The Sylvenstein Reservoir and its surrounding areas experience high tourist concentrations during the summer and autumn. For this reason, visiting the Upper Isar Valley specifically during the winter half-year is a practical decision—especially when frost decorates the bushes and gravel banks, as noted by mountain journalist Michael Pröttel, who has focused on sustainable mountain tourism for over 30 years.
The shorelines and gravel banks of the Isar are strictly off-limits during spring and summer; human presence during these months could disrupt the breeding of rare ground-nesting bird species. Consequently, a seasonal access ban remains in effect every year until mid-August.
Those heading to the Sylvenstein Reservoir in winter do not violate nature conservation regulations. Winter wildlife sanctuaries are located further north on the slopes of the Schwarzberg and to the east near the Rosskopf summit. Another advantage of a winter visit is the opportunity to observe the curves of the mountain river in complete solitude, even on weekends. Furthermore, the water level of the Isar is at its minimum during the winter half-year, making it easy to cross small side branches.
Route Description
From the parking lot, cross the main road and descend a wide gravel path toward the riverbed. Shortly after the road curves and leads toward a wide dam across the Isar, turn left onto a narrower path before reaching the dam itself. This trail soon turns gently to the left and leads to a fork, where you should keep left. Continuing along the path, the route goes west, south of the Isar, through the floodplain landscape. At the next fork, continue straight.
The path eventually leads directly to the river. If the water level is low enough, you can cross small tributaries and follow the riverbed upstream toward Vorderriß. If crossing is not possible, simply find a suitable spot on the bank.
Afterward, you can visit another section of the shore: return to the Isar dam and, without crossing the river, turn right onto the path leading east toward the point where the Isar flows into the Sylvenstein Reservoir. There are also comfortable places to rest there. A navigation link with a route description is available in the Komoot app.
This walk is described in Michael Pröttel’s book: Walks for All Seasons – Karwendel, published by J. Berg. Price: €19.99. ISBN: 9783 8624 68911.
Essential Route Information
- Route Character: An easy valley walk. The exact path depends on water levels. Follow the Isar as far as possible.
- Start and Finish Point: Paid parking on the B307 road, located on the right 4 kilometers after the Sylvenstein Reservoir bridge.
- Getting There: By car via Bad Tölz and Lenggries to the reservoir, then turn right toward Fall. After 3.5 kilometers, park at the hikers’ parking lot by the main road.
- Where to Eat: There are no establishments on the route itself. After the walk, a visit to the Gasthof Post in Vorderriß is recommended.
- Equipment: Winter boots and warm clothing are recommended. Snowshoes may be useful in deep snow. Check weather conditions via the webcam at sylvensteinsee.info.
Source: J. Berg Publishing
Latest Posts
