If Munich was Manhattan, then the Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt would be its Hamptons. I just recently returned from this 5-star superior hotel, right in the heart of nature. It seems farther away from Munich’s urban hustle and bustle than it really is. It has become my happy place, and not just because it’s where I had my first facial experience.
Things I love about Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt
- The hotel has a unique and storied history (not to mention a fun name to say).
- Any season in which you visit is special in some way.
- The gym, the spa and the setting feel like a wellness retreat wrapped in a 5-star luxury hotel.
- Restaurant Überfahrt was awarded 3 Michelin stars, serving a combination of sophisticated and rustic cuisine.
- Comfortable and stylish rooms.
The hotel’s history began in 1837
“Überfahrt” is synonymous with over a century of hospitality and the highest hotel culture. Josef Höß founded the “Gasthof zur Überfahrt” on the banks of the lake Tegernsee in 1837. The ferryman gave the “Überfahrt” (crossing) its name. Even today, a traditional Bavarian oarsman docks at the hotel´s landing stage and brings guests to the banks of the Egerner Bucht. Over the decades, the guest list of the “Gasthof zur Überfahrt” has been studded with celebrities, such as Ludwig Thoma, Leo Slezak, Prince Rainier of Monaco and many others.
Every season of the year is a special time to visit
There is no on or off-season at the Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt. Spring brings the first warm days, and you’ll see the lake and its people come to life again. May and June attract 3,500 visitors who attend the mountain bike festival with tours for every skill level. Spring is the time for mountain bike tours, hiking the Alps and Nordic walking.
Summer is for sailing, paragliding the valley, windsurfing, hot air balloon rides and Alpine climbing adventures. Sailing buffs are drawn here because, due to the special thermic conditions, Tegernsee can almost guarantee wind like no other lake in Upper Bavaria. Spend hot days cooling by the lake and mild nights in the beer garden at the legendary, hearty forest festivals or at one of the many lake parties.
Fall means walking, hiking and jogging galore on nearly 300km of marked trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Special highlights are the 1,722-meter Wallberg near Rottach-Egern and the 1,686-meter Hirschberg in Kreuth. And for the health conscious, there are 27 healing air routes, as well as 15 Nordic walking routes – all of which glow with the changing colors.
Winter and the holidays are time for sporty skiing into the valley, delving into spa bliss or for wonderful moments at the gluhwein (German mulled wine) stand during the magic of advent at the Tegernsee and along the cobblestone streets. Roughly 35 Alpine slopes and 150km of cross-country trails offer skiing and boarding for beginners to experts. The longest winter toboggan run in Germany is worth a visit and you can take the Wallbergbahn cable car up the mountain to start your 30-minute run downhill.
The sauna, pool, gym and all-suite spa turn this hotel into a wellness retreat
The Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt has Europe‘s first all-suite spa where you can indulge in an outstanding spa experience – from massage to beauty. Your private suite is simply second to none. This room concept is unique in Europe. The 4 Elements Spa features the latest furniture such as the gold quartz sand couch, which has never been installed in any other spa and is otherwise only found in medical areas. I had my first facial here and it was delightful.
Three restaurants, one with 3 Michelin stars, and a lobby bar
Let’s just say that you’ll never be hungry. I found myself wishing I had extra room in my stomach to sample more of the cuisine, almost exclusively from local products. The morning starts with a breakfast buffet with regional dishes, pastries, fresh fruit and egg dishes. The Italian restaurant, Il Barcaiolo, is known for its excellent Cucina Casalinga. Egerner Bucht Grill & Wein has classics from the grill, Alpine cuisine and an excellent wine selection.
The highlight? Restaurant Christian Jürgens Überfahrt. The walls are covered with the finest deer suede. Extraordinary black and white photographs highlight the natural landscape of the Tegernsee Valley, which Christian Jürgens, Gault & Millau chef of the year 2013 and awarded 3 Michelin stars, will bring to your table. With his 20-member team, he transforms the best products of the alpine region, and other parts of the world, into simply exceptional dishes. He bridges the gap between sophisticated and rustic cuisine, between international culinary trends and regional delicacies. Restaurant Überfahrt continuously receives the highest awards by relevant German gourmet guides.
Comfortable and stylish accommodations
Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt features 123 rooms and 53 suites, each with a balcony or terrace overlooking the mountains or the lake. The rooms are sophisticated with fine woods and warm colors, flooded with natural sunlight. And the bathrooms couldn’t be more stunning – completely in marble, with floor or towel heating, separate toilet, rain shower and spacious bath under a starry sky made of Swarovski crystals. Ecological heating/cooling ceilings individually bring your room to the desired temperature. It’s true comfort for upscale business travelers.
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