Walchensee and Herzogstand

The Walchensee lies at eight hundred metres and reaches nearly two hundred metres deep, one of the deepest and largest alpine lakes in Germany, with a strong turquoise from mineral particles and depth. Since 1924 it has fed the Walchensee power station, dropping about two hundred metres to the Kochelsee below to generate electricity, and it functions as a storage reservoir; the plant was among the largest of its kind in the world when built. Above the northern shore, the Herzogstand at 1,731 metres is reached by cable car and a short climb, with a ridge path continuing to the Heimgarten.

What you actually see

• The turquoise depth - a lake nearly two hundred metres deep.
• The power scheme - a 1924 plant using the drop to the Kochelsee.
• The Herzogstand - a 1,731-metre summit by cable car and a short climb.
• The ridge path - a traverse continuing to the Heimgarten.

When to go

May to October for the ridge; the traverse to Heimgarten is exposed and unsuitable in snow or storm. Water sports use the lake's steady winds in summer.

Honest expectations

The ridge traverse is narrow and exposed with drops on both sides. The lake is very cold even in August. Parking near the shore is paid and fills early.

Nearby

Kochelsee lies below; Mittenwald is south.