From the southern fringes of Germany into the heart of the
Austrian Tyrol, this route passes through some pristine mountain
scenery to reach the sheer rock faces that rear up from the Inn
valley just a stones throw from Innsbruck. Distances are not great
but the nature of the mountains make this a true Alpine
experience.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
is in a beautiful location at the foot of the Zugspitze, the
highest mountain in Germany (2962m/9724ft). This lively resort in
the Bavarian Alps makes a wonderful place to start a walk across
the mountains to Innsbruck. The start of a warm-up walk is reached
by cable car from where the balcony path leads to Höllentalklamm
(hell valley gorge). There are great views of Zugspitze before the
descent through the gorge. From Garmisch you have to carry an
overnight bag up into the Wetterstein Massif, following the ‘Kings
Path’ to Castle Schachen and on to the mountain cabin where we
stay overnight; a real mountain experience. This is a great place
to watch an alpine sunrise before heading down the Leutasch
valley, a mix of rocky terrain and green valley, into Austria for
a night at the picturesque village of Scharnitz.
With
the aid of a vehicle transfer, walking in Austria begins deep in
the Karwendel valley with a couple of hours hike up to a mountain
lodge. From here there are many options for walks to the
neighbouring peaks and cols, or take a rest for half a day. The
next day again offers many options with numerous peaks and
sub-peaks to choose from in order to match a route to your
experience and skills. The finale is a walk on a high level trail
across passes culminating in a steep ascent, requiring
surefootedness and a head for heights, to the top of Nordkette.
Not far away is the summit station of the cable car that will take
you down to Innsbruck.
7
nights/8 days - The first 2 nights are spent at a 3*
Gasthof with ensuite bathroom in
Garmisch. The first night in a mountain hut, at an altitude of 1866m., is in twin rooms with shared wash facilities etc. This is a remote location and you have to carry all you need for an overnight stay. In
Scharnitz a 3* Gasthof with ensuite bathroom will supply warm hospitality for the night. In the
Karwendel we stay in another comfortable hut with twin rooms for 2 nights. The washing facilities are again shared but luggage is delivered to the hut. Meals are served in the main common room where walkers tend to socialise in the evenings and swap stories of past expeditions. Accommodation in
Innsbruck is also in a 3* establishment, either a Gasthof or
a hotel.
Note: An overnight bag has to be carried to the mountain hut on day 3 and on to the accommodation on day 4 where you are reunited with you luggage. Entrance fees to gorges are not included and will cost approx. €2
Sherpa Notes
Waymarking
Well-maintained and signposted network of hiking paths, but you must be able to use the map and a compass in bad weather.
Accommodation
and Meals 4 overnights are in 3* hotels/Gasthofs. 3 nights are spent in twin rooms in mountain huts. The hotels have ensuite bathrooms. Huts have shared facilities. Half board is included throughout the tour.
Start
and End
of Tour
Train from Bad Goisern to departure airport for your return journey.
From
Munich take the rain to Garmish Partenkirchen (approx. €20 not included). From Innsbruck, train to Munich (approx. €35 not included). Transport for the walking itinerary including cable cars is included, as is baggage transfers to all accommodation except one.
