A sunny Saturday and planning a trip to the Herzogstand? That usually means thousands of tourists riding the gondola, with trails packed full of people in their Sunday best, all trying to reach the summit.
Lucky for me, the gondola had stopped operating the week before, and the mountain hut at the top was closed. That meant the perfect opportunity to hike in peace and enjoy the silence.
From the parking area at the Kesselberg Pass summit, you can take a relatively easy, wide trail that leads to the Berggasthof Herzogstand in about 1.5 to 2 hours. For an even quieter experience, consider heading up to the Martinskopf first. This detour takes about 20 minutes and offers a serene, stunning view of the Walchensee and the Alps.
And since mid-November at the Herzogstand means fewer people around, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the tranquility. The final ascent to the summit takes another 20 to 30 minutes and rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Kochelsee, Walchensee, and the surrounding mountains.
DOG HIKEABILITY FACTOR: 10/10
Easy hike-able dirt road and food paths.
DETAILS OF THE HIKE
Start: Parking Kesselber- Passhöhe
Distance: 15-16km
Time: 3-4h
Elevation: 881m
Highest point: 1.731m
Lowest point: 850m
Huts on the way: Berggasthaus Herzogstand
When to hike: Best in autumn when the gondola is closed
Date hiked: 16/11/2024
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