After breakfast, take a short train ride (10–15 minutes, not included) to the start of your hike at the foot of the Karwendel Mountains, a dramatic range straddling the German-Austrian border and part of a protected National Park. You have two excellent hiking options today, each offering a unique experience of the Karwendel Mountains.
Option 1: Eppzirlscharte Pass — begin your hike through peaceful forests of pine and larch, ascending the scenic Giessenbach Valley to the Eppizirl Alpage (1,459 m / 4,787 ft), where you might find fresh local cheese and yogurt in season. The trail then climbs to the Eppzirlscharte pass (2,072 m / 6,798 ft), offering breathtaking views over the Karwendel massif and a chance to spot chamois. A gentle descent through pristine alpine meadows leads you to the Solsteinhaus mountain hut.
Hiking: 14 km (8.7 mi), ~5 hours
Elevation: +1,100 m (3,609 ft), -360 m (1,181 ft)
Option 2: Gorge Trail via Scharnitz — this gentler, cooler option begins in Scharnitz and follows rivers and gorges most of the way. Start along the Isar Gorge, then continue through the Gleirschklamm Gorge, traversing charming wooden footbridges. As you ascend toward the Solsteinhaus hut, the scenery opens into lush alpine meadows.
Hiking: 17 km (10.6 mi), ~6 hours
Elevation: +1,000 m (3,281 ft), -185 m (607 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut (Solsteinhaus), dormitory
Luggage access: No, overnight pack to carry
Excellent route in a fabulous setting, well organised and with no nasty surprises, apart from a pair of boots that disintegrated on day 3 🙂 The hotels and refuges were comfortable, the breakfasts generous and varied, and the app on your phone made it easy to follow the route. And the chamois were just right!