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
