A very beautiful hike (approx. 7–8 hours, 1,200 m of ascent, approx. 18 km) with views of the Zugspitze massif that has something to offer everyone. This panoramic ridge hike shows off the beauty of the western Ammergau Alps.
We start from the car park at the Pflegersee near Garmisch-Partenkirchen at an elevation of 850 m. At first we make comfortable progress on a wide forest road, albeit strenuous because of the gradient.
The route soon changes to a more demanding, narrow trail criss-crossed by roots, leading up towards the Brünstelkreuz. Sometimes sun, sometimes rain, sometimes hail – we get it all. The rain makes the path slippery, and the fenced-off enclosure, whose residents are apparently goats, holds plenty of droppings that are very hard to avoid on the slippery ground.
The last section to the Brünstelkreuz (summit cross) is rockier, with slippery scree in just a few places that calls for some sure-footedness, and then we are at the top in brilliant sunshine! The view is glorious and makes us want more! The wonderful view over the Alpine foothills, the Karwendel and the Wetterstein rewards us and keeps us from giving up despite the changeable weather.
Onwards along the ridge to the next summit each time: Brünstelskopf (1814 m) – Großer Zunderkopf (1895 m) – Vorderer Felderkopf (1928 m) – Felderkopf (1818 m)
Thunder rumbles in the distance and the dark sky promises nothing good. So we hurry on along the narrow path through a cluster of gnarled little mountain pines. After a short hail shower we reach the Enningalm via the Felderkopf.
Meadows as far as the eye can see! Right on cue the sun shows itself too and warms the lush green meadows with its rays. Cows graze in the distance, and really you are just waiting for Heidi to come running along…
After reaching the Enningalm across the wide meadows, we first have a coffee in the sun on the terrace of the alpine hut and watch the goats dozing in the sun in front of it. The hut is a popular stop for hikers and bikers.
Unfortunately the next clouds can already be seen in the distance, so we set off quickly to get back while still dry. First heading towards Garmisch, we then turn onto a small, narrow forest path towards the Pflegersee. Past sluggish cows and through varied scenery in the romantic valley of the Sulzbachgraben. Soon we have reached the wide forest road again, which leads us to the Pflegersee.
Hike details
- Distance: approx. 18 km (circular route)
- Start: Car park at the Pflegersee near Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Duration: approx. 7–8 hrs
- Stamina: medium
- Difficulty: medium
- Hazard potential: medium
- Ascent/descent: approx. 1,200 metres of elevation
- Special notes: somewhat slippery in the forest when wet because of the many roots – the last section to the Brünstelkreuz is a little steeper with slippery scree
- Route: Pflegersee – Brünstlkreuz (1734 m) – Brünstelskopf (1814 m) – Großer Zunderkopf (1895 m) – Vorderer Felderkopf (1928 m) – Felderkopf (1818 m) – Enningalm – Pflegersee
Map and GPS data
Photos
