Rotwand (1884 m) is the highest point of the Miesbach district and the tallest peak in the Bavarian part of the Mangfallgebirge, earning it the nickname 'Munich's home mountain'. It's a beloved destination for both summer hikers and winter ski tourers, offering sweeping views over the Spitzingsee region.

The terrain here is classic Bavarian Alps: rolling alpine meadows, rocky ridgelines, and panoramic saddles. In summer, the trails can get crowded, especially the fast route from the Taubensteinbahn cable car station. In winter, the mountain becomes a playground for ski tourers and snowshoers. Just below the summit on the south side sits the Rotwandhaus, a German Alpine Club (DAV) hut, perfect for a rest and a warm meal.

How to reach the summit

• Spitzingsee - via various trails (e.g. through the Pfanngraben with natural rock pools) - easy hike
• Taubensteinbahn upper cable car station (1613 m) - past the Taubenstein, on the trail below the Lempersberg - about 75 minutes, easy to moderate, but often busy on summer days
• Geitau via Soinsee - alternative route to the summit

Practical information

• The Rotwandhaus (1737 m), a DAV mountain hut, lies just south of the summit
• In winter, the classic 'Rotwand-Reib'n' ski tour links Rotwand, Auerspitz and Hochmiesing; it's also feasible with snowshoes
• The Taubensteinbahn cable car shortens the approach considerably

The oldest human artifacts found in the German Alps were discovered near Rotwand - Mesolithic stone tools. The mountain also made headlines in 2006 when the brown bear JJ1, nicknamed 'Bruno', was shot near the Rotwandhaus.