The great Prien valley loop

Multi-day tour through the western Chiemgau Alps

Some of the most prominent peaks of the Chiemgau Alps – the Kampenwand, the Geigelstein, the Spitzstein, and the Hochries – are located in the western part of the popular pre-Alpine mountain range; they can be connected on a magnificent high-altitude loop during a five-day hike. We only have to leave the altitude and cross the Prien valley once. This is manageable as it happens at the small but charming farming village of Sachrang, the turning point of our loop. This is especially advantageous for those who do not have enough time or fitness to complete the tour in one go, as from here the Oberbayernbus takes us back to Hohenaschau. On our route are three of the seven Alpine Club huts in the Chiemgau Alps; plus four other private huts with overnight accommodations. Each has its own character and clientele: Because the Riesenhütte is currently being renovated, we spend the first night on the tour either at the Frasdorfer Hütte or the Hochrieshütte; the Spitzsteinhaus caters more to day trippers; the Priener Hütte is a hub for all mountain bikers around the Prien valley; the Sonnenalm on the Kampenwand is primarily accommodation for long-distance hikers. This loop requires quite a bit of endurance due to its overall length, but the mountain paths to be covered are feasible for any moderately experienced mountain hiker. Another big advantage: we hike on beautiful mountain paths and only occasionally have to switch to forest roads.