Hiking in Chiemgau: Dürrnbachhorn crossing
First stage: From the Winklmoosalm to the summit
We start the circular trail at the Winklmoosalm parking lot. From there, we take a short forest path to the Dürrnbachalmen and continue along the meadow path up to the mountain station. Here we already have a great view and can even spot the Wilder Kaiser. Once we arrive at the mountain station of the nostalgic chairlift, the Panorama Wirtschaft not only attracts us with its sun terrace, but also with good food. However, we don't stop for a bite to eat, but continue towards the summit. We stop again and again and are amazed: in good weather, you can even see the Großvenediger from here.
Hike along the ridge path along the German-Austrian border
We continue with the most exciting part of the whole hike: the ridge path. Heading east, we hike right on the border with Austria and enjoy sensational views - just like at the summit. The path is basically nice and wide, but the whole thing looks a little dizzying when we reach a rock face in front of us. But it's not so bad: As is so often the case, it looks steeper from below than it really is.
The trail then slowly descends across meadows and through a bit of forest towards the Finsterbachalm, from where we descend to the Winklmoosalm. Once you reach the bottom, you can stop off at the Winklmoosalm DAV hut and reward yourself for the hike. Enjoy the remaining rays of sunshine and the mountain panorama with a light beer and incredibly tasty Kaiserschmarrn.
Directions & Co: What you need to know
How to get there: By car, take the A8 to Bernau. Then continue via Grassau, Marquartstein and Unterwössen until you reach Reit am Winkl. From there, it's another 5 kilometers towards Ruhpolding until you reach the Seegatterl parking lot and the toll road up to the Winkelmoosalm (the toll costs 7 euros including parking). Unfortunately, the journey by train takes a little too long for a day trip due to multiple changes.
Difficulty: For the Dürrnbachhorn crossing, you should definitely be sure-footed and have a head for heights.
Duration of the tour in total: approx. 4.5 hours