Schliersee Lake: Whisky, Castle Ruins & Alpine Views | Bavaria, Germany

What makes Schliersee particularly intriguing is how it weaves together centuries of Bavarian history with a thoroughly modern surprise. The Hohenwaldek Castle wasn't built for grand military campaigns or strategic defense – rather, like many medieval fortifications throughout the Bavarian Alps, it served primarily as a status symbol for the local Valdec lords who constructed it around the 14th century. These nobles wanted to showcase their wealth and power with a commanding position overlooking the lake and surrounding valleys. The castle's relatively peaceful existence came to an abrupt end in 1480 when a massive landslide sent enormous boulders crashing through the walls and buried much of the structure under mounds of earth and debris. This catastrophic natural event left behind the atmospheric ruins you can explore today – less of a traditional castle experience and more of an adventurous rock scramble with spectacular alpine viewpoints. By the end of the 16th century, the Valdec family line had died out entirely, and whatever remained of their hilltop fortress passed to another lord who likely had little interest in restoring what nature had so dramatically reclaimed.

The transformation of Schliersee from a quiet Bavarian village with medieval ruins into a destination featuring Germany's unique alpine whiskey distillery represents a bold departure from regional traditions. While Bavaria remains synonymous with beer culture – the Maß, the beer gardens, the centuries-old brewing monasteries – Schliersee carved out its own identity by embracing Scotland's national spirit instead. The lakeside distillery offers an experience you simply won't find at any other Bavarian lake: free tastings of locally-produced whiskey, self-guided tours for approximately nine euros that walk you through the distillation process, and excellent food served in a beautiful setting right on the water. This isn't just novelty for novelty's sake either – the distillery takes its craft seriously, producing quality spirits that stand on their own merits. The juxtaposition is what makes it memorable: you're surrounded by classic Alpine scenery, traditional wooden architecture, and mountain views, yet you're sipping whiskey instead of the expected Weissbier or Helles.

The hiking route itself deserves recognition for how thoughtfully it can be structured. Starting from the Schliersee station, the path takes you along the lakeside and up through meadows that provide enough elevation gain to feel like genuine Alpine hiking without being overly strenuous. The walk through the meadows particularly stands out – open fields with wildflowers, gradually increasing views of the surrounding peaks, and that satisfying feeling of leaving the crowds behind as you gain altitude. Once you reach the castle ruins, the real beauty of the route reveals itself: there's no need to backtrack. You can continue in the same direction, descending toward the distillery and eventually reaching the Fischhausen train station for your return journey to Munich. This linear route is far more satisfying than the typical out-and-back hike, and it means you're constantly seeing new scenery rather than retracing your steps. The tactical advantage of this approach cannot be overstated – you save time, avoid the mental fatigue of hiking the same trail twice, and you end your day at the distillery rather than beginning with it, which provides a perfect reward after your efforts.

What ultimately distinguishes Schliersee within the broader context of Munich day trips is this combination of the expected and unexpected. Yes, you'll find the beautiful lake, the alpine meadows, the mountain views, and the medieval castle ruins that characterize so many Bavarian destinations. But you'll also discover something genuinely unique – a whiskey distillery that shouldn't exist in beer country but does, offering an experience that breaks the mold while still feeling authentically connected to its location. The journey isn't about ticking boxes on a standard Bavaria itinerary; it's about finding those surprising moments that make travel memorable, whether that's scrambling over 14th-century ruins partially buried by a 500-year-old landslide or enjoying a dram with alpine views stretching toward the horizon.