Category: Sports & Outdoor

Partnachklamm Gorge & Leutaschklamm

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I am honest: one of my most favorite gorges in our region is the Gleirschklamm. It is less touristy, has gorgeous views and is a little more adventurous than others, especially in combination with a longer mountaineering tour.

Is the Partnachklamm Gorge worth it?

Well, the Partnachklamm gorge is probably one of the most touristy attractions. It surely is very pretty, has intense colors and great caves. BUT: it screams mass tourism. Yes, it is worth a visit, if you have not seen it before, but I strongly recommend a weekday during off-season. Otherwise you will have horrible queue lines and it is way too crowded. During winter, you can book a guided tour with torches. That is definitely a little more special, but also VERY popular.

Due to the pandemic, you currently still have to wear an FFP2 mask on your hike through the gorge.

For people who don’t live near the mountains, it is pretty impressive, since it is rougher & wilder than other gorges. Also, if you wanna climb up the Zugspitze via the Reintal, it is a nice tour. But frankly, it didn’t make my top ten list because it is just too touristy. Sorry!

Leutaschklamm

The Leutaschklamm is also a very popular gorge, but for me personally a little more relaxing. Maybe it has to do with my love for Tyrol and its scenery.

The Leutasch Gorge is a gorge near Mittenwald and Unterleutasch in the Bavarian-Tyrolean border area. It is very steep-sided and with a total length of 1,650 metres it is the longest accessible gorge in the Eastern Limestone Alps.

There are many more beautiful gorges to come. So, stay tuned and enjoy this great, refreshing mountain summer.

xoxo

Outdoor Tips Ehrwald

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I put together some of my favorite classics in Ehrwald: lakes Seebensee & Drachensee, mountain hut Coburger Hütte and the mountaineering tour up to the Zugspitze.

Lakes Seebensee, Drachensee & Mountain Hut Coburger Hütte

This is surely a classic, but always worth a visit. During spring, summer, fall or winter, the scenery is always breathtakingly beautiful. My all-time favorite is the tour via Hoher Gang. But no matter which route you pick, you will never be disappointed. However, make sure to bring along plenty of water and wear something on your head during summer, since it gets crazy hot out there.

At the Coburger Hut make sure to try their famous Kaiserschmarrn. It is to die for.

Zugspitze via Ehrwalder Gatterl

I think every mountaineer has this one on the bucket list: hiking or climbing up the Zugspitze. So did I.

There are many different routes for all kind of fitness levels. One route that is manageable for almost any regular hiking enthusiast with alpine experience is the tour via the Ehrwalder Gatterl. On sunny weekends it can get crowded, so I would recommend either a somewhat cloudy day during off-season or simply pick a weekday.

I first did the tour in summer 2020 and it took me about 6 hours from the Ehrwalder Alm up to the Zugspitze. Though I admit that I did several photo stops.

From the meadows to the Ehrwalder Alm you continue past the Pest Kapelle and via the Max Klotz Steig, past the Hochfeldernalm und up to the Joch ‘Am Brand’ (2,120m). Stay on the path to the Fledernjöchl which dips slightly to 2,041m. Continue until you reach the point where the path divides for the Steinernes Hüttl and take the left hand fork which heads in a north easterly direction on towards the Gatterl. The Plattsteig takes you over rough scree and snow fields to the Knorr Hut.

Continue to climb gently up to and across the Zugspitzplatt to the Schneefernerhaus and from there follow the marked path which is secured by cable in a north easterly direction to the peak. You could also take the Gletscherbahn up to the peak from the Zugspitzplatt if you prefer.

You shouldn’t do this tour without any training. And if you are not an experienced mountaineer, I recommend to take along either a friend or book a guided tour. Also note that there are still snow fields even during the summer months. Hence, start early so that you have enough time to take the cable car back down. If you are up for this adventure, send me a DM.

Sunrise & Sunset in Ehrwald

Whether you are at one of the mountain huts or down in the valley, the atmosphere, the light and the magic of the mountains are pure medicine for body and soul.

For an early morning walk, I can recommend the one-hour waterfall round tour at the valley station of the Ehrwalder Alm. For sunset, either enjoy the Coburger Hut or, in the valley, hike to the Sonnenhang and enjoy the view.

xoxo

Mountain Fires at the Zugspitz Arena in Tyrol

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We spontaneously attended this year’s mountain fires at the Zugspitz Arena in Ehrwald, Tyrol, having a magical weekend. Most of you know that I always prefer the Austrian side of the Zugspitz Arena. The mountain ranges, endless trails and scenic views are just gorgeous and it is way more relaxing. I can easily escape the mass tourism and explore more difficult trails, if I like.

Mountain Fires in Tyrol

The tradition of lighting bonfires in the mountains around the 21 June dates all the way back to the Middle Ages. The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (second Sunday after Corpus Christi) is still celebrated in many parts of Tyrol. It reminds of the year 1796, when an oath was sworn with the Sacred Heart of Jesus to protect Tyrol from the invading French troops. As a sign of the oath, Sacred Heart fires were lit on mountain tops and slopes.

This tradition continues in parts of Tyrol today. Numerous local clubs and associations climb into the mountains each year to build mighty fires high above the valley floor. Shortly after nightfall these fires are set ablaze and illuminate the mountains to create a mystical atmosphere.

Last weekend these spectacular fiery scenes were created in the mountain ranges of the Zugspitz Arena. It was breathtakingly beautiful. But see for yourself.

Hotel Tip: Zugspitz Resort

We stayed in a Junior Suite at the Zugspitz Resort in Ehrwald and I gotta admit that it has immediately become a new favorite place in this region: excellent service, extremely cordial and helpful, uncomplicated, quiet & private – if you like -, great food, very good spa services; just a home away from home.

Thanks for the great hospitality. I will definitely come back.

xoxo

Photo credits: Ulf Fischer (DSLR shots of the Mountain Fires), Alexa Fischer, Munich Mountain Rebel

Gleirschklamm & Karwendel Mountains in Tyrol

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Since Austria is now considered a safe travel destination, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots in the regions of Scharnitz and Seefeld.

Gschwandtkopf in Seefeld

This is a nice, easy trail running route with amazing views of the Austrian Alps: Wetterstein Mountains, Karwendel, Ötztal & Stubai Alps. Just make sure to use the hiking / snowshoeing trail and not the forest road. Elevation gain: 400 m, 10k – depending on the route.

Isar Trails in the Karwendel Mountain Range

The source of the Isar is in the municipality of Scharnitz in Tyrol, surrounded by the mighty Karwendel mountain massif. Even today, the river is still part of the culture and history of the Alpine region. The source of the Isar, also known as “by the rivers”, can be reached from Scharnitz on foot, by bike or e-bike. The crystal clear, blue water accompanies visitors along the beautiful Hinterau valley. Here, you can basically pick ANY route. The views are breathtakingly beautiful.

However, make sure to carry along plenty of water during summer, since it gets incredibly hot in The Valley. Also, use sun protection and cover your head. When planning a tour, check the weather conditions. During a hot summer day, you might need longer than the given time frames on the signposts and in the afternoons, there is often a high risk of thunderstorms. Hence, I recommend to start early in the morning. I mostly do 6-7 hour tours in the Karwendel mountains, and it is always worth it.

Gleirschklamm

This is one of my favorite gorges in the area, starting directly at the train station of Scharnitz. Most of the time, I do the longer round tour via the Isar valley, roughly 20k, elevation gain: 600 m, ca. 4 hours.

A huge plus: it doesn’t get too crowded. But be aware that it does get extremely hot during the summer months. Though the water is pretty refreshing, make sure to cover your head and drink lots of water.

I hope, some of these spots inspire you and that you get to enjoy this beautiful mountain summer.

xoxo

Stargazing at Lake Tegernsee

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For lovers of the outdoors, there’s nothing better than sleeping under the beautiful night sky and really feeling that connection with nature. Here are two of my favorite tours.

Wallberg

You will experience one of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises on top of the Wallberg mountain. Especially during summer, this is a magical unforgettable experience. Just make sure to dress in layers and bring some warm clothes, since temperatures can drop to 4-5 degrees Celsius at night – even when it’s hot during the day. It is definitely a classic, which makes it pretty crowded during the day. But one hour before sunset or sunrise, you barely meet anyone and can enjoy these beautiful moments.

During perfect weather conditions you get to watch paragliders above you and have majestic views of the Karwendel mountains, Großglockner and the Zugspitze.

Riederstein

This a top tip. The Riederstein is a popular mountain peak among local trail runners. But right before sunset or sunrise, you will barely meet anyone – most of the time you get the chance to be by yourself.

During the Perseids meteor shower in August, this is my secret tip for you. Hike up at around 7 p.m. and enjoy a little picnic watching the sun go down. Afterwards, simply enjoy the changing colors of the sky, the mood, the atmosphere, watching the mountain town go to sleep. Between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. you will experience the most gorgeous night sky making it a secret spot for stargazing, spotting the milky way and countless shooting stars.

This summer we saw the most magical shooting stars so far, just got goosebumps from watching this incredibly beautiful sky, cherishing this moment. It is certainly one of the most unforgettable experiences and don’t forget to make a wish upon a shooting star.

It is moments like these that make life worth living and let you forget about anything else. My personal recommendation: After watching the sunrise hike down to Rottach Egern, enjoy a breakfast at café Max I. Joseph at the Seeforum (reservation is recommended) and take the boat back to Tegernsee, enjoying a relaxing day at the lake.

Wild Camping is prohibited

One last thing, though. Wild camping is illegal in Bavaria. So, please be careful and appreciate mother nature when you are out there. No trespassing, no wild camping, no tent and don’t leave any trash.

For those of you who need a little rest after sunset and before sunrise, bivouacking is within a grey area and is allowed when taking a break or as protection from the weather. But the border from taking a break to camping is quite vague.

Bivouacking means staying in the open without a tent and is not regulated by law. You can sleep in your sleeping bag for one night and protect yourself from the weather with a tarpaulin. In both cases, fire, noise, or damage to property is still prohibited.

To avoid trespassing, you should ask the owner of the property if you can camp one night. Usually, it is not a problem to obtain permission from a private landowner. This is almost always possible, especially in rural areas.

Nevertheless, I hope you get to enjoy one of these magical moments. If you are interested in a guided tour with me, drop me a dm.

xoxo

photo credits: Munich Mountain Rebel

Mittenwald Lautersee

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On the Laintal-Lautersee loop, hikers, joggers and trail runners will experience the idyllic Laintal valley and the immaculately maintained hiking trails around Lautersee lake, on an interesting round-trip against the unique backdrop of the Wetterstein mountains. Lautersee lake is also one of the most popular swimming lakes in the Alpenwelt Karwendel region, and is an inviting place to take a dip.

It is definitely worth a visit and less crowded during COVID-19 summer break.

xoxo

photo credits: Munich Mountain Rebel

Klosters Lake Schlappin

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I recently did the Klosters Circuit Tour Stage 6 – Russna – Schlappin. A beautiful tour leading to an even more beautiful destination: the small Walser settlement Schlappin and the Schlappin Lake in the middle of magnificent mountain scenery.

This section of the Klosters Circuit Trail leads past houses and stables, across meadows and through the forest until you reach the Walser settlement Schlappin. Schlappin was inhabited year-round up until the 17th century. And still today hikers have the possibility to stop and rest there or even stay overnight. If you would like to stay in Schlappin overnight, please click here for more information: http://www.schlappin.ch

At Hotel Alpina (opposite the train station) follow the signpost in the direction of “Alpenrösli”. At the church, cross the street and follow the road uphill right next to the bus stop “Kirchplatz”. Continue to follow the signposts in the direction of “Alpenrösli Berggasthaus”. Here you have the opportunity to combine the experience of the magnificent viewpoint with a refreshment in the Berggasthaus. From Alpenrösli follow the signs through the forest downhill towards “Klosters” and later towards “In da Mura”. The path, which is marked by signs, leads across a meadow and between houses. As soon as you reach the main road, follow the signs towards “Schlappintobel” and “Schlappin”. The path leads down to Schlappinstrasse. Follow the road for a while until you reach a signpost where “Schlappin” is written twice. To avoid having to follow the road all the time, take the Wiesenweg. This will lead you to Schlappin. As soon as you see the lake, cross the bridge and reach the Walser settlement Schlappin.

Definitely a nice little tour for a relaxing day out in the mountains.

xoxo

photo credits: Munich Mountain Rebel

Sertig Waterfall – Sertigpass – Grünsee – Scalettapass

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There are so many awesome trail running routes in Davos, but this is currently my favorite. You start in the Sertig valley, make a little detour at the waterfall to inhale all the positive energy. Then you run up the Sertigpass, go skinny dipping at the Grünsee and then run all the way up to the Scalettapass.

You simply listen to the sound of the river, melting snow and these cute little marmots. The ultimate pursuit of freedom, of feeling alive. It doesn’t get much better than this.

xoxo

Rinerhorn Davos Klosters

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What I love about Davos is that there are so many different trails and mountain paths that you can actually be alone, if you feel like it. During any day of the week.

One of my favorite spots is the Rinerhorn because there are so many different routes up and down this local mountain. Although it has been attracting more and more tourists, it is still more popular among locals, which I love.

Whether you wanna go mountain biking, running or hiking, this one has it all and I always discover something new. If you are a trail runner or hiker, don’t take the cable car – walk or run up the mountain either via Davos Clavadel or Sertig; it is so worth it.

xoxo