Autumn hikes in the Chiemgau region: The best routes for every fitness level

When the forests of the Chiemgau region transform into vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange, it's the perfect time for autumn hikes. The crisp air, pleasant temperatures, and low-angled sun bathe the Alpine foothills in a golden glow. Autumn is the ideal time to discover new routes – whether a family-friendly loop, a panoramic hike through the low mountain range, or a challenging summit climb. In this article, we'll show you specific autumn hikes in the Chiemgau: from the Ratzinger Höhe to the Kampenwand and the Hochgern. You'll also find tips on equipment, safety, and route planning – for a relaxing day of hiking in this colorful season.

• 1. Easy autumn hikes in the Chiemgau region for beginners & families
• 2. Moderate hikes for ambitious recreational hikers
• 3. Challenging routes for experienced mountain hikers
• 4. Comparison of autumn hiking routes in the Chiemgau region
• 5. Hiking in Chiemgau in autumn: Tips on equipment, safety & planning
• 6. Frequently Asked Questions about Autumn Hikes in the Chiemgau Region (FAQ)
• 7. Conclusion: Chiemgau in autumn – hiking enjoyment for everyone

Easy autumn hikes in the Chiemgau region for beginners and families

Ideal for beginners and families: What characterizes easy autumn hikes?

Easy hikes in autumn are ideal for beginners, families, or anyone who wants to spend a relaxing day in nature. They follow well-maintained paths, have minimal elevation gain (under 300 meters), and usually last no longer than two to three hours. Autumn panoramic hikes with views of Lake Chiemsee or through colorful mixed forests are particularly beautiful.

Hiking recommendation 1: Circular route to Ratzinger Höhe

Ratzinger Höhe is one of the most popular destinations for an autumn family hike in the Chiemgau region . The circular trail begins in the village of Rimsting , just a few minutes from Lake Chiemsee. Across gentle hills and meadows, you'll climb to the approximately 700-meter-high Ratzinger Höhe, which offers a unique panoramic view of Lake Chiemsee and the Alps .

• Duration: 2–2.5 hours
• Elevation gain: approx. 100–150 meters
• Special features: Outstanding views, autumnal meadow landscape, ideal for children
• Starting point: Rimsting train station or parking lot

Hiking recommendation 2: Marquartstein Castle & Schnappenkirche

This easy hike in the Chiemgau region combines history with nature. From the center of Marquartstein, a narrow, family-friendly path leads up to the castle ruins and on to the picturesque Schnappenkirche church . From there, you have a magnificent view of the Achental valley.

• Duration: 2–2.5 hours
• Elevation gain: approx. 300 m
• Difficulty: easy
• Highlights: Culture, views, child-friendly route

Hiking recommendation 3: Zeller hike near Inzell with Falkensee

Another tip for autumn hikes in the Chiemgau region is the Zellerwanderung near Inzell . From the Zwing parking lot , you hike along well-maintained paths through colorful forests towards Falkensee . The reflection of the autumnal landscape in the clear water is particularly captivating. The circular route offers sections suitable for strollers and places to stop for refreshments.

• Duration: 2.5–3 hours
• Elevation gain: 200–300 m
• Special features: family-friendly, lake experience, vibrant colors

Easy autumn hikes at a glance

tour	Length of time	Elevation gain	Special features	difficulty
Ratzinger Heights	2–2.5 h	100–150 m	View of Lake Chiemsee	light
Marquartstein Castle & Schnappenkirche	2–2.5 h	approx. 300 m	Family-friendly	light
Zellerwanderung near Inzell	2.5–3 h	200–300 m	Colorful lake	light

Moderate hikes for ambitious leisure hikers

What does "moderately difficult" mean in the Chiemgau region? Trails, elevation profile & requirements

Moderate hikes in the Chiemgau region are characterized by elevation gains of between 800 and 1,000 meters and durations of between 3.5 and 6 hours . The trails can be steep or gravelly in places. A good level of fitness and sure-footedness are essential. In return, hikers are rewarded with rugged alpine pastures, tranquil summits, and phenomenal panoramic views.

Hike 1: Kampenwand via the Steinlingalm

The classic Kampenwand hike starts at the Aschau hiking car park and leads via forest roads and mountain paths to the rustic Steinlingalm . The optional summit ascent requires some sure-footedness but rewards hikers with a 360-degree view from Lake Chiemsee to the Kaiser Mountains .

• Duration: 3.5–4 hours
• Elevation gain: approx. 850 m
• Difficulty: medium
• Region: Chiemgau Alps, Aschau
• Recommended for: Experienced hikers

Hike 2: Hochplatten circuit via Rachlalm & Hochalm

This circular hike combines magnificent views with traditional alpine charm. From the Staffen car park (Marquartstein), you ascend via the Rachlalm and ridge sections to the Piesenhausener Hochalm . The route impresses with its variety and the exceptionally beautiful alpine panorama .

• Duration: 5–6 hours
• Elevation gain: approx. 1,000 m
• Special features: Places to stop for refreshments, botanically interesting

Hike 3: Zwiesel via the Branderalm

Things are a bit quieter on the Zwiesel (1,781 m) near Bad Reichenhall . From the Branderalm, a well-marked trail leads to the summit, which offers a magnificent view of the Berchtesgaden region . The return journey follows the same route.

• Duration: 4–5 hours
• Elevation gain: approx. 900 m
• Starting point: Liststraße parking lot (Bad Reichenhall)

Typical characteristics of moderately difficult routes

• Altitude between 800 and 1,000 meters
• Steeper climbs, some narrow mountain paths
• Not a climbing area, but good sure-footedness is required.
• Walking time usually between 3.5 and 6 hours

Challenging routes for experienced mountain hikers

Autumn challenges: What to consider on difficult tours

Hiking in the Chiemgau region in autumn, especially on challenging tours, involves 1,000 meters of elevation gain, steep ascents, and alpine sections. These routes are only recommended in stable weather and for those with alpine experience – as the risk of slipping increases with wet leaves or even the first patches of snow.

Hike 1: Fellhorn loop via the high alpine pasture

Between Sachrang and Tyrol rises the Fellhorn (1,764 m) . The autumnal circular hike from Sachrang leads through mixed forest to the Hochalm alpine pasture and then steeply up to the summit. From the ridge, there is a magnificent view of the Wilder Kaiser and Zahmer Kaiser mountain ranges.

• Duration: 6–7 hours
• Elevation gain: 1,100–1,200 m
• Difficulty: difficult

Hike 2: Geigelstein via Wuhrsteinalm

The Geigelstein is also known as the flower mountain of the Chiemgau region . Its botanical diversity remains impressive even in autumn. The ascent via the Wuhrsteinalm from Schleching-Ettenhausen is strenuous but rewarding.

• Duration: 5.5–6.5 hours
• Elevation gain: 1,200 m
• Special features: Wildly romantic path, panoramic views, rarely frequented in autumn

Hike 3: Hochgern via Vorderalm

The Hochgern (1,748 m) is considered the local mountain of the eastern Chiemgau region . From Staudach-Egerndach, the challenging trail leads via the Vorderalm through larch forests ablaze with autumn colors to the summit – a true spectacle of color!

• Duration: 6–7 hours
• Elevation gain: 1,300 m
• Highlights: Colors of the larch, alpine flair

Challenging tours with summit experience

tour	Elevation gain	Length of time	Summit view	Recommended for
Fellhorn Round	1,100–1,200 m	6–7 h	Wild/Tame Emperor	Experienced
Geigelstein	1,200 m	5.5–6.5 h	Central Alps view	Advanced
Hochgern	1,300 m	6–7 h	Alpine panorama	Experienced