Exploring the Steinernes Meer

Overnight stays in three wonderful huts: Wasseralm, Ingolstädter Haus, and Riemannhaus. The difficulties: - The ascent from Königssee is very steep, in places secured with ropes and risk of falling. So surefootedness and alpine experience are necessary. However, the path along the lakes and beneath the highest German waterfall is breathtaking. And once you gain height, the trail runs almost flat under cliffs through beautiful mountain forest to the Wasseralm, which is really beautifully located. - Day 2 is especially extremely long: 12 hours of walking time should be expected. The ascent to Funtenseetauern is off-trail. Cairns mark the way, which can be found well with map reading and careful observation. But good visibility, orientation skills, surefootedness, and stamina are required! The descent then follows a barely visible, rarely used path. But it is partly very steep, almost vertical downhill. So also risk of falling. But overall a great, lonely summit and a wild landscape with amazing views. From Funtensee onwards the trail is easy to walk. The path winds through the barren, impressive Steinernes Meer. The terrace of the Ingolstädter Haus offers the chance to enjoy sunrise and sunset. - Day 3 is easier in terms of fitness to Riemannhaus. The path through the Steinernes Meer is stony and requires alpine vigilance due to crevices and doline holes. However, after one hour we turned right to Weißbachlscharte. Here the Saalfelden High Trail starts. It sounds more relaxed than it is. A ridge walk that requires absolute freedom from vertigo and surefootedness. There are few rope-secured sections, only really for experienced hikers. Because the drop would be up to 400 meters! About 3 hours on the ridge if you proceed carefully. The descent from Breithorn to Riemannhaus is then normal alpine hiking again. The direct path between the two huts takes three hours. Those who don’t want to do the ridge can beforehand ascend the Großer Hundstod and leave their backpack at the Ingolstädter Haus. - The last day is a more relaxed descent in terms of gradient and paths from Riemannhaus through the Steinernes Meer over Kärlingerhaus and Saugasse to Königssee. Very beautiful, varied, 6 to 7 hours.