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Hoher Göll, Berchtesgaden

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The Hohe Göll is a prominent peak in the Berchtesgaden Alps, Germany. A climb up the Hohe Göll offers a varied and challenging mountain tour with magnificent views of the surrounding mountain landscape and the Berchtesgaden region.

The classic starting point for the ascent is usually the Hinterbrand car park, which is about 1,100 metres above sea level. From here, the trail begins through the forest and initially leads along a well-marked hiking trail. The first sections are quite pleasant and not too steep.

After crossing the forest, you reach an alpine pasture called «Gotzenalm» at an altitude of about 1,500 metres. This is a good place to take a break, drink fresh spring water and enjoy the view.

From the Gotzenalm, the ascent becomes steeper and more challenging. The trail leads over scree fields, rocky passages and serpentines that test the hikers’ fitness. Surefootedness is particularly important here, as the trail can be exposed in some places.

On the way up, you also pass the «Schwabenbauernhöhle», a cave that used to be used by shepherds as a shelter. It is accessible to hikers and offers a welcome change and opportunity for a rest.

The higher you climb, the more spectacular the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys become. In good weather, the view extends to the nearby Chiemgau Alps, the Hohe Tauern and the Watzmann.

Finally, you reach the summit of the Hoher Göll at 2,522 metres. From here you have a breathtaking panoramic view that rewards the efforts of the ascent. You can admire the beauty of the Berchtesgaden National Park and the majestic Alpine landscape.

There are various options for the descent. Many opt for the same route back to the starting point, but it is also possible to do a round trip and descend via the so-called «Salzburger Gipfelsteig» or the «Göll-Steig». However, these descent routes are more demanding and require alpine experience and surefootedness.

A climb up the Hohe Göll is an unforgettable experience for mountain lovers who want to experience the nature and beauty of the Berchtesgaden Alps up close. However, it is important to prepare well for the tour, take into account the weather conditions and bring the right equipment to enjoy the hike safely.

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Watzmann, Berchtesgaden

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The Watzmann Crossing is a challenging and breathtaking alpine tour in the Berchtesgaden Alps, southern Germany. It leads over the Watzmann, a striking mountain massif with three peaks: the Hocheck (2,651 m), the Mittelspitze (2,713 m) and the Südspitze (2,712 m). The tour is considered one of the most beautiful and challenging alpine undertakings in the Eastern Alps.

The classic route usually starts in Berchtesgaden and first leads up to the Watzmannhaus hut at about 1,930 metres. This is where many mountaineers spend the first night to prepare for the next day. Early in the morning they then set off to conquer the summit of the Watzmann.

The ascent of the middle peak is technically demanding and requires experience in alpine climbing and good physical condition. It involves steep rock passages and often exposed ridges. Safety equipment such as a climbing harness, helmet and via ferrata set are absolutely necessary.

However, the climb to the summit is rewarded by the incredible views that the climbers are offered. On a clear day, you can see as far as the nearby Chiemgau Alps and the Hohe Tauern in the east and as far as the Berchtesgaden Alps and the Reiter Alpe in the south.

After the successful ascent of the middle peak, the famous Watzmann ridge follows, which is considered one of the most beautiful ridges in the Alps. The ridge is narrow and exposed, but the views of the surrounding mountain landscape are spectacular. Crossing the ridge eventually leads to the south summit, the third highest point of the Watzmann massif.

From the south peak, you then descend via the well-secured Watzmann-Hocheck via ferrata. This part also requires alpine experience and surefootedness, as there are steep passages. The via ferrata leads down to the Watzmannhaus hut, where the climbers can rest again before starting the descent into the valley.

The Watzmann traverse is not an undertaking for inexperienced mountaineers due to the technical difficulties and weather conditions. Good preparation, physical fitness, alpine experience and the right equipment are essential to complete this impressive tour safely and successfully. Mountain guides or experienced climbing partners can be of great help here to minimise the risk and make the most of the experience.

Via ferrata

Via ferrata Großer Priel, Totes Gebirge

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The majestic Große Priel in the Totes Gebirge mountains loomed proudly before me when I decided to embark on the exciting adventure of via ferrata climbing. With an altitude of 2,515 metres and the status as the highest mountain in the region, the Große Priel promised a demanding and breathtaking challenge.

Blick auf den Hinterstoder. Auf dem Weg zum zum großen Priel.

I was particularly intrigued by the ascent via the Bert Rinesch via ferrata, which only opened in 2019. The fact that it is the longest via ferrata in Austria, with an impressive climbing length of 2,130 metres and a difference in altitude of 900 metres, made my adventurer’s heart beat faster.

The starting point for my project was the Prielschutzhaus at an altitude of 1,100 metres. The ascent alone to the Schutzhaus already required several hours of hiking, so I decided to set off from Hinterstoder the day before and spend the night there.

The next morning my via ferrata adventure began. From the Prielschutzhaus I went on to the helipad and then in the direction of Bloßkogel. There a signpost showed the way through the Goldkar to the start of the via ferrata. I was full of anticipation as I climbed the first few metres up the wall of the Großer Priel.

The via ferrata itself was a mixture of action via ferrata and alpine via ferrata. In the lower section, rope bridges and even caves awaited me, which I negotiated with skill and enthusiasm. Some of the passages had a difficulty rating of D and required full concentration and surefootedness.

With every metre I climbed higher, a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountain landscape opened up to me. But I couldn’t let myself be distracted by the beauty for too long, because the via ferrata continued to demand my full attention.

In the upper section, the character of the via ferrata changed to a classic alpine via ferrata. The air became thin and I felt the exposure as I climbed the ladders. The challenge was intensified by the steep ridge that eventually led me to the legendary red summit cross of the Großer Priel.

700 pitons, 14 ladders and 2 rope bridges were part of this unique via ferrata that challenged and rewarded me in every way. The extension of the via ferrata in 2019 had created a masterpiece that was one of the most impressive via ferratas in Austria.

After reaching the summit of the Großer Priel, I felt a little closer to heaven. The effort and the challenges I had overcome on the way to the summit gave this experience a special meaning. The view from the top was indescribable and I enjoyed every moment of this unforgettable moment.

The descent was via the normal route, along the west ridge to the Brotfallscharte. I had to pull my concentration together once again, as there were also some rope-secured passages to overcome here. The Kühkar finally led me back to the Prielschutzhaus, where I reviewed the adventure.

The ascent of the Großer Priel via the Bert Rinesch via ferrata was undoubtedly one of the most challenging and yet most fascinating experiences in my mountaineering life. The memory of this adventure will stay with me forever, and I am grateful for the opportunity to climb the summit of the Großer Priel in this incomparable way.