The 5 most beautiful toboggan runs in the Munich area

At the start of 2024 we introduced you to the five most beautiful toboggan runs in the Munich area. Two winters later, it’s time to look back: which tracks live up to their promise, what’s changed, and what should you watch out for before your next descent? Here’s the updated overview for the season.

Tobogganing is the uncomplicated little sibling of skiing. No lift pass costing three days’ wages, no carving technique, no gear stress. All you need is a sturdy sled, sturdy footwear, and a snowy track. Around Munich, several of these are less than an hour’s drive away. The following five have remained classics over the years, and that’s exactly why we’re taking a closer look at their current-season status.

Five routes in our current test

1. Wallbergbahn, Rottach-Egern. The natural toboggan run at Wallberg is one of the longest and most challenging in Germany at 6.5 kilometres. You take the cable car to the top and then slide from the mountain station over the Wallberg saddle into the valley, with views across Lake Tegernsee. Important: this is no leisurely family ride. The length and gradient demand stamina and confident braking technique. The Wallbergbahn operates daily in winter, last season from about 08:45 to 16:30. Arrive early and you’ll often have the freshly groomed track almost to yourself. Always check the lift status before you go, because the line shuts down for several weeks every spring for maintenance.

2. Blomberg, Bad Tölz. The Blomberg is the classic choice for anyone craving long descents. The winter toboggan run stretches roughly 5.5 kilometres and drops about 550 metres, making it one of Germany’s longest natural runs. One detail many older guides overlook: since 2018 the start has been at the middle station because the upper section was closed by the town of Bad Tölz. That doesn’t spoil the fun, but it’s worth knowing so you don’t waste time looking for the top gate. The Blombergbahn normally runs from 09:00 to 16:00 in winter.

3. Hausberg, Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The Hausberg toboggan run is the safe bet for families and beginners. It’s usually well prepared, wide enough that you don’t have to dodge constantly, and pairs nicely with a day in Garmisch. The focus here is relaxed cruising with mountain scenery rather than speed records.

4. Spitzingsee. If you only have half a day, Spitzingsee is your destination. The run is shorter than Wallberg or Blomberg, yet quick to reach and quick to enjoy. Perfect for a spontaneous descent when the weather cooperates and you don’t want to block out a full day.

5. Sudelfeld, Bayrischzell. Sudelfeld is the unspoilt option. Less smoothed for tourists, more sections that test even seasoned riders. If you’ve logged a few seasons on a sled and want to escape the weekend crowds, this is the place.

Tobogganing costs a fraction of a ski day and, more often than not, delivers more laughs per run. That’s the whole point.

Safety: three things that really matter

Tobogganing can look tame, but on a 6.5-kilometre natural run it isn’t automatically safe. Three points make the difference between a great day and a sprained wrist.

• A solid sled. A stable, steerable sled gives you control. A classic wooden Davos model runs about €40-80 in a sports shop; a sprung steering sled costs more. The extra money is worth it if you ride often.
• Proper footwear. You brake and steer with your feet. Winter boots with good tread give grip; sneakers or smooth soles are a hazard on icy sections.
• A helmet. What’s standard on the ski slopes is just as vital on long natural runs. A ski helmet protects in falls, and you fall more often than most people expect.

Add common sense: check the piste status, watch for oncoming traffic and hikers, and brake earlier on icy patches. Many natural toboggan runs aren’t exclusive sled lanes; they’re also used by winter walkers.

Why tobogganing remains the smart winter alternative

If you don’t ski or balk at lift-pass prices, you don’t have to miss out on the mountains in winter. Tobogganing is cheaper, easier to learn and more family-friendly. For a day on the hill you buy a cable-car ticket instead of a full-day ski pass; the rest is snow and gravity. Pack your sled, bring gloves and a warm drink, and pick the route that matches your level from our five picks.

After your run, stay in town? Our round-up of best spots and activities for winter in Munich has plenty of follow-up ideas. Prefer something gentler? Check our tips for the finest walking routes in Munich. More on outdoor and winter sports lives over at our sister magazine InspiredBySports.