Lowa Trail Trophy – The Ultimate Trail Adventure
28.06.2023 To Mountain Bliss with the Ring Bus
Ascent: 2:20 h / Descent: 1:06 h / Elevation gain: 783 m Hiking to Brunnenkopf
“Better safe than sorry!”
This saying should really be second nature to me, because my tour began rather hurriedly and left me a little wiser. At 9:45, I set off by bike from the Wiesbichl settlement in Pflach toward Reutte train station. Being the lucky person that I am, I was already running late due to a technical issue with the hydration bladder in my backpack and was worried I might miss the bus.
Crisscrossing the Ammergau Alps Getting There with the New Ring Bus Line
After a record-breaking seven minutes, I arrived at the station, quickly parked my bike at the rack, and the red Plansee bus operated by RVO was already waiting to welcome its passengers. A day ticket costs €5 for adults and can be purchased directly on board from the very friendly driver. The bus wasn’t overcrowded, but it was well filled with both locals and tourists.
After just a few minutes – and some friendly chatting along the way – we reached the shores of Lake Plansee. The sight of it makes my heart leap every time, and even after eight years in the Außerfern region, I never tire of its beauty. As a water lover and someone who enjoys taking things at a slower pace, I would have loved to get off at the next stop and jump into the cool, crystal-clear water. But the destination for the day was, of course, a different one.
A short flight of steps leads to the entrance of the palace grounds and the ticket offices, where visitors can purchase admission to the smallest of King Ludwig II of Bavaria’s three castles, including access to the famous Venus Grotto. Passing to the left of the entrance to the grotto, you’ll soon spot the first signpost pointing the way toward Brunnenkopf and Klammspitze.
The forest road leading up to the Brunnenkopf Hut is mostly shaded and climbs steadily uphill. This makes the hike (at least as far as the hut) well suited for families with children. Since my companion Elisabeth was still recovering from a recent cold and I was eager to reach the summit cross before stopping for a break at the hut, I covered the final 800 meters to the Brunnenkopf Hut on my own at a slightly faster pace.
The last stretch to the Brunnenkopf summit follows a narrow trail and takes about 10 minutes. After just a few steps, you’ll pass a sign from the German Alpine Club warning that the remainder of the route requires alpine experience, sure-footedness, and a head for heights.
Around midday, the trail lies in full, blazing sun. With a raspberry-red face and slightly out of breath, I met two friendly guys from Augsburg on the way up. We quickly got into conversation when they learned that I live at the foot of the Säuling. They told me that they often come to the Außerfern region for hiking and that the Kaiserschmarrn at the Dürrenberg Alm is one of the best they’ve ever had.
The path becomes narrower and narrower toward the final rock outcrop, and we repeatedly had to stop briefly to let hikers coming the other way pass. The slopes drop off steeply – first on the right side of the valley, then on the left. From the last rocky section up to the summit cross, steel cables are installed to hold on to and assist with the short scramble. A few steps later, we reached the summit cross at 1,718 meters. It was windy, but under the clear sky we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of Klammspitze and the surrounding mountains. One of the two men I had met earlier pointed out several peaks and told me which ones he had already climbed.
The endorphin theory may be up for debate, but in that moment I knew one thing for certain – I was happy and completely in love with the moment.
We quickly signed the summit register and then made our way back down to the Brunnenkopf Hut, where Elisabeth was already waiting for me. The food was excellent, as was the obligatory Stamperl of gentian schnapps.
The hike back seemed to fly by, and after 66 minutes we reached the bus stop. We decided to save a visit to Linderhof Palace for another time. Sitting on a bench near the stop, we stretched our legs in the sun and let our minds unwind for a few more minutes before the bus arrived shortly after four o’clock and took us back to Reutte train station.
You can find the circular bus route and suggested hiking options in the ring bus map and the digital map. Ring Bus Line
Cross-Border Bus Connection Oberau – Reutte
From May 1 to September 30, the new bus line runs from Oberau train station via Ettal and Linderhof, past Lake Plansee and the Ehrenberg Castle World, all the way to Reutte. The service operates hourly on weekends and public holidays, making it the ideal way to visit the royal palaces of Linderhof and Neuschwanstein without using a car, enjoy a relaxed trip around Lake Plansee, or set off on a hike.
The new line also brings hikers back from the border area to the Graswang Valley or directly to the train station (bicycle transport is not available).
Written by:
Sustainability Coordinator Martina Heim