Krün: Barmsee, Isar Trails and Village Culture
Accommodation in Krün
Krün offers several distinct reasons to stay: Lake Barmsee for swimming in summer, two hikes of different lengths, trails with nature information stations, and village culture. Lake Barmsee is the focus of a day by the water; the routes described differ considerably, whether you want a loop starting in the town center or a shorter hike.
Lake Barmsee as a Summer Destination
Lake Barmsee is a swimming lake in Krün; swimming is a summer activity. On its northwestern shore, a sunbathing lawn offers views of the mountains of the Alpenwelt Karwendel region. You can reach the lake from Krün on foot or by bicycle. Unlike a hike, the focus here is on spending time by the water: the lake, sunbathing lawn and mountain views are what make this destination appealing.
Hikes with Different Highlights
The Isar Nature Adventure Trail is an easy 7.4-kilometer loop that starts and ends in the center of Krün. Themed sections and interactive stations offer a fun way to learn about the habitat and nature in and around the Isar. The loop provides a fixed starting and finishing point, while the stations weave nature learning into the walk. The operator notes that route information may not always be up to date, so check the details before setting out.
A second hike is very easy and 3.2 kilometers long. It leads from the center of Krün to the Maria Rast chapel and through the hummocky meadows near Krün. Compared with the 7.4-kilometer loop, it is shorter; its described route, with the chapel and hummocky meadows, also differs from the loop with its stations. When choosing between the hikes, the main points to consider are their length and named destinations: a loop focused on Isar nature, or a hike to the chapel through the hummocky meadows.
The Kieselsteinlehrpfad near Krün runs along the turquoise-green Isar and offers two ways to learn: geological information on display boards and interactive stations for explorers of all ages. The Isar Nature Adventure Trail focuses on the habitat and nature in and around the Isar; the Kieselsteinlehrpfad adds a geological focus through its display boards. The two trails therefore differ chiefly in the aspects of nature they highlight.
Church and Farmers’ Theater in Krün
St. Sebastian’s Church stands in the center of Krün and features understated Rococo decoration inside. It is worth a visit and offers an architectural contrast to the trails’ nature themes. The Krün farmers’ theater makes young and old laugh with comedies performed in the Bavarian dialect. If you are planning to attend a particular performance, check the current schedule.
More to Explore in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The wider destination of Garmisch-Partenkirchen adds its own nature and cultural attractions to the local experience. At the Partnach Gorge, visitors can walk between towering rock walls and hear the rushing water below. The gorge was declared a natural monument and opened to visitors in 1912. The Richard Strauss Institute is housed in the historic Villa Christina in Partenkirchen’s spa gardens and features a permanent exhibition on Strauss’s life and work. The Werdenfels Museum in Garmisch-Partenkirchen began as a private collection in 1895 and is now one of the most important museums of its kind in Bavaria.
Mount Wank is also part of the wider Garmisch-Partenkirchen destination: at 1,780 meters, it is Partenkirchen’s local mountain and is well suited to relaxed mountain hikes with far-reaching views. The Wank cable car takes visitors from Garmisch-Partenkirchen directly to the summit; access by mountain railway is subject to operating conditions.
Discover more destinations: Klais, Elmau, Unterammergau, Saulgrub, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bad Kohlgrub, Oberau, Grainau.
See the wider travel guide: Garmisch-Partenkirchen District.
