Wendelstein
Bayrischzell, Germany
An 1,838 m summit with a chapel, an observatory and views over the Bavarian Alps. Ride the cog railway from Brannenburg or the cable car from Bayrischzell-Osterhofen, then follow the short summit path from the top station.
At 1,838 m, the Wendelstein is a peak in the Mangfall Mountains of the Bavarian Prealps, made up mainly of Wetterstein limestone. Two railways lead to the top: the cog railway from Brannenburg has been running since 1912, is 7.7 km long and climbs 1,217 m; the journey now takes about 30 minutes. The cable car from Bayrischzell-Osterhofen takes only a few minutes. About 100 m below the summit stands the Wendelsteinkircherl, consecrated in 1890 and regarded as the highest church in Germany; at the top there are also a chapel from 1718, an observatory founded in 1939 and now run by Munich University, and the Wendelstein Cave.
The weather at the summit can change quickly, so check the forecast and operating notices before you set out. There is a large car park at the valley station in Brannenburg; in fine weather it pays to arrive early. On foot, the ascent takes about three hours from Osterhofen and around four from Brannenburg.
- Nearest town
- Bayrischzell, Germany
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 47.7035, 12.0120
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in August–September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Germany: No motorway tolls for cars. No general motorway speed limit (130 km/h advised) and no tolls for cars.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Kaiser Camping Outdoor ResortCampsite9 km from WendelsteinTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping-Erholungsverein Bayern e.V.Campsite11 km from WendelsteinTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Campingplatz HiasenhofCampsite15 km from WendelsteinTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Campingplatz RueppenhofCampsite15 km from WendelsteinTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping am MoserhofCampsite16 km from Wendelstein · 2 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Wohnmobilstellplatz an der Therme Bad AiblingMotorhome stopover17 km from Wendelstein · 31 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Germany · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Wendelstein?
Wendelstein is in Bayrischzell, Germany, at GPS 47.7035, 12.0120. It is about 12 km from Schliersee.
Can you camp near Wendelstein?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wohnmobilstellplatz Bayrischzell, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 31 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Wendelstein?
Wendelstein is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Upper Bavaria: Tegernsee, Chiemsee and the Eagle’s Nest.
What is there to see near Wendelstein?
Places worth a stop nearby: Rattenberg (32 km), Herrenchiemsee Palace (34 km), Achensee (36 km) and Walchensee at Urfeld (52 km).
When is the best time to visit Wendelstein?
The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in August–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)