Things to Do in Osterseen

Osterseen is a nature reserve in Upper Bavaria, Germany, featuring a chain of 19 to 24 interconnected, groundwater-fed lakes. The landscape includes diverse terrain such as moorlands, mixed forests, and riparian regions. It has been a protected area since 1981, covering 1,083 hectares.

Osterseen offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, mountain biking, and jogging. The area provides more than 100 routes for these sports. Visitors have rated the routes an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars on komoot.

Popular hiking routes include circular tours around the lakes, such as the Beautiful view – Blick über den Großen Ostersee loop from Iffeldorf, which is about 6 miles (9.6 km) long. Another option is the Great Ostersee – View of the Fohnsee loop from Iffeldorf, spanning about 3.6 miles (5.8 km). Many trails wind through idyllic mixed forests and impressive moorland.

Yes, Osterseen offers easy hiking routes suitable for various fitness levels. An example is the Great Ostersee – View of the Fohnsee loop from Iffeldorf, which is rated as easy. More options can be found in the Easy hikes in Osterseen guide.

Many trails in Osterseen are suitable for families with children. Some paths are even suitable for prams during warmer months, though forest sections may have roots. The circular tours around the lakes are generally considered family-friendly.

Road cyclists can explore routes like the View of Riegsee – View of Riegsee loop from Seeshaupt, which covers about 30.5 miles (49 km). Another option is the Walchensee – South Shore of Walchensee loop from Iffeldorf, extending approximately 53.8 miles (86.7 km). More routes are detailed in the Road Cycling Routes in Osterseen guide.

Mountain biking trails include the View of Großer Ostersee – Steamer Pier loop from Iffeldorf, which is about 11.2 miles (18.1 km) long and rated easy. The Forest trail by Lake Starnberg – Tea House 1 loop from Seeshaupt offers another easy option at about 10.4 miles (16.7 km). Additional trails can be found in the MTB Trails in Osterseen guide.

Osterseen is known for its clear, turquoise-blue, groundwater-fed lakes, including the Great Ostersee, Fohnsee, and Stechsee. The reserve also features extensive moorlands, mixed forests, and riparian regions. On clear days, distant views of the Alps, including the Zugspitze, are visible.

The "Blaue Gumpe" is a notable natural feature within Osterseen, functioning as a spring funnel. It feeds the Great Ostersee with remarkably clear water. The constant temperature of its groundwater, around 50°F (10°C), prevents the water surface from freezing in winter.

There are more than 100 routes available in Osterseen on komoot. These routes cover various sports such as hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, mountain biking, and jogging. The routes have been explored by over 8,000 visitors.

Komoot offers several guides for Osterseen, including Hiking in Osterseen, Road Cycling Routes in Osterseen, and MTB Trails in Osterseen. Other guides cover easy hikes, cycling, running, gravel biking, lakes, and natural monuments in the area.

Yes, local accommodation is available near Osterseen. The Hotel & Landgasthof Osterseen is one such establishment in the area. Information about local hospitality services can often be found through regional tourism boards.

A circular tour around the Osterseen lakes, typically about 7.5 miles (12 km) long, can take approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete. This duration can vary based on pace and stops along the way.