About the Lattengebirge in the Berchtesgaden Alps
The fastest route to this destination
About the Lattengebirge in the Berchtesgaden Alps
Those who love steep climbs on limestone will feel at home in the wildly rugged Lattengebirge. The descent can then also be done via the nostalgic Predigtstuhlbahn cable car.
The Lattengebirge is the northernmost part of the Berchtesgaden Alps and consists mainly of Dachstein limestone and Ramsau dolomite. These easily weathered rock types are the reason for the many bizarre rock towers and spikes that give the small mountain range a distinctly rugged character. The best-known formation, the “Sleeping Witch” on the rock ridge to Dreisesselberg, remains on the opposite left during our crossing, but the ascent via the steep Alpgartensteig is no less breathtaking. Many well-secured steps help over the steepest parts, but surefootedness and a head for heights are definitely necessary. The descent via the Waxriessteig to the Saalach reservoir is a bit less demanding, but as an alternative, the incomparable descent with the nostalgic Predigtstuhlbahn is also offered. Built in 1928, it is the oldest large-cabin cable car in the world.
moderate
5h 30min
11.31 km
A to B
Bad Reichenhall
Seasons
Directions
The starting point is the Bayerisch Gmain – Bridge bus stop (bus 180) or the Bayerisch Gmain railway station. Bus users walk 80 m uphill to the road junction and follow the B 20 on the right for 100 m to the railway station. Through the railway underpass and along Obere Bahnhofstraße, a short right then left along Alpentalstraße to the hiking car park. Our route “Hochschlegel via Alpgartensteig” (path 10) follows the Wappbach stream course first on the left, then increasingly steeply on the right side of the gully. The beautiful beech forest gradually transitions to dwarf pine growth, and the crystal-clear stream has long since disappeared underground. The terrain and path become high alpine; after a total of 3 hours, the struggle is over and the Alpgartensteig flows into the plateau path towards Predigtstuhl on the right. At the Schlegelmulde there is a first refreshment stop, another opportunity is offered at the top station of the Predigtstuhlbahn. Those who do not descend with the nostalgic cable car must already turn left at the Schlegelmulde Alm onto path 478 “Bad Reichenhall via Waxriessteig”. Initially still easy going, but increasingly steep after the lower Schlegelalm, the descent ends after 2.5 hours at the car park in front of the Saalach reservoir. On the foot and cycle path along the lake and river, still 20 minutes to the Saalach bridge; diagonally opposite is the stop Bad Reichenhall Kirchberg / Luitpoldbrücke (bus 260), or the station.
Information & contact
www.predigtstuhlbahn.de, www.predigtstuhlbahn.de/genuss/almhuette-schlegelmulde, https://www.bad-reichenhall.de/tourist-information-bayerisch-gmain
Mag. Christian Heugl
5400 Hallein
cheugl@a1.net
Photo credit: Christian Heugl
By public transport
By bus 180 from Salzburg main station (Südtiroler Platz) to Bayerisch Gmain Bridge. Or from Salzburg main station to Freilassing station, then with BRB S 4 to Großgmain station.
Return by bus 260 from Bad Reichenhall Kirchberg / Luitpoldbrücke, or by BRB S 4 train from Bad Reichenhall Kirchberg station.
Timetable information and download: Online at www.salzburg-verkehr.at or on your smartphone via the free Salzburg Verkehr app for Android and iOS.
Route profile
All content has been researched by the editorial team to the best of their knowledge. However, the editorial team of Salzburger Verkehrsverbund GmbH cannot guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information provided. We kindly ask you to verify the details when planning your trip, as opening hours, admission prices, or other information may change. Any liability claims against the editorial team or Salzburger Verkehrsverbund GmbH relating to material or non-material damages arising from the use of the information provided, or from the use of incorrect or incomplete information, are generally excluded.
