Top 20 Waterfalls around Kochel am See
Waterfalls around Kochel am See are a prominent feature of this picturesque town in the Bavarian Prealps. The region is characterized by numerous lakes and forests, shaped by the last ice age, offering diverse natural landscapes. These waterfalls provide rewarding hiking opportunities and natural beauty. The area is known for its captivating natural attractions, including several notable waterfalls.
Best waterfalls around Kochel am See
- The most popular waterfall is Lainbach Waterfall, a waterfall that cascades steadily down a rock face into a rock-lined basin. It is easily accessible via a walk along a small river, offering a serene natural idyll.
- Another must-see spot is Glasbach Waterfall, a waterfall that is suitable for children and offers a view over the waterfall and the valley. It often has lots of water, especially during snowmelt.
- Visitors also love Kaltwasser Waterfalls, a waterfall feature along a beautiful hiking trail. Although not exceptionally high, these waterfalls are visually appealing, with paths crossing several bridges.
- Kochel a. See is known for various types of waterfalls, including the Lainbach Waterfall, Kesselbach Waterfalls, Heckenbach Waterfall, and Kaltwasser Waterfalls. The region offers a variety of waterfalls to see and explore, from easily accessible to those requiring a short hike.
- The waterfalls around Kochel am See are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1500 upvotes and over 1100 photos shared across 18 highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Lainbach Waterfall
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Kaltwasser Waterfalls
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Along the Lainbach
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Glasbach Waterfall
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At the Kesselbach Falls
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Tips from the Community
The stream winds its way down into the valley over waterfalls of varying heights. This is a beautiful gorge with mossy rocks and ferns, but it's also clearly shaped by the force of the water and not always easy to navigate. Be sure to have surefootedness and wear proper footwear.
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It's also great to walk in winter. Our recommendation: poles and/or spikes and walk the circuit anti-clockwise. Then it's easier to go uphill at the "critical" points!
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Great hike, even for inexperienced hikers. With a great stop at Leindl Alm...
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Very beautiful stream with various waterfalls. Absolutely worth seeing. The path was badly damaged at the time of our visit in June 2024. Only suitable for sure-footed and agile people.
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Beautiful waterfall just above Ohlstadt
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Great path along the stream up to the Lainbach waterfall. Rocks and roots are very slippery, so sure-footed shoes are an advantage.
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Directly above the "Heimgarten" car park in Ohlstadt - worth seeing and v. a. a great place for children! 👍🙂
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which waterfalls around Kochel am See are easy to access?
The Lainbach Waterfall is very easy to reach, often described as a short, scenic walk along a small river. The Heckenbach Waterfall is also quite accessible, located directly on the road south of Kochel.
Are there family-friendly waterfalls in the Kochel am See area?
Yes, several waterfalls are suitable for families. The Lainbach Waterfall is considered ideal for families, with a roughly 7 km circular trail that is not physically demanding. The Glasbach Waterfall is also suitable for children, offering great views. The Kaltwasser Waterfalls are another family-friendly option, featuring paths that cross several bridges.
What is the best time to visit the waterfalls around Kochel am See?
The waterfalls are beautiful year-round, but spring, especially during snowmelt, often sees the highest water volume, making them particularly impressive. The Glasbach Waterfall, for instance, is noted for having lots of water during snowmelt. Summer offers pleasant hiking conditions, while autumn brings vibrant foliage.
What kind of natural beauty can I expect to see at these waterfalls?
You can expect to see water cascading down rock faces into serene basins, surrounded by lush forests and the picturesque Bavarian Prealps. The Lainbach Waterfall offers a pure nature idyll, while the Kesselbach Waterfalls are known for their impressive flow, especially after rain. Many trails follow streams, allowing continuous observation of the water's journey through rocks and clear pools.
Are there hiking trails that lead to or past the waterfalls?
Absolutely. A popular 7 km circular trail starts at Kochel railway station and leads to the Lainbach Waterfall. The Kaltwasser Waterfalls are part of a beautiful hiking trail towards Heimgarten. You can also follow the Lainbach stream itself, which offers a trail close to the water. For more hiking options, explore the Hiking around Kochel am See guide.
What other outdoor activities can I do near the waterfalls?
Beyond visiting the waterfalls, the region offers extensive outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, including challenging tours to summits like Jochberg and Herzogstand. There are also many options for cycling around Lake Walchensee or towards Benediktbeuern, and dedicated running trails.
Where can I park when visiting the waterfalls?
For the Kesselbach and Heckenbach Waterfalls, a parking lot near the Walchenseekraftwerk (Walchensee power plant) provides convenient access. For the Lainbach Waterfall, parking is available in Kochel am See, with a popular circular trail starting from the railway station.
What do visitors enjoy most about the waterfalls around Kochel am See?
Visitors frequently highlight the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. Many appreciate the easy accessibility of waterfalls like the Lainbach Waterfall, describing it as a perfect place to relax and immerse oneself in the Bavarian Prealps. The visual appeal of the cascades, even if not exceptionally high, and the scenic trails are also highly praised.
Are there any waterfalls that are particularly impressive after heavy rain?
Yes, the Kesselbach Falls are noted for being particularly impressive after rainy periods, with a significantly increased water flow. The Glasbach Waterfall also has a lot of water, especially during snowmelt, which can be comparable to post-rain conditions.
Can I walk in the riverbed near any of the waterfalls?
Near the Lainbach Waterfall, it is possible to walk in the riverbed, though it can be slippery. Appropriate footwear is highly recommended for this experience.
What is the difficulty level of the trails leading to the waterfalls?
Many trails, such as the one to the Lainbach Waterfall, are considered intermediate and feasible for everyone, including families. However, some areas, like the path to the Kesselbach Falls, can be more challenging. For the Kaltwasser Waterfalls, surefootedness is an advantage, especially where paths cross bridges.
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