Bavarian Prealps

The Bavarian Prealps form a mountain range along the Austria–Germany border, stretching roughly 80 kilometres between the rivers Loisach and Inn. Most of the range lies in Bavaria, but parts extend into Tyrol. The summits rarely exceed 2,000 metres, with limestone cliffs appearing only in a few places. The Ester Mountains in the west include the highest peak, the Krottenkopf at 2,086 metres. The eastern section, known as the Mangfall Mountains, reaches 1,986 metres at the Hinteres Sonnwendjoch. These mountains serve as Munich’s ‘home mountains’, offering routes for walkers, skiers and snowshoers year round. Family-friendly paths lead to many summits, while climbers find routes from UIAA grade II to X on peaks such as the Roßstein and Buchstein. A classic ski tour follows the Rotwand-Reib’n to the Rotwand. The range also borders ranges like the Chiemgau Alps and the Karwendel. Long-distance trails cross the Bavarian Prealps, including the Via Alpina’s Violette Way with nine stages. The Munich–Venice Dream Path passes through the region, with stages running from Geretsried to Vorderriß. The landscape includes lakes like the Spitzingsee and valleys such as the Ursprungtal. Views extend across the Alpine Foreland toward Munich on clear days.