The Watzmann crossing is considered one of the most legendary and demanding routes of the Eastern Alps – a real must for ambitious mountaineers. From the Wimbachgries bridge, the path initially leads idyllically over gentle alpine meadows up to the Watzmannhaus, before it gets serious: In the high alpine terrain, the crossing of the three distinctive main peaks of the Watzmann begins. Here you will encounter exposed passages, steep ridges, and incomparable panoramic views over the Berchtesgaden Alps stretching far into the High Tauern.
After the summit trilogy, the long, demanding descent into the wild Wimbachgries follows, where the scenery changes from rugged rock walls into a bizarre rubble and scree landscape. At the end awaits the enduring march through the valley back to the starting point. This route combines natural beauty, alpine challenge, and unforgettable impressions – a true adventure on the "king's route" in Berchtesgaden National Park.
Author’s recommendation
- Overnight stay at the Watzmannhaus as a pit stop for the strenuous ridge crossing
- Enjoy buttermilk at the Wimbachgries hut after a successful crossing
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
- Extremely exposed ridge: secured path up to the W.-middle peak, then FREE alpine terrain – only recommended for very experienced mountaineers
- Fear of heights, sure-footedness, and alpine experience essential
Wimbachklamm Ramsau
Wimbachbrücke
Wimbachbrücke
Die Stubenalm
Mitterkaseralm am Watzmann
Falzalm
Der Blick von der Terrasse des Watzmannhauses
Watzmannhaus
Hocheck (2.651) - Watzmann Vorgipfel
Mittelspitze
Watzmann - middle peak
Watzmann Südspitze (2.712 m)
Die Watzmann Ostwand
Die Wimbachgrieshütte
Wimbachgries
Wimbachschloss
Wimbachklamm (Ende)
Die Wimbachklamm Ramsau
Urwald
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
- By train to Berchtesgaden main station, then bus to the Wimbachgries bridge stop
Coordinates
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Equipment
- Standard hiking equipment
- Via ferrata set, climbing helmet & harness
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions