Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the pay car park at the valley station of the Wendelstein cable car in Osterhofen, five minutes from the railway halt. It climbs by Hochkreuth and the Siglalm to the Wendelsteiner Almen, a group of alpine huts at about 1,420 m, then steepens up the stony slopes to the Wendelsteinhaus at 1,724 m. The last 100 m are by the summit path, a built way of steps and galleries round the rock to the top at 1,838 m. Return the same way.
It is 14.5 km there and back with 1,030 m of ascent; allow about 7 hours. The grade is Hard, for its length and climb: the path is steep in places but not difficult.
The Wendelstein stands out in front of the main Alps, so the view takes in both the plain and the peaks. On top are an observatory and a transmitter mast; just below is the Wendelsteinkircherl of 1890, the highest church in Germany.
The summit path is closed in the winter months for snow, ice and rockfall, and usually reopens in April or May. A cable car to Osterhofen and a rack railway to Brannenburg both run from the Wendelsteinhaus, so you need not walk down. Trains from Munich to Bayrischzell stop at Osterhofen.
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
- A limestone summit of 1,838 m standing out in front of the main Alps, with an observatory, a transmitter mast and, just below the top, the highest church in Germany, consecrated in 1890
- The last 100 m from the Wendelsteinhaus are a built path of steps, closed in the winter months
- A cable car from Osterhofen and a rack railway from Brannenburg both run to the Wendelsteinhaus
- Trains from Munich stop at Osterhofen, five minutes' walk from the start
Summits on the way
- Wendelstein 1,838 m
Getting there
Start: Wendelstein cable car car park, Osterhofen · Pay and display. 47.68800, 11.97961
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Wendelstein cable car car park: 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.
