Inspiring play of colors: The 8 best hiking hotspots for spectacular autumn photos in Bavaria

Autumn is hiking season

When the trees are ablaze with color, there's nothing better than being out in nature. We've the best hiking hotspots for spectacular autumn photos and breathtaking nature photography in beautiful Bavaria .

Autumn is a magical season, captivating with its vibrant colors and clear visibility. However, if you keep in mind that low temperatures, wet mornings, and short days can present challenges, nothing stands in the way of enjoying hikes and mountain tours.

The golden autumn invites you to linger in nature and fully enjoy the beauty of this season.

In autumn, the forests burst into a magnificent display of colors, while the alpine meadows turn golden and a cotton-wool mist envelops the valley. The clear, cool air affords breathtaking panoramic views, further enhancing the appeal of hiking.

Because of this, hiking in autumn is particularly popular – the later the snow falls, the longer you can enjoy this beautiful time of year; often well into November.

If you are looking for spectacular autumn photos, there is no better way than to go for a hike in nature now.

In this article, we present the 8 best hiking hotspots for spectacular autumn photos , dreamy landscape shots and breathtaking nature photography in the Bavarian Alps region.

The play of colors in autumn

Autumn is a season full of colors and contrasts Nature now reveals its most vibrant side. The leaves turn warm shades of orange, yellow, and red, bathing the landscape in a breathtaking display of color.

Autumn is a perfect time of year for hiking and outdoor activities to experience this beauty up close and take spectacular photos.

Getting up at 4 a.m. to catch the best light is now a thing of the past. Enjoy the vibrant colors of autumn, idyllic landscapes, and with a bit of luck, the first snow shimmering on the mountaintops , or witness a spectacular sunset during your photo tour.

Photographers may encounter a touch of autumnal mist . This effect can be extremely fascinating when photographing and offers numerous opportunities for exciting image compositions.

The 8 best hiking hotspots for spectacular autumn photos in Bavaria

Neuschwanstein Castle

Germany boasts numerous castles and palaces, transforming the country into a true fairytale land. Perhaps the most famous castle is located in the Bavarian foothills of the Alps and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually – it has even been replicated several times around the world.

Although the place is overrun with tourists and has already been photographed from every perspective, the view of the castle is a cultural highlight that cannot be found anywhere else.

Neuschwanstein Castle truly comes to life in landscape photographs : when the first snow falls or is already on the ground, the view becomes even more magical.

Lake Sylvenstein

In the southernmost part of Bavaria lies Lake Sylvenstein , also known as the Sylvenstein Reservoir or Sylvenstein Dam. It is an artificial lake and serves to store water for the Isar River.

This structure is located in the idyllic Isarwinkel region, in the heart of the municipality of Lenggries, and lies on a road leading from Bad Tölz to Lake Achensee. Situated approximately 12 kilometers south of the center of Lenggries, it was built between 1954 and 1959 with the aim of providing flood protection for the Isar Valley.

Despite its origins, it blends harmoniously into the Bavarian landscape at the foot of the Karwendel Mountains.

Due to its location at a natural narrowing in the upper Isar Valley, the reservoir was named Sylvenstein and, with its breathtaking bridge structure, is a frequently photographed subject against the backdrop of the Karwendel Mountains. The former village of Fall, abandoned and rebuilt a few meters higher up to escape flooding, lies within the lake itself.

As an imposing structure, the Sylvenstein Reservoir not only shapes the region but also offers a variety of functions. Its surroundings impress with their spectacular beauty and make it a significant element of this part of Germany.

In autumn, aerial photographs of the Sylvenstein reservoir outlet (GPS: 47.562768, 11.505675) are particularly worthwhile; they are simply breathtakingly beautiful and have a touch of Iceland.

The harmonious combination of autumnal colors with the crystal-clear, turquoise water is a feast for the eyes. Unfortunately, this picturesque spot can only be fully captured with the help of a drone .

But the parking lot offers a slightly different perspective, one that is no less enchanting. Equally appealing and undeniably popular are the photo spots at the Sylvensteinsee bridge – here, too, the warm autumnal hues blend magically with the cool blues and greens of the water.

Indian Summer at Königssee

The majestic Watzmann mountain towers above the white clouds, while the Königssee lake rests in a deep blue. Between them stretches a wild mountain forest of beech, larch, and maple trees.

The autumnal splendor ranges from yellow to brown with nuances of orange and red – a true feast for the eyes! A touch of green makes the scene appear perfect: Indian Summer has reached Bavaria's mountains – more precisely, Berchtesgaden National Park .

If you're planning a trip to the Berchtesgaden region, you should definitely include a visit to Königssee. While the lake is no longer a hidden gem and is very popular with tourists, it's still well worth a visit.

Even though the long queues at the ticket counters might seem daunting at first, don't be discouraged. The tickets are divided according to boat numbers and time slots, and once you've boarded the small boat, everything becomes calmer and more relaxed – so nothing stands in the way of a breathtaking excursion.

The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the famous motif showing the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä , surrounded by a colorful foliage landscape and the majestic Watzmann massif.

As an additional tip, we recommend taking upper part of the valley to Salet valley lake and the Obersee lake . A short, easy hike to the Fischunkelalm alpine pasture should definitely not be missed.

Lake Obersee is beautifully nestled between high rocky peaks in the heart of a valley – in the afternoon long shadows stretch across the lake, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.

The ice chapel at Königssee is a true natural wonder . It usually fills photographers with joy and gratitude as soon as they arrive and can admire the beauty of this place. However, the ice formation is not permanent – ​​it melts further year after year.

To reach the Ice Chapel, located on the east face of the Watzmann, you must disembark the boat in St. Bartholomä and take the path past the pilgrimage church. Turning left and following the signs for "Eiskapelle" (Ice Chapel), you will be led uphill through forest paths, eventually crossing scree in the dry riverbed.

Depending on your fitness level, you should allow one or two hours for this challenging hiking trail; the return journey is usually faster due to the descent from the mountain summit down to the valley floor where few tourists can be found compared to the busy pilgrimage church.

Those who want to take photos have plenty of opportunity here, but also need patience: Other visitors occasionally enter below the ice cave to take their own pictures before they have to leave, so wait until they make room for you.

Panoramic view over Berchtesgaden – from Maria Gern to the Kneifelspitze

For photographers and nature lovers, Berchtesgaden offers a wonderful hiking opportunity leading from the Maria Alm chapel to the Kneifelspitze peak . The route is easy to moderately difficult and rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the idyllic Berchtesgaden region.

A magical summit with a breathtaking view: The hike from Maria Gern to the Kneifelspitze reveals a majestic panorama, laying Berchtesgaden and the impressive mountain scenery at your feet. From the Hoher Göll and the Steineres Meer to the Watzmann and Hochkalter mountains, as well as the Untersberg, picturesque views unfold from the terrace of the Paulshütte.

Especially in autumn, numerous photographic opportunities arise: Not only do colorful deciduous forests offer themselves as motifs, but also the majestic Watzmann in the background – perhaps even with snow-covered peaks.

Lake Eibsee

Lake Eibsee shimmers with a clear, emerald-green brilliance, inviting visitors to marvel at the impressive backdrop of the Zugspitze. The scattered rocky islands appear as if sprung from a distant fairytale world, encouraging one to lose oneself in daydreams.

Long ago, the islands were formed by a gigantic rockslide and have since shaped the lake's distinctive form. Lake Eibsee is one of Europe's most fascinating natural wonders, conveying an authenticity usually found only in remote areas of Canada.

An uncomplicated excursion with the family will let you discover the most picturesque photo opportunities in the areas surrounding Lake Eibsee.

During a relaxing hike with your loved ones, you can explore magnificent viewpoints around the body of water and capture wonderful memories.

It is not only a pleasure for amateur photographers or nature lovers, but also a great opportunity for family members of all ages to get some exercise and spend time together outdoors.

This simple excursion option will certainly be a lot of fun for everyone involved and will be remembered as a special event for a long time.

Partnach Gorge

Anyone planning a photography holiday in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen region should definitely include the Partnach Gorge hike in their itinerary. This tour is possible year-round and is also suitable for families with young children. However, it can get very crowded on some days, as more than 200,000 visitors throng through the narrow gorge, especially during the warm summer months and on weekends.

Nevertheless, it's definitely worth undertaking this hike to get a breath of Alpine air!

Over millions of years, streams have formed in the Bavarian Alps, carving their way through the rock. The flowing water erodes grain by grain, creating small rivulets until it eventually carves out deep valleys.

The Partnach Gorge is a particularly beautiful example of this geological development. Here, one can not only admire the power of the water, but also find refreshing relief on hot summer days – just like in other similar streams with interesting geography.

A paved and well-secured staircase leads into the breathtaking Partnach Gorge – one of Bavaria's most beautiful gorges. The rushing water drowns out every other sound as you hike along steep rock faces.

The turquoise color of the river forms a beautiful contrast to the grey rock all around, and in winter it further emphasizes the ice crystals that you will encounter here.

After a short time, you reach the impressive waterfall with its icy curtains clinging to the rock face. It's quite a sight to see how the ice adheres to the stone.

Looking up is breathtaking: the walls are often only a few meters apart; you inevitably stop here to enjoy the view.

Autumnal Alpine panorama at the Tegernsee Hut

The moderately difficult route to the Tegernsee Hut demands a lot from hikers, but they are rewarded with a breathtaking view at the idyllic mountain hut.

The Tegernsee Hut sits like an eagle's nest amidst imposing Alpine peaks. During what begins as an unremarkable hike, a breathtaking view suddenly unfolds, making it seem as if the hut is literally clinging to the rock face between the summits.

From the hut there is a wonderful view of the Buchstein Hut, while in the foreground majestic Alpine peaks pose and practically demand a family photo: the Grossglockner, the Northern Limestone Alps and the central ridge of the Hohe Tauern with the Zillertal Alps and Lake Achensee up to the Karwendel and the Zugspitze.

Just an hour's drive from Munich, visitors to the Tegernsee Hut can expect a breathtaking panoramic view that quickly makes any thoughts of everyday life fade away.

A word of caution regarding safety : It is advisable to recommend this route only to experienced mountain hikers in wet or snowy conditions. However, if you wait for a dry spell, an early morning hike to the summit might be worthwhile for an unforgettable sunrise over the mountains.

Rissloch Waterfalls in the Bavarian Forest

About 100 kilometers east of Regensburg, on the border with the Czech Republic, lies the Rißloch nature reserve, including the impressive Rißloch waterfalls . With a length of 1.6 kilometers and a total drop of 260 meters, the waterfalls are among the largest in the Bavarian Forest .

The highest cascade of this natural phenomenon is particularly spectacular: it plunges a full 15 meters into the depths and amazes every observer.

The hike begins at the hikers' parking lot, located about 1.5 kilometers above the town center of Bodenmais . The first part of the route leads hikers north along a forest road and is approximately 500 meters long.

Before reaching the wooded area, the path splits into two trails – one left and one right – both leading to the popular waterfalls. Both paths are easily manageable in about 45 minutes and partly run closer to the Riesbach stream.

After about half an hour's walk, you finally reach the lowest section of the beautiful waterfalls.

Capture landscape photos in a personal hiking photo album

What could be better than discovering nature in the fresh air while admiring breathtaking landscapes? This experience becomes even better when shared with a loved one. Hiking through forests together or climbing a summit and enjoying the stunning view – these are moments to last a lifetime.

Why keep your wonderful photos in your digital library when you can capture these unique memories in a photo book? Just like travel photo books and vacation photo books, a hiking photo book permanently preserves all your impressions and special moments.

A photo book not only enhances your own memories, but also brings joy to you, your family, or friends every time you look at it.

Hiking , backpacking , mountaineering , and photo trips are among the most adventurous and exciting types of excursions we might ever experience. For this reason, all your hiking moments deserve to be captured and documented in a fitting way.

Treat yourselves to something special: Surprise your travel partner this Christmas with a personalized photo book of your adventures. With pre-designed templates, even beginners can achieve beautiful results in just a few simple steps at MYPOSTER. Creating a photo book has never been easier.

Such book templates offer you an undeniable Terms & Conditions : Every page is already professionally designed. You simply need to add your personal photos and words to bring the work to life.

The placeholders on the pages can be filled with your favorite photos, and the crops can be easily adjusted using the handles. All design elements in the photo book are freely editable – giving you complete creative freedom!

MYPOSTER now offers the option to automatically fill your photo book using "Rocket Mode ," symbolized by a rocket. Alternatively, you can fill your photo book template via drag and drop or design it completely individually.

A few words at the end

Autumn has so much to offer! Nature shows itself in its most beautiful light and the splendor of colors is simply breathtaking.

So if you're looking for spectacular autumn photos, then you should definitely head out!

We've presented you with the 8 best hiking hotspots for autumn photos in Bavaria. Now it's up to you to explore these places and have your camera ready.

Take advantage of the diverse autumn weather to capture unforgettable moments. Whether it's colorful forests, shimmering lakes, or misty landscapes – autumn offers a wealth of subjects just waiting to be photographed.

With a bit of luck, you might even experience the famous “Indian Summer” phenomenon, where the leaves shine in vibrant colors, creating an unforgettable display of color.