Otterfing: Church History and Hiking Trails

When planning a stay in Otterfing, you can weigh up several specific highlights: church history, hikes with different routes and estimated times, rail connections, and a cross-country ski trail that can be used when there is enough snow.

Churches and Local History

The parish church of St. George was built around 1530 in the Late Gothic style. Its striking church tower is 40 metres high and was built in 1584 based on plans by the Bavarian court architect Friedrich Sustris. Its construction history can thus be seen in two stages: the Late Gothic church, built around 1530, and the later tower, built in 1584.

The branch churches in the local districts also span different historical periods. St. Valentin in Bergham was built in 1523, replacing an earlier church from the 14th century. The history of Heilig Kreuz in Wettlkam dates back to the 13th century; a chapel and cemetery were first mentioned there in 1215. At St. Valentin, 1523 marks the year it was built, while 1215 marks the first mention of a chapel and cemetery at Heilig Kreuz.

Hikes by Route and Duration

The hikes differ in their routes and the time they take. The Jasberg Loop starts at Otterfing S-Bahn station, goes to Jasberg, and returns to Otterfing station via Erlach and Wettlkam. It is about 10 kilometres long and takes approximately three hours. Starting and finishing at the station defines the circular route; the distance and duration provide a guide for planning your time.

“Through Woods and Fields” leads from the station via Erlkam and the Teufelsgraben to the organically farmed ArcheHof Schlickenrieder. The route is about 5.5 kilometres long and takes approximately two hours. It is shorter than the Jasberg Loop in both distance and duration; its destination at the ArcheHof distinguishes the route from one that returns to the station.

Another hike leads from the station through Holzham and the Teufelsgraben to Palnkam, then back via Palnkamer Straße. The hiking trails around Otterfing are signposted with yellow trail markers.

Rail, Landscape, and Winter

Otterfing lies on glacial moraine hills in the Alpine foothills. The station is on the Mangfall Valley Railway from Rosenheim to Holzkirchen and is served by S-Bahn and regional trains. These connect Otterfing with Munich and other places in the region. Several of the hikes mentioned start at the station, making it a useful point of reference for both rail travel and route planning.

In winter, the Otterfing cross-country ski trail can be used when there is enough snow; it is groomed for both classic and skating styles. Snow conditions are crucial for this activity: the trail can be used only when there is enough snow.

Culture in the broader destination of Miesbach

In the broader destination of Miesbach, the Waitzinger Keller cultural centre offers opera, operettas, musicals, cabaret, concerts, children’s events, traditional customs events, and exhibitions throughout the year. With a core collection of more than 3,000 objects, the Miesbach Local History Museum presents the natural and cultural landscape of the Oberland. Its collections include examples of Miesbach furniture painting, religious folk art from the Miesbach pilgrimage era, and tools and equipment from guilds and crafts, homes, and farms. They also include a farmhouse parlour, a shoemaker’s workshop, and a hatmaker’s workshop.

Discover more destinations: Irschenberg, Weyarn, Miesbach, Warngau, Gmund am Tegernsee, Waakirchen, Bayrischzell, Holzkirchen

Back to the broader travel overview: Miesbach.