Oberstdorf–Königssee High Trail

About this trail

The Oberstdorf–Königssee High Trail sweeps through the full breadth of the Bavarian Alps, connecting the beloved Allgäu resort town of Oberstdorf in the west with the crystalline glacial lake of Königssee inside Berchtesgaden National Park to the east. The route strings together a remarkable succession of alpine landscapes — rolling Allgäu pastures, the sharp limestone ridges of the Ammergau range, deep forested valleys, and the rugged, snow-holding peaks that frame Königssee — making it as much a journey through changing terrain as through changing regional identity. Hikers move from the pastoral farming culture of the Allgäu to the wilder, more dramatic character of Berchtesgadener Land, passing farmsteads, Baroque chapels, and active mountain dairies along the way. The terrain is genuinely alpine on the high sections: exposed rocky ridgelines, steep descents, and snow that can linger well into summer demand confident footwork and sound mountain judgment — this is not a route for beginners without guidance. The DAV hut network makes multi-day travel practical throughout the route, but advance booking from mid-July through August is non-negotiable. The reliable window runs from early July to late September; June can present snow-covered passes that require crampons or an ice axe, while October sees huts closing quickly and early-season snowfall. Standard red-and-white alpine waymarking is consistent, though map and compass remain essential when cloud drops or snow obscures the path. Lightning risk on open ridges is a genuine hazard — commit to early starts and treat afternoon thunderstorm forecasts as hard stop signals before committing to any high crossing.