Franz Marc Museum
Between the Lake Kochelsee and Walchensee – Experience the world of Franz Marc and the Modernists
For Franz Marc, the ‘Blue Land’ – the idyllic and breathtaking stretch of countryside between Kochel, Murnau and Sindelsdorf with its lakes, moorland, hills and mountain slopes – was not just a place to breathe the country air or a destination for a day-trip. He had known it since childhood and he came back here time and again. In 1914, two years before his death, he bought a house in Ried, near Kochel, for himself and his wife Maria. The ‘Blue Land’ is not just inextricably linked to the ‘Blauer Reiter’ by name. The area around Kochel that Marc loved so much was also the starting point and source of inspiration for his art. For this reason the Franz Marc Museum in Kochel am See was founded in 1986 to present Marc’s work in the surroundings that influenced him as an artist. Apart from important works by Franz Marc himself, paintings by Wassily Kandinsky, Alexej Jawlensky, August Macke and Gabriele Münter can also be seen. They mirror a fascination for a landscape that not only has a lot to offer art lovers. The foothills of the Bavarian Alps are an idyllic stretch of countryside, set against the magnificent backdrop of the mountains – a perfect place to relax or hike. The lakes in Kochel and Walchensee are an invitation to swim or windsurf, to sample the cosy restaurants and hotels and to recharge one’s batteries.
Tourist Information Kochel a. See
Franz Marc, Springendes Pferd, 1912 © Franz Marc Museum, Leihgabe aus Privatbesitz
Tips for excursions
The Lovis Corinth Museum in Walchensee
In the hamlet of Urfeld on Walchensee 180 original works on paper by Lovis Corinth are on display. Discover more about Lovis Corinth on a themed walk with 7 explanatory boards.
Art trail in Kochel a. See
Find out more about Franz Marc on a tour of Kochel a. See, visiting interesting places that inspired the famous artist to paint several of his works. Information on the respective works can be found on explanatory boards. This art trail is also available as an audio app.
Artists’ trail, Sindelsdorf
A walk through this pretty village, the birthplace and home of the ‘Blauer Reiter’ – first and foremost Franz Marc – to where the artists lived and where they found their motifs and created their works.
The Herzogstand cable car
Soar into the blue Bavarian sky and enjoy the unique 360° views over turqoise-coloured lakes and blue mountain peaks. The panoramic nature trail and a break at the mountain guest- house at both well worthwhile.
Ferry around Kochelsee
A regular boat service departs from the centre of the village for the Franz Marc Museum (own ferry stop) or take a trip around the whole lake and enjoy the magnificent views of the mountains.
Hotels in the region
Hotel Waltraud Garni ***
A comfortable, country-style hotel where you will feel at home and can relax. Treat yourself to a delicious buffet-breakfast on the terrace with beautiful views of the mountains.
Hotel Alpenhof Postillion ***s*
Enjoy the best the region has to offer in summer and in winter! Extensive, healthy breakfast buffet, ‘Postillion’ café restaurant, indoor swimming pool, holiday flats.
Landhotel Herzogstand ***
Experience authentic, Bavarian hospitality and quiet, individually furnished rooms; extensive buffet breakfast. Just 800m from the Franz Marc Museum.
Seehotel Grauer Bär ***
Located right on the lake with a spa and relaxation area with panoramic views, restaurant and lakeside terrace. Just a few minutes walk from the Franz Marc Museum.
Hotel Gasthof zur Post ***
Traditional, family-run hotel in centre of Kochel am See with typically Bavarian cuisine.