[Tips on Kochelsee] [Tips on Walchensee]

Kochelsee und Walchensee

Franz Marc has called the area around Kochel his home – thus, in 1986 the Franz-Marc-Museum was inaugurated in wonderful villa at Herzogstandweg in order to present life and work of one of the important artists of the 20. century. In Sommer 2008 the collection is re-opened after having been restored for two years. One of many reasons to visit the tiny borough at the shores of Kochelsee.

Besides Franz Marc Kochel was the home of another famous Bavarian: the smith of Kochel. The story of the tragic figure Balthasar Mayer is quickly told. Bavaria fought against Austria-Habsburg with France and was defeated in 1704. The dynasty had to flee and Austrian troops occupied Bavaria. Through the severe suppression a revolt arose in the area. On Christmas 1705 the Oberland farmers intended to win back Munich under Bavarian regency, but they were betrayed.

Not Munich citizens, but well-equipped imperial troops awaited the rebellious farmers. Scythes, morning stars and just a few guns couldn't resist the  Austrian dominance and the Oberlander had to cede. The village Sendling, now a Munich district, provided shelter, but the battle was lost. The rebellious farmers surrendered, but were still brutally massacred by the occuying troops. Balthasar Mayer, the smith of Kochel, became leader of the surviving Oberländer. He died his ideals at the Sendling church yard following the battle call "rather die the Bavarian way than go to waste the imperial way".

For fans of technics a visit at Walchensee-powerplant is an interesting tour in this area. At the end of the 19. century the idea was born to use the Walchen- and Kochelsee as natural reservoirs to gain electric energy. In 1924 the first turbine turned and it was thanks to the insistence of Oskar von Miller that the eco-friendly plant today is an important electricity provider in Bavaria.

Via Kesselberg, a street full of serpentines, you will find your way to Walchensee, which is a paradise for surfers in summer. Every day, winds from the north-east lure hundreds of colorful sails onto the water. And also under water Walchensee is a perfect sports spot. Dive into the depths down to 200m. Even a wreck is to be found: A VW beetle lies 15m deep and is the attraction of Germany's deepest lake.

Germany's largest mountain lake (16,4 km²) and its nature inspired already Goethe to romantic thoughts: "Today everything looks great to me; if only it remained! Today I gaze through the eyeglass of love." And visitors may indulge in the memories of the great German poet, while experiencing the lake's unspoilt shores hiking on the paths. 

by Dietmar Stanka