The Schrecksee is one of Bavaria, Germany`s most beautiful and underrated lakes. It is the highest mountain lake in Germany and is only accessible through a well-marked hiking route.
While the Schrecksee Lake Hike is regarded as one of the best hikes in Bavaria, due to its 1813m altitude, some preparation is essential before embarking on this trekking adventure.
When I hiked there, I did not prepare well for it and tremendously underestimated this hike. I thought I would have a pleasant walk up there with plenty of water refill possibilities. I was so wrong!
Therefore, I collected 8 essential things know about the Schrecksee Hike – so you come well-prepared.
Yes, the Schrecksee Lake is that blue Schrecksee-Wanderung
Schrecksee Hike Summary
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Kraftwerk Auele, Bad Hindelang, Germany
Duration: Ascent 3-4 hours, Descent 2-2.5 hours (ca. 7 hours)
Round trip: no (same path for ascent and descent)
Length: 10 KM
Minimum-Maximum Elevation: 820m – 1.813m
Elevation Gain: ca. 1000m
Places to Eat and Drink: no options during the hike
When to Hike: late June-end of September
Suitable for Kids/Dogs: Yes, with good fitness level
Frequently Asked Questions about the Lake Schrecksee
What to Expect During the Schrecksee Hike
Below 8 things are necessary consider before you travel to the Allgäu and embark on one of the best hikes in Bavaria. Again, I was not prepared well for the Schrecksee hike back then. Even though this hike can be challenging, the views at the lake will simply be worth it. Get ready for the Schrecksee with my guide.
1. The Hike to Schrecksee is Long and Tiring
You read it right: the Schrecksee Hike is long and tiring. We were VERY exhausted by the end of the day.
The hike duration is around 7 hours (ascent+descent), so be prepared for a full-day trip and leave yourselves enough time to spend at the lake.
Start the hike early. The first bus goes at 7.15 am to the starting point of the hike. If you can, catch that bus to have enough time to spend at the lake.
If you never hiked before, this trek is not the best to start with. If you travel to Bavaria and want to go on an easier hike in the Bavarian Alps, the Jochberg or Archenkanzel hike at Lake Königssee is a great alternative.
2. It is Best to Visit the Schrecksee between late June-September
Most of the year, the Schrecksee and its` surroundings are covered with snow. It`s not until late June that the snow melts and the terrain dries out. Hence, better do this hike between late June – end of September.
If you choose to visit it before the snow melts, the terrain will be very muddy.
Pro tip: check the latest Instagram posts of the lake to see its current state.
3. Reaching the Starting Point of the Hike is Tricky
It`s not possible to park close to the start of the hiking trail (Kraftwerk Auele).
The easiest way to reach the Schrecksee Hike starting point is as follows:
- Park you car.
Where to park: Auf der Höh Parkplatz, Hinterstein (click for the location )
Parking Costs: 10 EUR for the day. Card payment also possible. - The journey continues by bus.
At the same parking lot, take bus no. 50 towards Giebelhaus. It runs frequently between 07:15-18:15.
Timetable: The summer 2024 bus timetable is here. The first bus leaves at 07:15.
Bus Ticket Costs: 6 EUR one-way per person, dogs allowed. - Get off the bus at Kraftwerk Auele/Schrecksee bus stop.
- The hike stars right there, on your right.
Follow the signs towards Schrecksee.
Alternatively, you can start walking from the parking lot, but it would add another 45 minutes to your hike, both ways. I would not do that.
Park your car and get on bus no. 50 towards Giebelhaus At the start, there is only one way upwards
4. You can Swim in the Lake on Hot Summer Days
Sadly, I did not take my swimwear with me, as I assumed the lake must be very cold. I was so very wrong.
In fact, the temperature of the Schrecksee was very pleasant and would have been ideal for taking a dip.
On that note, do not forget your swimsuit at home on hot summer days.
5. Bring enough Water and Food with you
There are no mountain huts and no option to buy drinks or food during the hike. Thus, bringing enough water and food with you is necessary.
Water: You need at least 3-4 liters of water for this trek. For better hydration, add some salt or electrolytes to your water.
Food: As for the food, I personally I feel best when I have an oatmeal with quark and fruits. Additionally, I also prepare some sandwiches and energy bars for long hikes.
6. Take your Camera and be prepared for Amazing Views
Don`t forget to charge your phone and have your camera ready. Believe me, you will want to take loads of pictures and videos of the stunning scenery high in the Allgäu Alps in Bavaria.
At the top, If you still have energy left, hike a bit further upwards for even better views and photo spots.
My dog was mesmerized by the water Enjoying the hot summer weather at the Schrecksee
7. If you have Trekking Poles, Take them with you
Personally, I do not use trekking poles too often, because I like touching the rocks with my bare hands.
However, the first part of the hike is quite steep and has loose rocks. Because of the loose terrain, it was hard for me to get ahead without hiking poles.
Luckily, a friend of mine helped me out with his trekking poles and it helped me greatly during the tiring trail.
8. The Terrain is not Dangerous and Doable with Fit Dogs and Kids
Despite the duration (7hours) and altitude difference of the trail (1000m), the Schrecksee Wanderung (as the Germans would say) has no real dangerous sections. Thus, it can be suitable for dogs and kids as well. They need to be used to hiking and be quite fit, though.
My 5 year-old-labrador had no issues completing the trail with an ease.
*Please take all necessary precautions as all mountain hikes have possible risks.

Points of Interest at the Schrecksee – Map
The main points of interest for the Schrecksee Hike:
– Parking Lot (at the same place, you can hop on the Bus no.50)
– Kraftwerk Auele (Hop off the bus no. 50 + Lake Schrecksee Hike Start)
– Schrecksee (our destination)
Daily Budget for the Schrecksee Hike:
In 2024, you can count with the following costs on your day trip at the Schrecksee
Parking: 10 EUR / Car (card payment possible)
Bus Ticket: 12 EUR / Person (6 EUR one-way)
Food and snacks from a supermarket: 8-15 EUR / Person
Total Daily Budget: around 30-40 EUR
Looking for Further Adventures nearby?
I often go to the Bavarian Alps and document my favorite adventures here. Check out my collection of the Best Hikes in Bavaria.
If you are keen to see beautiful towns: make sure to check out my guide to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This medieval town is one of a kind.
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