At the Altes Wallberghaus, the high art of joyfully returning to what is essential succeeds – while nurturing that little piece of heaven that lives within each of us.

Moments of happiness at Lake Tegernsee last longer – and that includes the happiness of the summit. Those who wish to enjoy the wonderful mountain world of the Tegernsee Valley during their stay are in exactly the right place at the Berghotel Altes Wallberghaus. The mountain hotel is located on the famous Wallberg, Tegernsee’s local mountain, at an altitude of 1,512 metres, and is perfect for hikers and mountaineers, for those seeking peace and nature lovers, but also for connoisseurs, a romantic weekend getaway for two or a family celebration.

The Altes Wallberghaus is a magical place, set amid untouched nature. Deceleration is not a longing here, but everyday life. And immediately after waking up, one can continue dreaming. What appears outside the window, however, is not photo wallpaper, but reality. When one opens one’s eyes in the morning, the sun can be seen rising behind the mountain peaks, with the lush green of the alpine meadows in front. Geraniums bloom in the window boxes, and from afar, one can hear the sound of cowbells. “Back to nature”, yet still with style and in a refined atmosphere – just as one is accustomed to from the houses of the Bachmair Weissach Group.

Hotelier Korbinian Kohler took over the Altes Wallberghaus in 2016. For him, it is a piece of home, as he already skied on the Wallberg as a child. And it is also another mosaic stone in the Bachmair Weissach cosmos. His intention was to create a simple yet refined form of hospitality. With the Berghotel Altes Wallberghaus, he has captured the spirit of the times: stressed managers and executives today relax through forest bathing rather than on the golf course, hiking is experiencing a comeback and has developed into an absolute trend sport – even among the younger generation.

Less is more. For the interior, hotelier Korbinian Kohler relied on natural wood and minimalism. The walls shine in classic white, the duvets are covered with fine linen, the rooms are spotless. And thanks to the wonderful mountain air, one sleeps twice as well. The rooms are cosy and furnished in the typical Bachmair Weissach style. Guests can also look forward to the cosy Bachmair Weissach bathrobe. But there is no chi-chi and nothing superfluous, because up on the mountain one can do without great luxury – and without television or minibar.

The Berghotel Altes Wallberghaus can accommodate a total of 60 guests. There are seven double rooms, which can also be booked for single use, as well as four four-bed rooms and one six-bed room. Those who like it truly “basic” can book into the dormitory with six bunk beds. Perfect, therefore, for a family holiday or a mountain trip with friends. Little “summiteers” are also welcome: children up to the age of two stay free of charge in their parents’ room, and a baby cot can be booked in addition. Each room has its own washbasin, while the six-bed room also has its own bathroom. Guests staying in the double and four-bed rooms use the shared bathroom – just as a hut holiday should be.

Mountain air makes one hungry. In culinary terms, too, the Berghotel Altes Wallberghaus has plenty to offer. The day begins with wonderfully fragrant coffee, and there is no need to do without cappuccino either: the coffee specialities come from the in-house roastery at Lake Tegernsee. At the breakfast buffet, guests fortify themselves with many natural products, largely from the region. From Bircher muesli with fresh fruit to scrambled eggs with crispy bacon, there is something to suit every taste.

For lunch or a traditional Brotzeit, guests can enjoy delicious soups, salads – for example with goat’s cheese – or warm dishes on the large sun terrace. A must are the meat patties with homemade potato salad or, for vegetarians, the Käsespätzle with mountain cheese. Thanks to the wonderful view, the enjoyment is doubled. The delicious Kaiserschmarrn – fresh from the pan and served with vanilla ice cream – is not to be missed at the end, nor are the freshly baked cakes. In cooler temperatures, guests have access to a spacious and bright dining room.

After the ascent – which takes around one and a half hours from the car park at the Wallbergbahn – the calories are well deserved. The hike is worth it. About halfway along the route, there is a magnificent view from above over the entire Lake Tegernsee; shortly before reaching the destination, one can see cows grazing on the meadow, and with a little luck, even watch one of the golden eagles that live around the Wallberg nesting.

Those who prefer a more leisurely approach can take the Wallbergbahn from the valley. Once at the top, it is only around 15 minutes on foot to the Berghotel Altes Wallberghaus. And it is not only the ascent that brings one to a sweat. Another highlight is the mountain sauna with a view of the Wilder Kaiser – probably the highest spa at Lake Tegernsee and an absolute blessing after a long hike.

In the evening, guests of the Berghotel Altes Wallberghaus are served a three-course mountain hut menu. Nothing exotic, but not strictly Bavarian either: for example, buffalo mozzarella on salad as a starter, followed by corn-fed chicken breast on ratatouille with mashed potatoes, or alternatively spinach dumplings with tomato butter and grated mountain cheese. A vegetarian option is always offered for the main course. Hut landlady Carla rings the bell to announce the start of dinner. And with it, there is a good glass of wine or a schnapps to finish.

Mountain time is all year round. A visit to the Berghotel Altes Wallberghaus is also worthwhile in winter: in good snow conditions, the 6.5-kilometre natural toboggan run on the Wallberg is open daily from 8.45 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. — although it is not suitable for small children. Guests of the mountain hotel can borrow sledges free of charge from the Spa & Resort Bachmair Weissach.

Of course, celebrations are also welcome on the mountain. The Altes Wallberghaus is the perfect event location and can, for example, be hired exclusively for wedding celebrations. What could be more beautiful than being so close to heaven when one is already in seventh heaven? But the Berghotel Altes Wallberghaus is also perfect for other private events such as birthdays, christenings and family celebrations, as well as business events, conferences and meetings. In addition to the dining room, a separate event room is also available.

So the Wallberg is calling – whether one wishes to experience nature and be active, or whether cuisine and conviviality are at the heart of the occasion.

ANDREA VODERMAYR