Marxenhöhe and Kneifelspitze near Berchtesgaden
The fastest route to this destination
Marxenhöhe and Kneifelspitze near Berchtesgaden
SIZE ALONE IS NOT EVERYTHING: EVEN BELOW 1,000 METERS ELEVATION, THERE ARE WONDERFUL PLEASURE DESTINATIONS. THE UNASSUMING MARXENHÖHE NEAR BERCHTESGADEN IS ONE OF THEM.
The Untersberg in the background stands out above all. The limestone giant is simply too dominant for the smaller foothills to really come into their own. At the summit of the vassals lying southeastwards, however, the situation is different, with quite impressive views from the Kneifelspitze (1,188 m). However, the photogenic Watzmann family, one of the mountain giants of the Eastern Alps, is again the focus. Even less conspicuous than the small Kneifelspitze is the Marxenhöhe (825 m) just south below. A wonderful destination for pleasantly strolling through the landscape and daydreaming.
Actually, the Bergerl at the southern foot of the Untersberg and the Kneifelspitze would be even less known, but the legendary Marxenswing, hung by idealists on a strong summit tree, brought the Marxenhöhe (825 m) unexpected popularity a few years ago. However, the branch was not that strong, and the snow load during the century winter of 2019 marked the end of the swinging, and after the branch broke, unfortunately no new airship was hung up. Now the mountain is calm again; most visitors continue on to the Kneifelspitze. Also a very recommendable hike, but the detour to the enchanting Marxenhöhe should definitely not be missed.
easy
2h 30min
6.42 km
Family-friendly
Round trip
Berchtesgaden
Seasons
Directions
From the Berchtesgaden Salzbergwerk bus stop along the driveway towards Maria Gern (Salzburger Straße), then after 100 m turn right into Metzenleitenweg. After 1.5 km, the routes "Marxenhöhe, Kneifelspitze" branch off to the left and lead up a steep forest path to Marxengut. Unfortunately, a signpost is missing here; the route follows the driveway to the left, bypasses the beautiful farm, and runs along a meadow path to a fork. To the right branches off the very beautiful, good one-hour path 17 to the Kneifelspitze; the descent to Maria Gern is best made from there via the Lauch farm (path 15). The 10-minute detour to the Marxenhöhe goes immediately left and then leads down to the pilgrimage church Maria Gern in half an hour. From the driveway, a path branches off just below the church to the right into the Gerer Gorge, then at the end of the gorge to the left past Café Etzerfelsen and immediately again to the right along the ditch until the turn-off "Bergwerk" to the left.
Information & contact
https://www.berchtesgaden.de/wandern
Mag. Christian Heugl
5400 Hallein
cheugl@a1.net
Image credit: Christian Heugl
By public transport
Bus 840 from Salzburg main station (Engelbert-Weiß-Weg) to the stop Berchtesgaden Salzbergwerk (parking lot). The Salzburg climate ticket is only valid up to St. Leonhard.
Timetable information and download: Available online at www.salzburg-verkehr.at or on your smartphone via the free Salzburg Verkehr app for Android and iOS.
Route profile
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