Walking in the Bavarian Alps

Walk 3

At one point on this route there is a turn-off that is, at present, easily missed. It is situated on the climb up to the Sonnenkopf, a little less than half-way up from where the trail swings left and climbs near Entschen Alpe.

At a bend marked by a sign ‘Stopp – Sackgasse’ (stop – dead end) and, nearby, a wooden sign with ‘Sonnenköpfe’ on it, continue uphill a short distance – the trail is more a four-wheel drive track here. At a tree with a red arrow on it go right and uphill along a narrow track. This is easily missed! The trees are waymarked with faded red dots on this section. Eventually you will arrive at another wooden sign marked ‘Fußweg’. From here on the trail to the summit should be clear enough.

Walk 22 Wank, Esterberg Alm and Tannen Hut

The old Gams Hut has been rebuilt as Tannen Hut (Tannenhütte). The walking signs on the trail have been changed accordingly.

When the hut is closed you will find snack and drink dispensers in an outbuilding.

Walk 65 Kehlstein: the Eagle’s Nest

Variant: With the Obersalzbergbahn to Kehlstein (2½hr to bus stop below Kehlstein Haus) (Corrected Version. GPX file below)

This alternative makes use of the Obersalzbergbahn from Berchtesgaden. From the upper station of the gondola lift walk a short distance uphill from Café Sonneck. Leave the asphalt road at the signposted trail to Kehlstein on the right. The track climbs into the woods and soon comes to a forestry road. This is crossed and the track climbs in the direction of Ligeret and Scharitzkehl alms (signposted).

At the next signposted junction go right (Ligeret - Scharitzkehl) and continue climbing until at another signposted junction our route goes left towards Kehlstein and Ofnerboden. After climbing awhile, the sealed Kehlsteinstraße is crossed, and the trail now follows the signs in the direction of Untere Kehl Alm - Kehlstein. On arriving at another fork go first left and then follow the signs right, uphill, along path 39a to Kehlstein. After a short descent the trail meets up with the routes from Dokumentation Obersalzberg and Ofnerboden. Go right here and continue up to Kehlstein Haus along path 40.

Walk 66 Jenner

The time given should read as 6hr.

Walking Times: It is important to remember that the times given in this guide are the simple walking times without pauses of any kind. They are not the total time required for the walk; it is essential that you factor in the time required for pauses. For every hour that you walk it is necessary to add at least 5 to 10 minutes for pauses – I would suggest 10 minutes if you are unfamiliar with the walk or uncertain of your fitness. On top of this add at least an hour for lunch breaks or unforeseen circumstances; for example, a very slippery descent or pathfinding if waymarks or signs are missing. Taking all this into account for Walk 66 would give you a total time of at least 7½ to 8hr.

When the days are shorter make sure the added time necessary for breaks allows you to reach your destination with at least an hour to spare before it starts to get dark – the bigger your time buffer, the better. On longer walks it is wise to carry a head torch for emergencies.

Bear in mind that a mountain walking holiday is not a chance to get fit; you should be properly fit before you go. Lack of adequate fitness can significantly increase walking times, decrease your enjoyment of a walk and add to the risk of injury. If a climb of 300m at home leaves you panting and red-faced, then a climb of 1000m in the mountains is to be avoided. It is important to match your abilities to the walk.

Tip: The restaurant at the upper station of the Jenner lift offers takeaways; good to know if you forgot to take snacks or would rather picnic somewhere. Don’t forget to take your rubbish with you.

Walk 67 The Hagengebirge above Königssee

Note: The first shady section of the steep and rocky descent from Seeleinsee to Priesberg Alm can be very slippery. This can slow you down quite a bit, as extra care is necessary.