This weekend I had the good fortune to visit Mittenwald for summit hike with friends. It was another step in furthering my integration into Bavarian traditions where a summer weekend is not complete without mountains and a beer garden. The hike proved a good workout featuring views into Austrian Alps and after Mittenwald was more exciting then expected.

Route: https://www.komoot.com/tour/63845277?ref=wtd
Parking: Mittenwald Bahnof
Primary photo source: https://www.instagram.com/antonpkazakov/

tree line

beer garden little over half way

With approx 1500m elevation gain over 7.2km the route we took was basically up hill the entire time with few breaks. The bottom section was wooded providing important protection from the alpine sun but once out of the trees the trail goes to more of an open loose rock field. Half way there was a small beer garden for a radler and to fill up water bottles. Somehow the electrolytes and alcohol make the uphill not so tough. At the top of the route there is a tunnel through to the Karwendelspitze top area but my group chose the more exposed path up to the peak then down to the top area. In the end weather held for a near perfect hike with nice and easy cable car back down to Mittenwald.

me standing on big rock

down climbing

friend in front of snowy trail

As with most mountain sports the fun did not end on the mountain for what an excuse to drink, eat, and celebrate. Mittenwald, with it’s live music, picturesque historic village, and supply of tasty schnitzel, made for a good time. Even took some beers down to the river for a some swimming in the ice cold Isar. Eventually a thunderstorm pushed us into a bar which also featured live music until we caught a late train back to Munich.

group at the top near tunnel entrance

selfie from top of Karwendelspitze