Riessersee Hotel Review: Is This Lakeside Hotel in Garmisch Worth It?

Quick Overview: Riessersee Hotel, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The Setting & Atmosphere at Riessersee Hotel

Riessersee Hotel sits just above Garmisch-Partenkirchen on the shores of Lake Riessersee, surrounded by forest with the mountains rising behind it. The setting is a big part of the experience here. You feel noticeably removed from the center of town, even though Garmisch is only a short drive away, and the lake gives the hotel a much quieter atmosphere than you’d get staying closer to the main streets.

Inside, the hotel leans into a more traditional alpine style, with lots of wood, warm interiors, and a classic lodge feel rather than anything ultra-modern. I thought that suited the location well. But what stood out to me most was how easy it was to actually enjoy the surroundings rather than simply use the hotel as a place to sleep.

Some of my favorite moments were the simplest ones, like having coffee outside, spending time on the balcony, or walking around Lake Riessersee. It also makes a great place to come back to after a full day in the mountains, whether you’ve been hiking, exploring Garmisch, or heading up to the Zugspitze. If you’re looking for somewhere that feels a little more peaceful and removed from town, that’s where Riessersee Hotel really stands out.

My Experience Staying at Riessersee Hotel in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

My stay at Riessersee Hotel was very much about slowing down and enjoying the location. Garmisch-Partenkirchen has plenty to fill an itinerary, but this is one of those hotels where I wouldn’t plan every hour of the day away from the property.

Between the lake, my room, the restaurants, and the wellness area, there was enough here that some of my favorite parts of the stay happened when I wasn’t sightseeing at all.

Lake Riessersee & the Mountain Views

The biggest reason I would choose Riessersee Hotel over a hotel in central Garmisch is the setting.

Lake Riessersee is directly outside the hotel, with a walking path around the water and views toward the surrounding mountains. I loved being able to step outside and immediately go for a walk without driving anywhere first.

It’s worth mentioning that not every room has the same view. Depending on the room category and position within the hotel, you might be looking toward the lake, mountains, forest, or Garmisch below. If having a particular view is important to you, I’d pay close attention to the room category when booking rather than assuming every balcony overlooks the lake.

The views also aren’t limited to the guestrooms. One of my favorite spots around the property looked out over Garmisch-Partenkirchen below, while the lake itself has plenty of places where you can stop and take in the mountains.

For me, this is what makes Riessersee feel different from simply booking a nice hotel in town. The location actually becomes part of the stay.

One lesser-known spot on the property has views looking out over the entire town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and makes for 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.

My Maisonette Room Alpin

I stayed in a Maisonette Room Alpin, which is one of the more distinctive room categories at Riessersee Hotel.

The room is arranged across two levels, with a seating area on the lower floor and a loft-style sleeping area upstairs. There’s a lot of wood throughout the space, so the room has a traditional alpine feel that matches the rest of the property.

I found the bed very comfortable, and I particularly liked having enough space to spread out rather than feeling like everything was squeezed into one standard hotel room. The bathroom had good water pressure, which is one of those small hotel details I always appreciate after spending a day outside.

But the balcony was easily my favorite part of the room. I spent quite a bit of time out there with a drink just enjoying the views rather than feeling any need to rush back into town.

Spa and Dining Options

If you’re coming to the German Alps for relaxation, the hotel’s spa area won’t disappoint. While Riessersee Hotel isn’t specifically a wellness hotel, I personally found their spa facilities to provide a great setting for relaxing. 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. There are two main restaurants to choose from: Seehaus Restaurant & Café and Sommergarten Restaurant.

The Seehaus Restaurant & Café sits right on the lake and serves an a la carte menu at different times of opening — plus coffee and cakes in the afternoon.

The Sommergarten Restaurant is where you’ll enjoy the breakfast buffet in the morning and they also offer a buffet in the evening.

I arrived late in the day and sat on the terrace at the Seehaus Restaurant & Cafe with a slice of cake and a coffee, and it honestly set the tone for the whole stay. Dinner was equally good at the Seehaus Restaurant, but the buffet breakfast at Sommergarten 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.

Riessersee Hotel Location: Beautiful, But Is It Convenient?

The location is both one of Riessersee Hotel’s biggest strengths and the main thing I would think about before booking.

The hotel sits above Garmisch-Partenkirchen directly beside Lake Riessersee. That gives it the peaceful setting and scenery I loved, but it also means you aren’t stepping directly outside into the restaurants, cafés, and shops of central Garmisch.

You can walk between the hotel and town, but remember that the hotel is elevated above Garmisch. Walking down is one thing; walking back uphill after dinner is another.

Personally, I think Riessersee Hotel makes the most sense if you have a car.

There is parking at the hotel, and having your own transportation makes it easy to use Riessersee as a base for exploring the wider Garmisch-Partenkirchen area while still returning to somewhere quiet at the end of the day.

What Can You Visit From Riessersee Hotel?

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 10-15 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 other 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!
• 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.

Is Riessersee Hotel Worth It? My Final Verdict

For me, Riessersee Hotel is worth staying at if you want a quieter and more scenic alternative to booking a hotel directly in the center of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

The lakeside location is the real selling point. I loved being able to walk around Riessersee, spend time outside, enjoy the mountain views, and come back to somewhere that felt removed from the busier parts of town. My Maisonette Room Alpin was comfortable and spacious, breakfast was a standout, and having the pool and wellness area made the hotel especially nice after days spent exploring.

I wouldn’t recommend it blindly to everyone. If being able to walk straight out of your hotel and into the center of Garmisch is your priority, there are more convenient places to stay. And if you’re traveling without a car, I’d think more carefully about the location.

But if you’re visiting Garmisch for the mountains, hiking, lakes, and scenery—and especially if you have your own transportation—I think Riessersee Hotel makes a very good base.

What I remember most about the stay isn’t one specific amenity. It’s having coffee beside the lake, spending time on my balcony, walking around Riessersee, and coming back to a quiet setting after exploring the mountains.

That’s ultimately what I think you’re booking here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Staying at Riessersee Hotel

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