Kaiserkrone - stage 2

Sounds of the harp, fresh buttermilk and cool refreshment for tired feet!

Starting from the Gruttenhütte mountain hut, head west on road 14a. After around 15 minutes, climb a few steps as you turn on to the Wilder-Kaiser-Steig trail (WKS) no. 823 beneath the Kaiserkopf mountain. Stay on the WKS heading in a northwesterly direction, walking beneath the Treffauer and Tuxeck summits via the Lenggries (one of the largest gravel cirques in the Wilder Kaiser region). As you pass by aromatic mountain pines and through mountain forests, the Kitzbühel Alps and the glaciers of the Hohe Tauern mountain range are always in view.
The wild and romantic Kaiser-Hochalm Alpine pasture, which is located beneath the Sonnenstein, does not feature any establishments that serve food but provides a wonderful photo opportunity. Continue on the WKS no. 821/823 to Steiner-Hochalm mountain hut (1,257 m). Enjoy a pleasant rest as the innkeepers Maridi and Peter serve up spontaneous harp music and song to go with your drinks (no food available!).

Once this has put a spring in your step, you should start walking along the road and subsequently on the Höhenweg trail 821. Head downhill in the direction of Bärnstatt/Hintersteiner See until you come to the St. Leonhard Kapelle. Slightly further south of the chapel, the Gasthof Bärnstatt inn offers a place to stay for those looking to enjoy a gentle hike. Alternatively, you can follow the road to the Seestüberl restaurant on the eastern bank of Hintersteiner See lake.

From the lido’s car park, head south into the forest. Here, route 822 around the lake provides an idyllic walk to the western bank of the crystal clear mountain lake. When this merges into the road, hike north to the Pension Maier, which is also a good inn for a refreshment stop and an overnight stay. Further options for overnight stays include the Pension Hagenhof and Goingstätt farm, as well as places in the valley in Scheffau. The latter can be reached with the Hintersteiner See lake bus.

Make sure to take sufficient food and drinks with you on this stage!

Tip: Hintersteiner See
The crystal clear lake has a beautiful turquoise hue and provides a welcome cool-down for tired feet. The water is fed from underground sources and the visibility of up to 10 metres below the surface is testament to its superlative quality. The lido on the eastern bank is an ideal place to catch your breath after completing another demanding stage for the day.

Please note:
the Steiner-Hochalm only serves drinks!

Rucksack, sturdy hiking/mountaineering boots with anti-slip treaded soles, weather-appropriate hiking gear (breathable), a change of clothes, sun protection (sunglasses, sun cream, lip protection, headgear), waterproofs (rain jacket/poncho, pocket umbrella, rucksack protector), cold protection (hat, gloves), sufficient food and drink, hiking poles (height adjustable) if required, first aid kit incl. rescue blanket and bivouac sack, mobile phone with fully charged battery, headlamp, plastic bag for waste, hiking map, route description and information materials (GPX track), ID, insurance card, cash

Additions for overnight stay at mountain hut:
Mountain hut sleeping bag, indoor shoes, toiletries and towel, personal medication, headlamp, Alpine Club ID Card, cash, charger for mobile phone

The hiking routes between the huts are often rather long, we recommend taking plenty of food and drink and booking your overnight stays well in advance.

Next bus stop for the access to stage 2:

Ellmau Dorf/Bauhof and with the hiking bus Wochenbrunner Alm to the hiking bus stop Wochenbrunner Alm.



Next bus stop at the end of stage 2: Scheffau Bärnstatt, Hintersteiner See or Pension Maier.

From here, take the Hintersteiner See hiking bus to the Scheffau Dorf bus stop and continue with the KaiserJet or public buses.

More information at: www.wilderkaiser.info/mobility 

Wilder Kaiser hiking map (1:25.000) available at the Tourist information offices Ellmau, Going, Scheffau and Söll for € 6,90 -  with Wilder Kaiser Guest Card for € 6, -.

Gruttenhütte, Ellmau (1,620 m)

Hintersteiner See, Scheffau (889 m)