Wendelstein Mountain

The Wendelstein is a 6,030-foot (1,838 m) peak in the Bavarian Prealps, about an hour southeast of Munich, and one of the classic viewpoint mountains of Upper Bavaria. Its rocky summit, crowned by an observatory and a transmitter mast, can be spotted from far across the Alpine foothills. You don't need to be a climber to get up: a historic cog railway and a modern cable car do the work. At the top you'll find Germany's highest church, a show cave and sweeping Alpine views.

Two ways up

• Cog railway from Brannenburg: Opened in 1912, the Wendelstein rack railway is the oldest cog railway still running in Bavaria. The scenic ride from the valley station takes about 30 minutes.
• Cable car from Bayrischzell-Osterhofen: The cable car reaches the top station in about 7 minutes. Its valley station is a five-minute walk from Osterhofen station on the regional BRB line from Munich.

A combo ticket lets you ride up one way and down the other; between May and November the Wendelstein ring bus (line 349) links the two valley stations.

Things to do at the top

• Summit trail: A short, well-secured path with many steps leads from the top station to the summit. Wear sturdy shoes.
• Wendelstein Chapel: Consecrated in 1890, the little stone church is considered the highest church in Germany.
• Wendelstein Cave: Germany's highest show cave lies near the railway's top station. Entry costs €2, paid in coins, and it is usually open from May to November.
• Observatory: Munich's Ludwig Maximilian University has run an observatory here since 1939.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026 (fares valid May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027):

• Cog railway round trip: adults €49, children 6–17 €24
• Cable car round trip: adults €32, children €22
• Combo ticket (up one way, down the other): adults €48, or €39.50 with a valid Bavaria Ticket (Bayern-Ticket) or MVV day ticket
• Dogs: €7 per trip

The cog railway runs on its summer timetable until November 15, 2026, with hourly departures from 9 a.m. and the last descent usually at 4 p.m. It then pauses until around December 22. The cable car runs from 9:15 a.m. until November 8, 2026, then closes for maintenance until about November 27. Always check the daily operating update, as storms or snow can change the schedule.

How to get to the Wendelstein

• By train from Munich: Take the BRB regional train toward Bayrischzell and get off at Osterhofen for the cable car, or ride toward Rosenheim and Kufstein and get off in Brannenburg for the cog railway (about a 30-minute walk or a weekday bus to the valley station). The Deutschlandticket is valid on these regional trains.
• By car: Take the A8 Munich–Salzburg autobahn. Parking at the cog railway is free; at the cable car, the parking fee is refunded when you buy a ticket. Until about the end of October 2026, the B307 road through Neuhaus-Schliersee is closed, so drive via Fischbachau.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, on a clear day. The ride is part of the fun, and the summit offers big Alpine views without a strenuous hike. Allow at least half a day.

Nearby

• Schliersee and Spitzingsee: Two pretty mountain lakes in the Miesbach district.
• Bayrischzell: A traditional resort village at the foot of the mountain.