Tegelberg ridge crossing

First: surefootedness, a head for heights, and mountain experience are required for this route.

This route offers many highlights. It starts with the great ascent via Gelbe Wand Steig (not the Tegelberg via ferrata), which impresses with stunning deep views and can be mastered without a via ferrata set (the Gelbe Wand Steig has many wire rope protections and is rated A on the via ferrata scale – however, a helmet is clearly recommended here).

After the great trail, turn left at the crossroads to reach the Tegelberg Haus, which you cross after a while on a wide path just below it and continue straight to the ridge entry. Here, you'll first be stopped by a "Path closed" sign to think about. If you are NOT sure about yourself here, you should not continue. However, if you had no problems on the Gelbe Wand Steig – without needing a via ferrata set – you can confidently ignore this probably very sensible warning and continue the tour as planned.

Now follows the most charming part of the whole story, the enchanting walk over the narrow but always well and clearly recognizable path, almost always along the ridge, with fantastic views and deep impressions, past various rock towers (which you can also climb), down to the junction of the path with the normal trail. There is no spot on this section where you need to be afraid; the route is logical, the views fantastic, and you will likely meet very few people until you reach the normal trail. Only one spot requires more concentration, namely when you have to climb down a short notch about 3 m high (there are also trails going the other way, but it is questionable whether this can bypass the spot (see also comments)).

Even after reaching the normal trail, the great impressions do not end, but you no longer have the narrow, wonderful path and solitude. Instead, it becomes more relaxed but also more exciting as you slowly approach Neuschwanstein Castle from above. Gradually, you get ever more impressive views of Lake Alpsee and finally THE castle.

Eventually, you arrive at the Marienbrücke, which most/all know now. Then you follow the Pöllat back to the parking lot at the Tegelbergbahn. Unfortunately, the actually more direct path through the Pöllat Gorge has been closed for quite some time. This would have provided the perfect ending for this route.

Edit Sept. 2018: The Pöllat Gorge is still closed, but renovation work seems to be nearing completion, so the gorge should soon be officially accessible again.

Edit Sept. 2019: The Pöllat Gorge has been passable again for some time, and the tour can be done as planned (route adjusted accordingly).