Outdoor Tips Ehrwald

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

Kreuzeck & Bernadeinsteig

During fall season, this area around the Kreuzeck is a secret tip: not crowded, endless trails for mountain bikers, climbers, trail runners and hikers. On my last tour I also discovered a magical spot for a snowshoeing tour in winter. As soon as the cable cars are up and running again after the winter COVID lockdown, I will share it with you.

But for now, I will leave you with my fall impressions.

Hike, Climb & Run at the Fockenstein near Lake Tegernsee

For those of you who love the combination of hiking, a little free-climbing and trail running, I got a special tip for you: the Fockenstein at Lake Tegernsee.

With public transportation, take the train from Munich to Gmund and then the bus to Bad Wiessee. Hop off at Söllbach and then follow the hiking path to the Aueralm via Sonnenbichl.

After a short stop at the Aueralm, go up to the Fockenstein. Make sure not to take the easy forest road. Just about 100m north of the Aueralm, you can make a right, heading into the woods.

That’s where you wanna go, hiking and climbing via a small ridge all the way up to the Fockenstein.

This route is a bit more difficult with free-climbing sections, if you like, but it is also less crowded.

On top of the mountain, you can enjoy magical views over the Bavarian and Austrian Alps. When the weather is good, you can see the Zugspitze as well as the Großglockner. Simply beautiful.

When you are ready to go back down, follow the sign to the forest road, back to the Aueralm. A pretty cool trail for runners. Love it! All in all, it is a nice little day tour, around 22k – elevation gain: ca. 1,000 m.

xoxo

photo credits: Munich Mountain Rebel