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Sure, you know the Karwendel. It’s big. And beautiful. But if – like us – you live on its doorstep, spend a lot of time outdoors and rarely spend your weekends on the couch, a few truly special tours soon stand out. The ones that we want to do again and again and still stop at the tenth time because the view leaves us speechless. Or the ones that make us feel so good in the evening because we’ve really achieved something.
We asked around the team and here are five hiking tours in the Karwendel that have something for everyone. From the wild Geisterklamm to the imposing Birkkarspitze – hiking in the Karwendel is varied.
1. Scenic tour in the footsteps of ludwig ii. : schoettlkarspitze from kruen
From Kruen the route initially leads uphill towards the Schoettlkarspitze on well-maintained hiking trails and alpine paths. The ascent runs through the forest and meadows, past the Seinskopf and Feldernkreuz, whereby the path is not technically demanding. The Schoettlkarspitze impresses with views of the Karwendel, the Zugspitze to the west and the isar valley.
The way back leads via the Lakaiensteig, a narrow and exposed ridge path, which is secured with wire ropes in places. Surefootedness and a head for heights are essential here. The Lakaiensteig owes its name to the servants of the fairytale king, who loved to spend time in the Karwendel. They secured the dangerous passages along the ridge so that Ludwig II could safely enjoy the spectacular views. The trail leads back to Kruen.
Start/finish: Town center Kruen
Type of tour: Mountain tour with ridge descent
Duration: approx. 5 hours
Distance: approx. 7 km
Elevation gain: approx. 1.230 m
The Schoettelkarspitze is a true hiking highlight in the Soiern Group of the Karwendel mountains. Photo: Alpenwelt Karwendel / Pierre Johne
2. Ahornboden plus: to the mahnkopf via falkenhuette
The “Großer Ahornboden” is a highlight itself, especially in October when it turns rich shades of yellow and orange. But if you prefer something a little more sporty, you can combine a walk through the Ahornboden natural monument with a stop at a hut and a fantastic summit: Start at the Engalm, from there over the Hohljoch to the Falkenhütte. It’s best to take a short break there and enjoy the view of the Laliderer walls. Afterwards, the Mahnkopf summit awaits with fantastic views over the entire Karwendel. The way back through the wild Laliderertal valley is a nature experience in itself.
Start/finish: Engalm
Type of tour: challenging mountain hike
Duration: approx. 7 hours
Distance: approx. 16 km
Elevation gain: approx. 900 m
The Großer Ahornboden is a highlight, especially in October when it turns rich shades of yellow and orange. Photo: Tirol Werbung/Jens Schwarz
3. Achensee from above: round tour to the baerenkopf
The Baerenkopf is an Achensee classic – and rightly so. From the car park on the lakeside road to Pertisau, you start via the ski slope until you reach a signposted path. Continue via the Baerenbadalm and up a good path through mountain pines towards the summit. Shortly before the finish, it gets scrambly, but the most difficult part is secured by ropes. The descent is via the Weißenbachsattel – the signposted path leads back to the Baerenbadalm. From there, continue as on the ascent.
Start/finish: Pertisau
Type of tour: Moderately difficult mountain hike
Duration: approx. 5 hours
Distance: approx. 9 km
Elevation gain: approx. 950 m
From Pertisau via the Bärenbadalm up to the Baerenkopf, with a view of Lake Achensee. Photo: Pixelio
4. short, wild and wet: Geisterklamm
Fancy a different kind of mountain experience? The Geisterklamm near Mittenwald may not be an extensive tour, but it is absolutely worthwhile for half a day – especially with the family or as a bad weather excursion. The route leads over spectacular footbridges through the narrow Leutaschklamm, always above the roaring water. There are also gorge ghosts, water gnomes and goblins to keep the little hikers amused. If you want, you can add a loop over the panoramic bridge.
Start/finish: Leutasch/Geisterklamm Car park
Type of Tour: Adventure hike/short tour
Distance: approx. 2 hours
Distance: approx. 6 km (including panoramic tour)
Elevation gain: approx. 300 m
The Geisterklamm is a spectacular excursion destination for the whole family. Photo: Alpenwelt Karwendel / Philipp G. Iland
5. up to the karwendel-king: the birkkarspitze (bike & hike tour)
The highest peak in the Karwendel requires fitness, surefootedness and getting up early – but what a tour! The tour starts in Scharnitz, by bike (or shuttle) through the Hinterautal valley to the Karwendelhaus – and that’s where the real challenge begins: over the sparse Schlauchkar, the route climbs steadily – and sometimes steeply – over scree and snowfields. From the emergency bivouac onwards, surefootedness is essential (and orientation becomes somewhat difficult). Occasionally you have to use your hands. Once you reach the top at 2,749 metres, you can let your gaze wander far into Bavaria and Tyrol. Return via the ascent route – after all, the bikes are still waiting there.
Start/finish: Scharnitz
Type of tour: Very challenging mountain & bike tour (with easy via ferrata passage)
Duration: approx. 10–11 hours (including Bike)
Distance: approx. 30 km (total)
Elevation gain: approx. 1.800 m (including Bike)
Tip: With an overnight stay in the Karwendelhaus, the tour can be stretched out over two days.
The highest peak in the Karwendel requires fitness, surefootedness and getting up early, but it’s definitely worth it. Photo: Pixabay/Mikes1978