Circular hike to Falkenstein ruins

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During the hike around Falkenstein, on whose peak Germany's highest castle ruin lies, you enjoy views over the wide pre-Alpine landscape and discover the Mariengrotte located in a natural cave.

moderate

Distance 7.6 km

3:25 h

590 m

1,269 m

839 m

The scenic hike to the Falkenstein castle ruins at 1277m elevation is the ideal route for all panorama fans. Starting at the Breitenbergbahn parking lot, the first ascent leads past the Mariengrotte, impressively located in the middle of a rock crevice. Then continue to the Falkenstein castle ruins, which by the way is the highest ruin in all of Germany and crowns the peak of the Falkenstein like a crown. From up there you can enjoy a unique 360° panoramic view. On one side you look toward the Tyrolean and Allgäu Alps, while on the other side the entire pre-Alpine landscape lies at your feet. Discover numerous lakes nestled in the hilly pre-Alpine scenery. The descent leads down towards Schlossanger Alp, which lies paradisiacally on a high plateau above Pfronten. Then you continue via the Manzengrat back to the valley. Along the Vils you reach the starting point of your hike.

Author’s recommendation

A detour to the castle ruins is worthwhile on Falkenstein. From there, you can enjoy a great view of the Pfronten valley.

Author

Pfronten Tourismus

Responsible for this content
Pfronten Tourismus

Difficulty

T2 moderate

Overall difficulty

moderate

Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

Experience

Landscape

Highest point

1,269 m

Lowest point

839 m

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

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Jul

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Dec

Track types

Asphalt

1.2 km

Dirt road

1.6 km

Path

4.7 km

Road

125 m

Show elevation profile

Rest stops

Blaue Burg

Safety information

Pay attention to signage! Surefootedness is required on some sections of the hike.

Roadbook

The route begins at the Breitenbergbahn in Pfronten-Steinach. The start of the route (south ascent) is approximately at the level of the dog training ground, near the Austrian border by the Vils. The path towards the Mariengrotte leads narrowly upwards. Upon reaching the Mariengrotte, stairs take you the rest of the way up to the castle ruins. The path down begins opposite the Burghotel Falkenstein towards Schlossanger Alp. The narrow path requires surefootedness in some sections and passes through wooded areas. The descent back to the Breitenbergbahn then takes place via the Manzengratweg.

Rest stop

Tip

Nearby

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Photo

Video

Pfronten-Steinach Breitenberg / train station (Tälerbus station)
Pfronten-Steinach train station
Cow Cow Matz Playground
Mary's Grotto on the Falkenstein
Falkenstein castle ruins
Small Castle Museum Falkenstein
Blaue Burg

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

Pfronten train line, public bus transport to Pfronten-Steinach station (directly opposite the Breitenbergbahn).

Get Timetable to destination

Circular hike to Falkenstein ruins

Directions

Via the B309 towards Vils (AT).

Parking

Valley station Breitenbergbahn in Pfronten-Steinach (south side ascent).

Coordinates

47.565880, 10.574677

DMS

47°33'57.2"N 10°34'28.8"E

UTM

32T 618444 5269252

w3w

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Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

Author’s map recommendations

A map showing the marked hiking and cycling routes is available at the tourist information office, Vilstalstr. 2 in Pfronten.

Book recommendations for this region:

Recommended maps for this region:

Equipment

Sturdy footwear, a backpack with provisions, and a rain jacket or sun protection depending on the weather are recommended.

User Questions

Welche Farbkennzeichnung hat der Weg? Muss man schwindelfrei für diesen Weg sein?

Asked by Torsten Corneli

May 26, 2023

Julian Knacker

Pfronten Tourismus

Hallo Torsten, der Weg hat einen mittleren Schwierigkeitsgrad. Es gibt einige Höhenmeter zu überwinden und die Tour verläuft teilweise über schmalere und etwas steilere Waldpfade. Es gibt aber keine ausgesetzten Stellen - und schwindelfrei muss man definitiv nicht sein :) Wer etwas Kondition mitbringt und ab und zu in den Bergen wandert, kann diesen Weg problemlos laufen. Viele Grüße aus dem Haus des Gastes in Pfronten

Helpful(0)

August 10, 2024

Stefanie stuff

Community

Ich weiß nicht welche Farbkennzeichnung er hat. Es ist stellenweise recht steil gewesen und rutschig im Winter. Aber es gibt links und rechts keine Abgründe zwecks der Schwindelfreiheit

Helpful(0)

July 21, 2025

Ramona

Community

Ich fand schon, das es Passagen gab, in denen man schwindelfrei sein sollte. Vielleicht auch nur, weil ich nicht sehr Wandererfahren bin.

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Circular hike to Falkenstein ruins

Author’s recommendation

Track types

Rest stops

Safety information

Roadbook

Public transport

Get Timetable to destination

Directions

Parking

Coordinates

Author’s map recommendations

Book recommendations for this region:

Recommended maps for this region:

Equipment

User Questions

Weather at the starting point

Statistics