Magyar Természetjáró Szövetség weboldalai MTSZ MTSZ térképportál Turista Magazin TuristaShop Kéktúra Gerecse50 A kéktúrázás napja
Try Pro for free
Choose a language
Plan a route here Plan similar route
Mountain Hike recommended route Mountain Hike  · Berchtesgadener Land

Legendary Watzmann crossing

Responsible for this content
Andreas Neft Verified partner 
  • Photo: Andreas Neft, Andreas Neft
Map / Legendary Watzmann crossing

Selected alternatives for you
    The Watzmann crossing is one of the great classic routes of the Alps: From the Wimbachgries bridge, it goes via the Watzmannhaus and the three main peaks in high alpine terrain to the wild Wimbachgries. Demanding, long, and challenging – but with magnificent panoramic views and unforgettable impressions, this "king's route" rewards every step.
    difficult
    Distance 23.1 km
    10:50 h
    2,195 m
    2,206 m
    2,708 m
    629 m

    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
    Difficulty
    T5II difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    2,708 m
    Lowest point
    629 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Asphalt 2.08%Dirt road 0.81%Forested/wild trail 45.10%Path 28.51%Via ferrata 5.93%Traces of trail 17.53%Unknown 0%
    Asphalt
    483 m
    Dirt road
    189 m
    Forested/wild trail
    10.4 km
    Path
    6.6 km
    Via ferrata
    1.4 km
    Traces of trail
    4.1 km
    Unknown
    0 m
    Show elevation profile

    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

    Public transport

    Public-transport-friendly

    • By train to Berchtesgaden main station, then bus to the Wimbachgries bridge stop

    Coordinates

    DD
    47.602462, 12.924471
    DMS
    47°36'08.9"N 12°55'28.1"E
    UTM
    33T 343992 5274204
    w3w 
    ///ducking.celebrating.bingo
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Book recommendations for this region:

    Show more

    Recommended maps for this region:

    Show more

    Equipment

    • Standard hiking equipment
    • Via ferrata set, climbing helmet & harness

    Localization

    Parts of this content were machine translated from German.

    User Questions

    Don't see what you need here?
    Ask a question and get an answer from the author, the official DMO or the community.

    No ratings (yet)
    Be the first to leave a rating or write a review!
    Share your experiences and advice to help millions of people find and plan their next outdoor adventure.
    Write a review
    Rating submitted
    Difficulty
    T5II difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    23.1 km
    Duration
    10:50 h
    Ascent
    2,195 m
    Descent
    2,206 m
    Highest point
    2,708 m
    Lowest point
    629 m
    Public-transport-friendly Round trip Refreshment stops available Scenic Flora Fauna Summit route Exposed sections Secured passages Scrambling required Ridge

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

    Statistics

    • My Map
    • Content
    • Show images Hide images
    Features
    Maps and trails
    Nothing selected - click and drag in the elevation profile to zoom
    Distance
    Duration
    Ascent
    Descent
    Elevation profile
    Logo agrar Logo aofk Logo mol Logo otp