Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the pay car park at the valley station of the Herzogstand cable car in Walchensee. A path climbs through forest, under the cable car, to the Berggasthaus Herzogstand at 1,575 m, and hairpins lead on to the pavilion on the Herzogstand, 1,731 m. From there the ridge runs west for about 2.5 km, rising and falling over rocky tops, before a last steep climb to the Heimgarten, 1,791 m. The way down goes south past the Ohlstädter Alm and through forest back to the lake.
It is 13.4 km with 1,225 m of ascent; allow about 8 hours. The grade is Strenuous.
The ridge is the crux. It is narrow, with drops on both sides and polished rock, and only partly protected by wire rope: it needs sure feet and a head for heights, though no climbing gear. Do not go in snow, ice or a thunderstorm. Snow can lie on it well into May and from October.
Both summits look down on the Walchensee and the Kochelsee and out to the plain. The Heimgartenhütte, just below the second summit, is open in summer only. The cable car to the Berggasthaus saves most of the first climb. Buses run from Kochel station to Walchensee.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Two summits, 1,731 m and 1,791 m, joined by a narrow ridge between the Walchensee and the Kochelsee
- The ridge is exposed, with drops on both sides and wire rope in places: it needs sure feet and a head for heights
- King Ludwig II had a royal lodge built below the Herzogstand in 1865; a viewing pavilion stands on the summit
- A cable car runs from Walchensee to just below the Herzogstand
Summits on the way
- Fahrenbergkopf 1,627 m · passed close by
- Herzogstand 1,731 m
- Schlehdorfer Kreuz 1,640 m · passed close by
- Heimgarten 1,791 m
Getting there
Start: Herzogstandbahn valley station · Pay and display. 47.59600, 11.31704
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Bavarian Alps: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.