Kochel am See is located in the middle of one of the nicest landscapes in Germany, home to a wealth of art and cultural treasures. Kochel was made famous by the "Blacksmith of Kochel" Baltasar Mayer, who fell heroically during the peasants' battle of Sendling in 1705, and who for this reason is admired as a Bavarian national hero. A statue has been set up in his honour in the town centre. The landscape around Kochel am See developed into the artistic home of famous painters who became known under the name of "The Blue Riders" - Franz Marc being one of the most significant artists around the turn of the last century. The Franz Marc Museum has a large collection of paintings, drawings, woodcuts, sculptures and personal objects of the world-famous painter as well as artists who were his friends, such as Vassily Kandinsky, Gabriele Münter, and Paul Klee.

The swimming baths and recreational centre "Trimini am Kochelsee" is situated in the middle of this marvellous lake and mountain landscape. With its numerous pools and water slides, it is an attraction for the whole family - the outdoor slide of 160 metres in length is popular with both young and old.

The Walchensee power plant located at the southern end of Kochelsee Lake, completed in 1924, still attracts many thousand visitors every year. The turbines are driven by the waters of Walchensee Lake, Rißbach brook and the Isar river. This power plant is a pioneering masterpiece by the genius Oscar von Miller. The difference in altitude of 200 metres between Walchensee Lake and Kochelsee Lake is used to generate electrical energy still today.

The parish church St. Michael with its rich Rococo decoration, the high altar as well as the wood-carved baptismal font is also worth a visit. The grave of Franz Marc is located on the southern wall of the cemetery.

Up to the 1930s the Kesselberg road was the scene of fast motorcycle and car races. The first race took place as early as in 1905 with an excellent international field of competitors, such as Hans Stuck.