Autumn hikes in the Chiemgau region: The best routes in November

When the leaves turn yellow, red, and gold, the Chiemgau region reveals its most impressive side. November brings quiet forests, clear panoramic views, and few hikers on the trails of the Chiemgau Alps. Perfect conditions, then, for anyone who loves nature and exercise in a tranquil atmosphere. In this guide, you'll find the 10 most beautiful autumn hikes in the Chiemgau : from family-friendly strolls to challenging alpine summit experiences for experienced hikers. It includes detailed information on starting points, elevation gains, places to stop for refreshments, and our expert assessment of snow conditions in November. Plan your Chiemgau hike now and discover the vibrant beauty of late autumn!

• Why autumn hikes in the Chiemgau region are special
• Top 5 easy autumn hikes for families
• The 5 best intermediate to difficult tours in November
• Comparison table: The best routes at a glance
• Equipment and safety: What you should pay attention to in November
• Avoid mistakes: 5 pro tips for your autumn tour
• FAQ about autumn hikes in the Chiemgau region
• Conclusion: Hiking in the Chiemgau region this autumn – enjoying quiet beauty

Why autumn hikes in the Chiemgau region are special

Best time for hiking tours before the snow

From late October to mid-November is the perfect time for autumn hikes in the Chiemgau region . Most routes are snow-free up to 1500 m, and the landscape is ablaze with vibrant autumn colors. Elevations between 800 and 1200 m are particularly rewarding now – they usually remain snow-free in stable weather and still offer stunning panoramic views.

Advantages of late autumn: Fewer people, clear air, colorful foliage

• Lightly frequented hiking trails – perfect peace and quiet in nature
• Visibility extends to the Central Alps during föhn winds.
• Color variety: larch gold, maple red, spruce blue
• Pleasant hiking temperatures between 5 and 12 °C

Typical weather conditions in November

In November, the weather is changeable – clear, dry days alternate with fog or light precipitation. Many routes remain snow-free until around mid-November, depending on the location. In higher elevations (above approximately 1500 m), earlier snowfall cannot be ruled out. For reliable planning, it's best to check with your local weather service or use apps like Bergfex or Alpenvereinaktiv.de .

Top 5 easy autumn hikes for families

Elevation gain & duration at a glance

For families, beginners, or seniors, shorter hikes with moderate elevation gain, well-maintained paths, and good views are particularly suitable. The following five family-friendly autumn hikes in the Chiemgau region are mostly under two hours long and easily accessible.

1. Circular hike to the Bischofsfellnalm

• Starting point: Winkl near Ruhpolding
• Duration: approx. 2 hours
• Elevation gain: approximately 300 meters
• Special features: Colorful mixed forests, good wildlife observation opportunities
• Suitable for children: Yes, easy forest paths and short walking time

2. Kienbergalm and Ettenberg

• Starting point: Listwirt (Bayerisch Gmain)
• Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
• Elevation gain: approximately 400 meters
• Highlights: Views over the Lattengebirge mountains, wide alpine meadows, forest nature trail

3. Herrenalm on the Samerberg

• Starting point: Spatenau parking lot (Samerberg)
• Duration: 1.5 hours round trip
• Elevation gain: 250 m
• Refreshments: Occasionally open on weekends, picnic area available

4. Hike to the Adersberg mountain inn

• Starting point: Rottau (district of Adersberg)
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Elevation gain: approx. 350 m
• Special feature: Year-round restaurant with a view of Lake Chiemsee

5. Rauschberg via Rauschbergbahn

• Starting point: Ruhpolding, Rauschbergbahn valley station
• Duration: Ascent approx. 3 hours, alternatively by train
• Elevation gain: approx. 800–850 m
• For families: Ideal with train access plus a short summit loop trail (art trail)

Equipment for family hikes

• Hiking boots with a tread for slippery leaf paths
• Walking sticks for seniors
• Snack, thermos flask with hot tea
• Weather protection including rain jackets

tour	Length of time	Elevation gain	Starting point	Stop for refreshments
Bischofsfellnalm	2 h	300 hm	Winkl (Ruhpolding)	No
Kienbergalm	2.5 h	400 m	Listwirt	No
Herrenalm	1.5 h	250 m	Spatenau	Yes
Adersberg	1.5–2 h	350 m	Rottau	Yes
Rauschberg	3 hours (ascent)	800 hm	Ruhpolding	Yes

The 5 best intermediate to difficult tours in November

Promising prospects despite November weather

If you're in reasonably good shape and enjoy climbing over 800 meters, you'll still find numerous autumn hikes in the Chiemgau region in November, most of which are snow-free until mid-month. The reward: panoramic views stretching far into the Central Alps.

1. Hochfelln Panorama Trail

• Starting point: Bergen, Hochfelln cable car valley station
• Elevation gain: 850 m
• Duration: 3–4 hours
• Extras: Circular tour with views of Lake Chiemsee, places to stop for refreshments along the way

2. Geigelstein via Priener Hütte

• Starting point: Huben near Schleching
• Elevation gain: 1100 m
• Duration: 5–6 hours
• Special feature: One of the most scenic summit tours in the Chiemgau region, Priener Hütte open in autumn

3. Kampenwand via Sultensteig

• Starting point: Aschau im Chiemgau
• Elevation gain: 1200 m
• Duration: 5–6 hours
• Experience: Steep climb, spectacular rock scenery just before the summit

4. Hike to the Stoißer Alm

• Starting point: Kohlhäusl parking lot near Teisendorf
• Elevation gain: 700 m
• Duration: approx. 3 hours
• Most beautiful view: Deep view into the Salzburg basin

5. Gurnwandkopf of Urschlau

• Starting point: Urschlau (near Ruhpolding)
• Elevation gain: approx. 950 m
• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Peace factor: Off the beaten track, very quiet

Mini-card recommendation

For all the tours mentioned, we recommend the digital map from www.alpenvereinaktiv.com with GPX download and elevation profile.

Comparison table: The best routes at a glance

Hike	Length of time	Elevation gain	difficulty	Highlights	Accessibility	Stop for refreshments	Snow-free
Hochfelln panoramic circular trail	3–4 h	850 m	Medium	Panoramic view, circular trail	Car/Public Transport	Yes	until mid-November
Bischofsfellnalm	2 h	300 hm	Light	Autumn forest, animals	car	No	until mid-November
Geigelstein	5–6 h	1100 hm	Medium	Summit view, Priener Hütte	car	Yes	until mid-November
Kienbergalm	2.5 h	400 m	Light	Lattengebirge view	car	No	until November
Herrenalm	1.5 h	250 m	Light	Alpine meadows, view of Lake Chiemsee	car	Yes	until late autumn