Kochel, Mountain municipality at Kochelsee lake, Bavaria, Germany
Kochel is a village on the northern shore of Kochelsee lake, with steep mountain slopes rising behind it. The lake shapes the landscape, while forests and meadows fill the surroundings up to the higher peaks.
The area was settled in ancient times, as shown by archaeological finds. In the Middle Ages, a monastery was built here but was later destroyed by raids.
The village holds deep roots in the Blue Rider art movement that flourished here in the early 1900s. Artists like Franz Marc lived and worked in the area, and their legacy continues to shape how the place sees itself today.
The village is easily reached by train, and information is available at the tourist office near the station. The best time to visit is from May to September, when mountain paths are clear and the weather is mild.
The hydroelectric power station at the foot of Kesselberg Pass dates from the 1920s and was once one of Germany's largest of its kind. It shows how early the region harnessed water power for electricity.
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