter can be a demanding adventure. I`d rather advise against it.
The trail is steep and narrow, and when snow covers the path, it adds a layer of difficulty.
I tackled this hike in late March, and the second half of the trail was still buried under knee-deep snow.
The final stretch was particularly tough, with each step sinking deep into the snow.
For the best experience, aim to hike here between April and November, when the conditions are more manageable.
Swimming in the Plansee Lake
During the summer months, between June and September, Lake Plansee is great for swimming. There is even a dog beach at “Am Plansee”. Enjoy the stunning scenery and great to cool down at the Plansee.
Take your paddle board with you – it is allowed to use it there.
Inviting Crystal-Clear Waters for a Dip Swimming in the Plansee with my furry friend
Where to Eat
At the Am Plansee, there is a small Kiosk where you can buy some fast food (Currywurst with Pommes, Lasagne, etc.)
Another option for lunch is the Musteralpe Plansee. The food is delicious and reasonably priced. As they own cows, you can also ask for a cup of their fresh milk. Yum!
Classic Food at the Musteralpe Restaurant They also serve fresh milk
FAQs about the Plansee & the Plansee Viewpoint Hike
More Hikes in Austria
Are you looking for further scenic hiking trails without the crowds?
Check out my Austria Hiking Guides.
Leave a Reply