Wellness weekend at Tegernsee

In November, time seems to stand still. At least here in Switzerland. Many hotels in the mountains close for the off-season, and the few that do remain open are fully booked weeks in advance on weekend days. Would you like to book a spontaneous wellness weekend? Difficult. November would be perfect for treating yourself to a short break and recharging your batteries for the year-end spurt and the jam-packed days in December. That’s why we boarded the train in Zurich two weeks ago and chugged towards Munich. One change and almost 5.5 hours later we reach our destination. Tegernsee railway station. By car, you would easily beat this time. But the train ride has a decelerating effect and is thus the perfect introduction to our wellness weekend.

Spring fever on the castle terrace

Instead of November dreariness, the village of Tegernsee welcomes us with warm rays of sunshine. From the train station it is a stone’s throw to the Hotel Das Tegernsee. The growling stomach leads us straight to the well-filled sun terrace in front of the Sengerschloss high above the lake. The Sengerschloss is one of four buildings in the hotel complex and, in addition to hotel rooms, houses two restaurants, the castle bar and a wonderful white baroque hall. The prices of the lunch menu are moderate (business lunch with two courses 22 euros) and the menu includes a small but fine selection. With sunglasses on and a view over the lake, we start the weekend deliciously.

Sleep like a dream

After lunch, our rooms are ready for occupancy. In addition to the listed Sengerschloss from 1842, which has also been used as an almshouse, the guest houses Quirin, Tegernsee and Wallberg form an ensemble of historic buildings and modern elements. All with a clear connection to the Upper Bavarian Tegernsee Valley. Our room is located in Haus Tegernsee, which was completely renovated in 2014. The result is impressive. The newly designed rooms present themselves in a fresh look that is modern at the same time, but also integrates Bavarian elements. The sports program is included in a stay in this part of the building due to the lack of elevators.

With such a cozy room with a panoramic view over the valley, it can rain for two days. So we are not at all unhappy about the fact that the sun has disappeared behind the clouds shortly after noon. Good excuse to curl up with a book on the corner bench.

Fresh air on the local mountain

The Tegernsee is located in the middle of an extensive hiking region. Since the hiking trails lead directly through the hotel grounds, all you have to do is lace up your hiking boots and start walking. Of course, only after a hearty breakfast, where, depending on your appetite and taste, Bavarian white sausages with pretzels can also be ordered. The breakfast buffet leaves nothing to be desired.

Well fortified, we venture out into the fresh air. Proverbial. The spring fever of the previous day has given way to autumn, which blows through the forest behind the hotel with strong gusts of wind. We follow the signs in the direction of Neureuth-Haus, which is located at just over 1,500 m above sea level. The ascent through the forest takes a good hour and it is not the altitude difference that bothers me, but the mercilessly whistling wind. We reach the mountain hut around 11:00 a.m. and are amazed at how well filled it is despite the rather gloomy weather. Beer is ordered up here. After all, the region became famous due to the art of brewing beer from Tegernsee Monastery. With a view over the cloudy mountain slopes around Lake Tegernsee, we make our way back to the hotel after a short break. We want to spend the afternoon in the wellness area.

Savor the bad weather – Wellness

To get me in the mood, there is a 40-minute intensive head, neck and shoulder massage, which actually gives me sore muscles the next day. Afterwards we let ourselves be bubbled in the heated outdoor pool. The sun loungers in front of the panoramic window are well occupied on this gloomy day. In order to create even more space, the hotel already has expansion plans. The wellness area is to be expanded next year.

Kneaded and soaked, we get a piece of cake in the Senger restaurant (great selection!) and end the afternoon in our room.

Genussmomente

Too much cosiness makes you sluggish. And so we walk down to the lake at dusk. A walking path leads around the Tegernsee, which partly leads directly along the lake and follows the road in sections. The view of the “skyline” of Rottach-Egern is particularly beautiful, where, by the way, the atmospheric Rottach Advent takes place again from 28 November.

Afterwards we go to the Alpenbrasserie. The counterpart to the Senger restaurant impresses with a casual interior, panoramic windows with a view over Lake Tegernsee and excellent meat cuisine. A wonderfully informal evening, which ends for us in the fireplace lounge in front of the crackling fire with a nightcap. By the way, the sofa directly in front of the fireplace is very popular. The earlier you start dinner, the greater the chance of ending the evening on this sofa.

Yes, the Tegernsee is not stingy with feel-good moments. And apart from the sore muscles in our backs, we recovered really well this weekend.

Practical tips about Lake Tegernsee

• Double room including breakfast from 249 Euro/night
• For explorers, those seeking relaxation and nature lovers, Das Tegernsee has put together suitable packages
• The 40-minute head, neck and shoulder massage costs 70 euros
• A detour to the Bräustüberl Tegernsee is almost a must
• For a change from Bavarian cuisine, head to the Mizu Sushi Bar at Bachmair Weissach – recommended

You can find more excursion ideas and restaurant tips around Lake Tegernsee at Globesession

Note: The Tegernsee has invited me to this stay – thank you very much for this. As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm here.