Hike around the Osterseen lakes in Iffeldorf - Caribbean flair and Alpine panorama

Hiking pleasure: Tips for the Osterseen circular tour

Are you ready for Caribbean flair and spectacular mountain views? Then the circular tour around the Osterseen lakes is just the thing for you. The nature experience begins at Iffeldorf railway station, which is easily accessible with the Werdenfelsbahn. Cross the car park and turn left onto the road "Am Bahnhof". At the fire station building, a small path leads straight to the Iffeldorf kiosk, which is famous for its tasty hot dogs. Of course, there are also other snacks and drinks to stock up on before your lake tour.

A few more tips before you continue hiking in Iffeldorf: The Osterseen circular tour is recommended for leisure hikers and families with children aged six and over and is accessible all year round. Plan around two to three hours of walking time for the approximately 12-kilometre route. You should also make sure you have sturdy shoes and plenty of fluids in your luggage. In the warmer months, the paths are also suitable for pushchairs - some sections in the forest are a little bumpy due to the roots. If you want to cool off, don't forget your swimming gear! And an important final note: large parts of the Iffeldorfer Osterseen have been a nature reserve since 1981. Therefore - take care of the beautiful nature.

In the colder months, a walk around the Osterseen on a sunny day is a wonderful excursion into nature. Put on your warm clothes and enjoy the sunshine while hiking around Iffeldorf. Ice skating is also popular with both locals and tourists at the small Osterseen lakes. If you fancy it, take your skates with you.

Geological history of the Osterseen lakes: discover the ice age

The Easter Lakes form a group of 24 lakes of different sizes, which are connected by small channels. This unique geotope was formed around 17,000 years ago when the glaciers of the Würm Ice Age melted into huge blocks of ice. Once they had melted, they left behind deep, funnel-shaped pits that filled with groundwater and are now known as the Osterseen lakes - one of the best-preserved ice-cracked landscapes in Bavaria. By the way: the name has nothing to do with Easter, but goes back to the cardinal point east.

We start at the first Iffeldorf Easter lake, the Fischkalter See. If you walk past the kiosk on the left, you are heading straight for it. Numerous reeds rise out of the crystal-clear water to greet you and offer the perfect first photo motif. From here, the path leads alternately through the forest and along the shores of the Bräuhaussee and Forchensee lakes. You will soon spot the first motorhomes that have set up camp at the small campsite on Lake Fohnsee. Cross the lake and head north.

Enjoy the Alpine panorama: Zugspitze and onion tower

At the end of the campsite site, a small wooden footbridge leads over a narrow moat. Don't get too distracted by the glistening cobalt blue surface of the Fohnsee, otherwise you will miss the spectacular Alpine panorama to the south. On a clear day, you can marvel at the Herzogstand and Germany's highest mountain - the Zugspitze - from here. With the village silhouette of Iffeldorf in the foreground and the grey onion dome of the parish church of St. Vitus as an eye-catcher, all you have to do now is press the shutter release for the perfect postcard motif.

Caribbean flair in Bavaria: the Great Easter Lake

Now you are just one kilometre away from the Großer Ostersee - it's going to be magical! After the short stretch through the forest, the unique Caribbean blue sea of colours is already sparkling towards you. The intense blue tones of the 118-hectare water surface of the largest lake in the Ostersee group regularly cast a spell over visitors. Watch out swimming fans: On hot days, you can treat yourself to a piece of the Caribbean not far from here and take a dip in the refreshing water. As the Osterseen lakes are part of the nature reserve, swimming is only permitted in designated areas. By the way: You are now on the Great Ostersee Circuit, which is marked with the number 25 on blue signs when hiking around Iffeldorf.

Family experience: visit the animal sanctuary

Walk along the eastern shore of the Großer Ostersee. After just under two kilometres, you will find the Gut Aiderbichl animal sanctuary about 500 metres above the lake. Here you can pay a visit to over 300 rescued animals and give them lots of cuddles in the cat and dog rooms before returning to hiking trail no. 25. Enjoy the varied route through the idyllic mixed forests and the impressive moorland landscape with the shimmering blue lake panorama at your side.

Culinary finale: eating and relaxing in Iffeldorf

Once you arrive at the Jägergasse car park, walk along the Fischersteig path straight towards the parish church with its grey onion dome. Treat yourself to a hearty meal in the rustic ambience of the Vitus restaurant diagonally opposite. The small but exquisite menu offers an exquisite selection of seasonal and international dishes such as organic roast pork or Thai curry. Be sure to leave room for a delicious dessert - the homemade delicacies such as apple strudel or chocolate tart should be worth the "sweet sin".

Final spurt! Well fortified, it's time to make the 30-minute walk back to the railway station. Walk north along the street "St. Vitus Platz" and turn left onto Osterseen-Straße. After 350 metres, continue along Fohnseeweg, from where you can always catch a picturesque farewell view of the Sengsee. Watch out: After the small moorland pond on the right, turn right onto a narrow forest path. Follow this for 300 metres and turn left at the next junction. Here you will come to the path at Fischkalter See, which will take you back to the starting point of your lake adventure after an eventful day around the Iffeldorf Easter Lakes: Iffeldorf railway station. You can end your day relaxing on the Werdenfelsbahn railway as the foothills of the Alps pass you by.