A Winter Day of Magic: Adventszauber Around the Tegernsee

The December sunday trip to the Tegernseer Advents-zauber wasn’t the classic snowy Christmas postcard—but it had its own kind of charm. Lily and I took the morning train to Gmund, arriving to a gentle drizzle that wrapped the lake in mist. 

Even without snow on the ground—only a few white patches clinging to the distant mountain tops—the atmosphere felt calm and wintry in its own quieter way.

Umbrella in hand, Lily and I started the lakeside walk toward Gut Kalten-brunn. The path was peaceful, the lake smooth and silvery under the clouded sky. The rain created a certain atmosphere: droplets tapping on the water, the scent of wet forest drifting across the shoreline, and only a few other walkers passing by.

  

Tegernsee at Gmund

By the time we reached Gut Kaltenbrunn, the drizzle had eased a bit. The estate, perched proudly above the lake, offered a warm refuge. Inside, lunch was hearty and comforting—exactly what you crave on a damp December day. Looking out the window, we could see the mountains in the distance, their peaks dusted with just a faint touch of snow.

Duck lunch

After lunch, we caught the bus to Bad Wiessee, where the first Christmas market awaited. Despite the weather, the Tegernseer Advents-zauber sparkled with its glowing lights and decorated stalls. The air was filled with the scent of roasted nuts and mulled wine, and people moved from stand to stand with cheerful determination.

Wooden art in Bad Wiessee

Ice art in Bad Wiessee

 

Commuter ships

Feeling still full from lunch, we caught the first commuter ship across the lake and stayed on it till Rottach-Eggern. 

Lights on in Rottach-Eggern

The Christmas market there had its own energy: brass music echoing softly, stalls showing off their handicraft for knitted hats & gloves, jewellery and Christmas decorations, and families savouring the early winter mood. We joined in by buying knitted hats and eating crepes. 

Chris & Lily with new hats

Later we continued by ship to Tegernsee, the day’s final stop. Even without a snowy blanket, the market felt warm and traditional—wooden huts, twinkling lights, and the gentle hum of people enjoying Advent together.

When the evening settled in and the lights around the lake shimmered in the rain, I made my way to the station. The train from Tegernsee back to Munich was filled with tired but happy visitors, carrying little finds from the markets and memories of a day that was festive in its own understated way.

Christmas Tree Tower at Donnersberger Brücke