Riessersee Hotel Garmisch – Luxury Lake & Mountain Views

Quick Overview: Riessersee Hotel, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

• Location: On Lake Riessersee, just outside Garmisch-Partenkirchen town, with panoramic mountain views
• Price Range: ~€160–€300 per night, depending on season and room type
• Best Room: Maisonette Room Alpin – loft-style with balcony and lake views
• Dining: Lakeside restaurant (breakfast, lunch, dinner, cakes), plus a cozy lobby bar
• Spa: Includes pool, hot tub, sauna, and treatment options
• Ideal For: Couples, nature lovers, wellness escapes
• Onsite Highlights: Lake path, panoramic terrace, billiards lounge, spa access
• Booking: Riessersee Hotel Website, Expedia or Booking.com
• Related Blog Posts: Where to Stay in Garmisch
• Best Things to Do in Garmisch

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If you’re wondering where to stay in Garmisch for the perfect mix of luxury, nature, and peaceful alpine charm, Riessersee Hotel should be at the top of your list. Tucked away on the shores of Lake Riessersee with sweeping views of the Bavarian Alps, this is more than just a hotel — it’s a full alpine experience.

From relaxing mornings and lakefront walks to evenings on the terrace with a cocktail and mountain views, this is easily one of the best hotels in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a wellness escape, or simply want a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful scenery in the German Alps, Riessersee delivers on every front.

Overview of Riessersee Hotel: Bavarian Alps Luxury

Set just above Garmisch-Partenkirchen on the peaceful shores of Lake Riessersee, this hotel blends classic alpine charm with modern comfort. It’s one of those places where the setting does half the work — framed by forest, lake, and snow-capped peaks — but the attention to detail throughout the hotel elevates the whole experience.

Riessersee Hotel offers everything you’d expect from one of the top luxury hotels in the Bavarian Alps: cozy wood interiors, a full-service spa, excellent dining, and some of the best hotel views in Garmisch. But what really sets it apart is the calm atmosphere. It feels removed from the busy town below, yet it’s just a short drive or a longer scenic walk down into the heart of Garmisch.

This is the kind of place where you slow down — where a morning coffee on your balcony or a quiet walk around the lake becomes a highlight of your trip. Whether you’re here to unwind after hiking Zugspitze or just want a peaceful alpine getaway, Riessersee Hotel hits the mark.

• Book Your Stay At Riessersee Hotel here:
• Book through Expedia!
• Book through Booking.com!
• Book on the Main Website!

What Makes Riessersee Hotel the Best in Garmisch

There’s no shortage of places to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, but few hotels check as many boxes as Riessersee. From the setting to the service, this hotel goes beyond just being a place to sleep — it becomes part of the experience. Here’s what really stood out during my stay:

Lake & Mountain Views Around Every Corner

Not every room at Riessersee Hotel has a direct lake or mountain view — but that’s hardly a dealbreaker. What makes this location so special is that you’re fully immersed in alpine scenery the moment you step outside your room.

The hotel sits right on Lake Riessersee, one of the most scenic spots in the Garmisch area. A peaceful walking path loops around the lake, offering plenty of quiet corners to take in views of the surrounding peaks or sit and watch the reflections on the water. Some rooms do offer balconies that face the lake or the valley below, but even if your room faces the forest or courtyard, you’re always just a few steps away from panoramic views.

One lesser-known spot on the property has views looking out over the entire town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen — a perfect place to catch sunset or just pause and take it all in. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the lakeside terrace or walking the forested trails behind the hotel, the natural beauty is always close by.

Room Types and Comfort Levels

I stayed in their Maisonette Room Alpin, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The space is split across two levels with a cozy lofted bedroom, a seating area below, and a balcony that opens out to lake and mountain views. The room was warm, welcoming, and full of natural tones and wood accents that give it a real alpine feel.

The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the room had everything I needed to feel at home. The bathroom was fantastic with great water pressure for a nice hotel shower. The balcony was where I found myself most of the time, enjoying a drink and just taking in the fantastic views.

Spa, Wellness, and Dining Options

If you’re coming to the German Alps for relaxation, the hotel’s wellness area won’t disappoint. I spent time in the pool and hot tub, and while I didn’t book any treatments this time, the spa offers a range of massages and experiences. It’s a great spot to unwind after a day of hiking or skiing.

The dining was another highlight. The main restaurant sits right on the lake and serves lunch and dinner — plus coffee and cakes in the afternoon. I arrived late in the day and sat on the terrace with a slice of cake and a coffee, and it honestly set the tone for the whole stay. Dinner was equally good, but the buffet breakfast really stole the show. It was one of the most generous and varied hotel breakfasts I’ve had in Germany — everything from fresh fruit and pastries to eggs, local meats, and cheeses.

Location: Close to Garmisch’s Best Activities

One of the things I appreciated most about staying at Riessersee Hotel was its balance of seclusion and access. It feels like a quiet mountain escape — tucked away above town and right on the lake — but you’re still just a short drive (or longer scenic walk) from the center of Garmisch-Partenkirchen town.

From the hotel, it’s easy to reach some of the region’s best activities:

• Zugspitze – Germany’s highest mountain is less than 30 minutes away. You can catch the cogwheel train from the Garmisch station or drive to the base of the cable car at Lake Eibsee.
• Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm) – One of the most popular natural attractions in the area, the gorge is about 15 minutes away by car and offers a stunning walk through narrow rock walls and waterfalls.
• Garmisch Town Center – If you want to explore local shops, cafes, or grab a beer in town, it’s only a 10-minute drive. You can also hike or bike down from the hotel for a more active route.
• Hiking & Biking Trails – There are trails that lead straight from the hotel into the surrounding mountains and forests, making it easy to get outdoors without ever leaving the property.

Despite being just outside town, Riessersee Hotel feels worlds away from the busy tourist spots. That slower pace is part of the charm — you get to experience Garmisch’s beauty in a more relaxed and peaceful way.

Why Choose Riessersee Over Other Hotels in the German Alps?

There are a lot of beautiful hotels scattered across the German Alps, but few offer the same balance of natural setting, alpine charm, and slow-travel atmosphere that Riessersee Hotel does.

Here’s what sets it apart:

• A lakeside setting that’s actually quiet – Many travelers visit Lake Riessersee for the day, but staying here overnight means you get the place to yourself in the early mornings and evenings. That peaceful atmosphere is hard to find in more central locations.
• Views in multiple directions – Some hotels boast mountain views, others overlook a lake or valley — Riessersee offers a bit of everything. Whether it’s the stillness of the lake, the peaks towering in the distance, or a hidden spot overlooking the town below, you’re surrounded by classic alpine scenery.
• Genuine alpine architecture and comfort – The hotel isn’t trying to be trendy or overly modern. It leans into traditional Bavarian design with natural wood, warm tones, and a layout that fits right into the landscape. It’s stylish but still feels authentic.
• Ideal for slowing down – Riessersee is the kind of place that rewards you for staying put. You’re not rushing from attraction to attraction — you’re waking up late, having a slow breakfast with lake views, taking a walk, maybe reading a book by the water, and soaking it all in. It’s a true alpine retreat.

Whether you’re comparing it to spa hotels in Garmisch, family-friendly stays in Bavaria, or other mountain view hotels in the German Alps, Riessersee offers something that feels a little more intimate and connected to nature.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Stay at Riessersee Hotel

To really enjoy everything Riessersee Hotel has to offer, it helps to come prepared. Here are a few tips based on my own stay:

• Rent a car – The hotel is just outside Garmisch, and having your own car makes it much easier to explore the region. There’s free onsite parking, and drives to Zugspitze, Eibsee, and nearby villages are scenic and straightforward. Find a rental car here!
• Use an eSIM like Airalo – If you’re traveling from outside the EU, staying connected is key for navigating hikes, finding restaurants, or booking last-minute excursions. I used an Airalo eSIM and had reliable data coverage throughout the area. Find the best e-SIM here!
• Book a room with a balcony – Not all rooms have lake or mountain views, but having a balcony gives you a private outdoor space to soak in the fresh air and alpine setting — especially nice in the early morning or at sunset.
• Stay more than one night – A single night is barely enough to take it all in. With two or more nights, you can settle into the rhythm of the place: long breakfasts, slow walks around the lake, afternoon spa time, and more.
• Pack comfortable walking shoes – Even if you’re not planning major hikes, the lakeside loop and forest trails behind the hotel are too good to skip.
• Enjoy coffee and cake on the terrace – This isn’t just a snack — it’s part of the experience. The view, the quiet, and the homemade cakes are all worth making time for.
• Reserve spa treatments in advance – If you’re planning to book a massage or sauna ritual, check availability early. The wellness area can book up, especially on weekends.

Final Thoughts on Riessersee Hotel

If you’re looking for the best hotel in Garmisch-Partenkirchen — one that offers incredible views, a peaceful atmosphere, and easy access to the surrounding mountains — Riessersee Hotel truly stands out. My stay here was the kind of experience that reminds me why I love travel: waking up to fresh mountain air, walking around a quiet alpine lake, enjoying great food without rushing, and just being present in such a beautiful place.

Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a base for exploring the Bavarian Alps, or simply to unwind and enjoy the scenery, this hotel offers the full package. It’s not just where you stay — it’s part of the destination itself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Staying at Riessersee Hotel

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