Winter hikes in the Chiemgau region: The best tours in November

When the first snow blankets the alpine pastures and forests of the Chiemgau region, it transforms into a winter paradise for hikers. A break in the fresh mountain air is particularly worthwhile in November – before the winter sports crowds arrive. Whether you prefer easy valley walks through snow-covered winter landscapes, snowshoe tours to rustic alpine pastures, or ambitious summit ascents – winter hikes in the Chiemgau offer unforgettable nature experiences for every fitness level.

This guide introduces you to the 10 most beautiful winter tours in the Chiemgau region – with precise information on elevation gain, duration, difficulty, and places to stop for refreshments. It also includes equipment tips, safety rules , and a map of all the tours to help you plan your trip.

• The 10 most beautiful winter hikes in the Chiemgau region in November
• Tours sorted by difficulty - overview
• Equipment & Preparation: Staying safe in the Chiemgau winter
• Tour map & practical planning tools
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them
• FAQ about winter hikes in the Chiemgau region
• Conclusion: Winter hiking in November – peaceful, picturesque, special

The 10 most beautiful winter hikes in the Chiemgau region in November

1. Röthelmoosalm – The classic for gourmets (light)

Starting point: Laubau near Ruhpolding
Duration: approx. 2–2.5 hours (round trip)
Elevation gain: approx. 150 m
Difficulty: Easy

This tour takes you through a wintry moor and alpine pasture area with views of the snow-covered Sonntagshorn. The Röthelmoosalm is ideal for a relaxed family hike, suitable for children or snowshoeing. Wide paths make navigation easy, and snow-covered forest clearings along the way invite you to take a break with a thermos of tea.

Special feature: The Röthelmoosalm is located in a sunny clearing – perfect for a bit of winter sun in November.

2. Brander Alm – Family-friendly snow excursion (easy)

Starting point: Blindau parking lot (Reit im Winkl)
Duration: approx. 2 hours (round trip)
Elevation gain: approx. 200 m
Difficulty: Easy

From Reit im Winkl, a wide winter trail leads in a steady but easy ascent to the Brander Alm, a working alpine pasture. Especially after fresh snowfall, it's a wonderfully snowy route, easily manageable with children. The rustic alpine hut offers warm soups and homemade cakes for a relaxing break.

Tip: Start early – the return route is often in the shade in the afternoon.

3. Unternberg Panorama Trail – Short high-altitude hike with views (easy)

Starting point: Unternbergbahn mountain station (Ruhpolding)
Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
Elevation gain: 100–150 m
Difficulty: Easy

Take the train for a comfortable ride up, then a scenic circular trail leads you across the mountain ridges. Enjoy fantastic views of the snow-covered Ruhpolding valley, and stop for refreshments at the Unternberg-Stüberl (depending on opening times).

Perfect for: Connoisseurs, families, guests with limited stamina.

4. Priener Hütte – Ascent with views of the Kaiser Mountains (moderate)

Starting point: Huben near Schleching
Duration: 3–4 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 800 m
Difficulty: Medium

A sunny winter ascent through the Geigelstein area awaits you. The well-marked route mostly follows cleared forest roads, but offers frequent panoramic views of the wintry Kaiser Mountains. The Priener Hütte itself is often a highlight in winter, offering a peaceful, wintry atmosphere.

Important: Only plan this activity in clear weather and with sufficient daylight!

5. Dandlalm via Urschlau – The quiet path (moderate)

Starting point: Urschlau near Ruhpolding
Duration: approx. 2.5–3 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 500 m
Difficulty: Medium

A quiet route off the beaten track: From the hamlet of Urschlau, the trail leads through snow-covered forest sections to the remote and often unmanaged Dandlalm alpine pasture. Here you'll be almost alone – ideal for getting away from it all. Snowshoes may be necessary after fresh snowfall.

Highlight: Absolute peace and quiet and snow-covered forest landscapes without any hustle and bustle.

6. Frasdorfer Hütte – Mountain hut with panoramic views (moderate)

Starting point: Frasdorf – Lederstube parking lot
Duration: approx. 3 hours round trip
Elevation gain: approx. 600 m
Difficulty: Medium

From Frasdorf, a well-maintained forest path leads to the popular Frasdorf Hut. In November, the rapid changes in weather can be challenging – crampons will keep you safe. After the climb, you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view of the snow-covered Inn Valley.

Tip: Significantly less busy during the week!

7. Hochfelln – Challenging ascent with panoramic summit (difficult)

Starting point: Kohlstatt near Bergen
Duration: 4–5 hours
Elevation gain: 1000–1100 m
Difficulty: Hard

Are you looking for a challenging hike? Then the Hochfelln is the perfect choice. The route climbs steeply right from the start and leads to an altitude of over 1,600 meters. At the top, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views stretching as far as Lake Chiemsee and deep into the Tyrolean mountains. Only for experienced winter hikers with the appropriate equipment!

Avalanche information: Pay attention to the situation report – parts of the ascent are avalanche-prone.

8. Hochplatte above Rottauer Valley – For experienced winter hikers (difficult)

Starting point: Rottau – Lederstube parking lot
Duration: approx. 4.5–5 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 1000 m
Difficulty: Hard

The winter ascent of the Hochplatte is considered one of the more challenging alpine tours in November. The climb through the Rottau Valley and via the Riesenhütte mountain hut offers a wild winter landscape – but requires good physical condition, sure-footedness, and safe avalanche conditions. Snowshoes can be helpful.

Natural highlight: Rustic alpine huts and an open ridge trail with 360° views of the Alps.

9. Alpine Pasture Circuit Reit im Winkl – For leisurely winter excursions (easy)

Starting point: Hindenburghütte (shuttle bus available from Reit im Winkl)
Duration: approx. 1.5–2 hours (round trip)
Elevation gain: approx. 150 m
Difficulty: Easy

This cleared tour is ideal for those who enjoy a leisurely pace. Starting from the scenic Hindenburghütte, the trail leads across flat alpine meadows past the Hemmersuppenalm. With fresh snowfall, it's even possible to toboggan down to the hut.

Bonus: A particularly family-friendly route combining hiking and tobogganing fun.

10. Staffenblick – High-altitude trail with magnificent Alpine views (easy)

Starting point: Hochplattenbahn mountain station (Marquartstein)
Duration: approx. 1.5–2 hours
Elevation gain: 200–250 m
Difficulty: Easy

A short but rewarding high-altitude trail with constant views of Hochplatte, Geigelstein, and the snow-covered valley basin of Marquartstein. Ideal when the lifts are running – inaccessible when the Hochplatte cable car is closed.

Advantage: High-altitude dining with a view, requiring minimal effort.

tour	Starting point	Length of time	Elevation gain	difficulty	Stop for refreshments
Röthelmoosalm	Laubau (Ruhpolding)	approx. 2–2.5 h	150 m	Light	Partially open
Brander Alm	Blindau (Reit im Winkl)	2 h	200 m	Light	Yes
Unternberg	Unternbergbahn	1.5 h	100–150 m elevation gain	Light	Yes
Priener Hütte	Huben (Schleching)	3–4 h	800 m	Medium	Due to winter
Dandlalm	Urschlau	2.5–3 h	500 m elevation gain	Medium	No
Frasdorf Hut	Frasdorf	3 h	600 m	Medium	Yes
Hochfelln	Kohlstatt (Bergen)	4–5 h	1000–1100 m	Difficult	No
Hochplatte	Rottau	4.5–5 h	1000 m	Difficult	No
Almenrunde RiW	Hindenburg Hut	1.5–2 h	150 m	Light	Yes
Staff view	Hochplattenbahn	1.5–2 h	200–250 m	Light	No