Brief Overview of Significant Points
Exploring the Wendelstein: A Guide for Visitors
The Wendelstein, located approximately 70 kilometers from Munich, offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. This majestic mountain is home to visitor parking lots at its valley stations, making it easily accessible by both the rack railway and the cable car.
Getting There
For those preferring public transportation, the Bayerische Oberlandbahn (BRB) train from Munich Hauptbahnhof heads towards Bayrischzell, a journey that takes about 1.5 hours. From Bayrischzell, you can hike up Wendelstein or proceed to Brannenburg to connect to the Wendelstein cogwheel railway, which ascends directly to the summit without strenuous climbing.
Alternatively, driving from Munich to Bayrischzell (also about 1.5 hours) and then either hiking or proceeding to the cogwheel railway station near Brannenburg provides another option for summit access. The cog railway typically operates from mid-morning to late afternoon, offering a scenic and easy summit access alternative.
Hiking Routes
The classic route, known as the Gamssteig, is a well-marked, wide path suitable even for less experienced hikers. It passes the Siglalm and Wendelsteinalm refuges before offering a choice of return options. For variation on the descent, one can take the Zeller Scharte (a saddle point) eastwards, then head north on the Brannenburger Steig or return via the König-Maximilian-Weg— a shadier path passing Peterbauernalm and running along the Deutsche Alpenstraße back to Bayrischzell. Both return options are similar in length.
Other challenging loop hikes around Bayrischzell, including the Panoramaweg Wendelstein, offer longer and more demanding variants requiring intermediate to expert fitness and sure-footedness.
Attractions
The Wendelstein is home to Germany's highest show cave and boasts the Wendelsteinkirche, the highest church in Germany. The mountain station offers numerous hiking paths to explore, and the Meridian train is another train option, which stops at "Brannenburg" near the rack railway.
Practical Information
Sure-footedness is required for ascending the Wendelstein, and it's essential to note that the mountain can be very busy on weekends with good weather. The BRB train services run towards Bayrishzell and Kufstein / Innsbruck, offering different routes to reach Wendelstein. To reach Wendelstein by car, take the A8 towards Salzburg and then the Inntal motorway interchange onto the A93 towards Innsbruck, followed by an exit towards Reischenhart.
In winter, ski and snowshoe tours are available on the Wendelstein, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts as well. Whether you choose to hike, take the train, or drive, the Wendelstein promises an unforgettable experience for all visitors.
| Mode | Route Description | Duration | |-------------|------------------------------------------------|----------| | Train | Munich Hauptbahnhof → Bayrischzell → Brannenburg cog railway | ~1.5 hrs | | Car | Munich → Bayrischzell, then cog railway or hike | ~1.5 hrs | | Hiking | Classic Gamssteig or alternatives via König-Maximilian-Weg or Zeller Scharte from Bayrischzell | Varies, moderate difficulty |
Embracing an active lifestyle, immerse yourself in outdoor-living as you travel to the Wendelstein. The mountain, rich in attractions such as Germany's highest show cave and Wendelsteinkirche, also boasts home-and-garden scenery along various hiking routes.
With options to reach the summit via train, car, or hiking routes, Wendelstein's combination of travel and home-and-garden appeal makes it a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast.
