Via the Gatterlweg to Ettenberg
The fastest route to this destination
Via the Gatterlweg to Ettenberg
The ascent and descent to the pilgrimage church Mariä Heimsuchung in Ettenberg in the municipal area of Marktschellenberg is a steep affair. However, at the foot of the Untersberg awaits an almost heavenly paradise.
The destination of the circular hike is the pilgrimage church Mariä Heimsuchung in Ettenberg. The rococo church stands at the highest point (832 m) and is also the spiritual highlight for many pilgrims. Five richly decorated altars in the small church are evidence of its popularity and the good income of the pilgrimage. The hike to the picturesque plateau with the mighty Untersberg in the background is extremely appealing both in early summer and in the dry late autumn. In spring, the area impresses with its botanical richness; towards the end of the year, a wonderful autumnal play of colors spreads across the former gentian meadow. Instead of blooming gentian, shining birch and sycamore leaves on golden grass mats. Almost all nature prepares for winter rest, but even in cold November a curious snowrose head stretches up and looks forward to the warming snow cover. Then the trails to Ettenberg are no longer passable until the next spring…
easy
2h 0min
3.99 km
Round trip
Marktschellenberg
Seasons
Directions
From the bus stop “Marktschellenberg junction Kugelmühle” the path leads back a few meters to the Achen bridge and after crossing turns first right into Alte Berchtesgadener Straße and 100 meters later left into Gatterlweg (“Ettenberg via Gatterlweg”). Passing a rose-adorned crossroads and the last houses, the path becomes increasingly steep through the bright hillside forest. The loose gravel surface requires increased attention in some places. Upon reaching the plateau, the path leads to the last station of the Way of the Cross with a touching crucifixion scene and shortly after reaches the church. The descent passes the pilgrimage church and then turns left onto the meadows towards Hammerstielwand. Over countless steps and hairpin bends, the well-secured trail descends in 40 minutes through the lightly forested steep terrain to the Kugelmühle guesthouse. Along the driveway, it goes back to the bus stop.
Information & contact
www.berchtesgaden.de/wallfahrtskirche-maria-heimsuchung-in-ettenberg,
The “Mesnerwirt” (opposite the church in Ettenberg) is temporarily closed ( www.ettenberg.de/gasthaus-mesnerwirt/ ).
Mag. Christian Heugl
5400 Hallein
Photo credits: Christian Heugl
By public transport
By bus 840 from Salzburg main station (Engelbert Weiß Weg) to Marktschellenberg junction Kugelmühle.
The climate ticket is only valid up to Grödig Hangenden Stein. Please bring travel documents.
Timetable information and download: Online at www.salzburg-verkehr.at or on your smartphone via the free Salzburg Verkehr app for Android and iOS.
Safety information
The trails require sure-footedness and dry conditions.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.
