Hochgern - Staudacheralm - Schnappenkirche alpine circular trail

After endless grey days, I decided to go to where the sun shines at the weekend. The plan was actually to go to the Wackelstein in the Bavarian Forest. But unfortunately the weather is miserable there, so I simply relied on the many weather apps and drove to where there was the best view of pure sunshine ☀️. My destination was the Hochgern hiking car park near Marquartstein on Burgstrasse. And it was completely free, without having to pay. In Franconian Switzerland you actually have to pay for hiking car parks in nature these days - with machines and an app.... I drive south in the fog 🌫️ for over an hour and finally leave this grey veil behind me and get to more pleasant areas. Backpack out of the car and off I go.... The path leads along a wide forest road for quite a while, so I make quick progress. Gradually the path gets steeper and I still try to keep up my pace. Now it's been going uphill for miles and I'm losing speed - but I have gigantic views, pure sunshine and peace. I'm overwhelmed by the weather, the view and the fact that I was able to pull myself together to escape the dreariness. It's still a steep climb until I walk past a few alpine pastures, which are unfortunately already closed, and finally arrive at the Hochgern-Alm. It's not lunchtime yet and I'm not really hungry yet. So I just take a short break, treat myself to the sports drink - non-alcoholic beer - and then continue to the summit of the Hochgern. https://www.hochgernhaus.bayern/ The Kaiserschmarrn was very tempting, but I'd prefer something hearty. There are now also passages with a light covering of snow and I have to walk carefully because the tread on my shoes is no longer as good. When I arrive at Hochgern, I have a fantastic view in all directions. Here, too, I take a short break and eat the lunch I brought with me. The wind is whistling from all directions and the altitude of around 1730 m unfortunately offers no protection. So I set off again and from now on it is steadily downhill. The path winds across snow-covered meadows and continues downhill on a stony path. A lady with three dogs comes towards me with her sticks and asks if I don't have any sticks with me because the path is not getting any better as the path is covered in snow and slippery. Unfortunately, I don't have any with me, but I have to improvise and just carry on "crouching down". The lady was slightly irritated and so I continued down and she went up. It was a slide downhill for miles until I was finally able to walk upright on normal paths again. I pass the Schnappen Church, from where you can also enjoy a wonderful view down into the valley. The last few kilometers were again on a forest path, which I was able to walk very quickly. Satisfied with the decision to do the walk today, to have enjoyed the sun and to have completed the route, I get in the car and want to treat myself to a coffee and cake on the way back. Unfortunately, many of the cafes were not open or had closed again, so I didn't get to enjoy them. The hike, however, was pure enjoyment.

...good thing I was wearing overpants: the PeakPerformance compression sports pants fell apart on the way - a sign? 😂

Very nice and worth seeing tour. Recommended only for people with the appropriate stamina (basic fitness must be present). Tour done clockwise and recommended. Counterclockwise, the descent after the summit is very steep with large gradations. These go better uphill. Have fun hiking 😊👍🏻

Wonderful hike with fantastic views. The descent from Hochgern to Staudachalm is extremely slippery, quite long and I didn't enjoy it 🙃 The Staudachalm is very beautifully situated, there are delicious snacks (large portions), the hosts are very friendly.

Very strenuous ascent but the great view on the summit is rewarding for all the exertions

That was a challenging hike. Walking almost 1,200 meters in elevation in one go, something I don't do very often. The alpine pastures up there are truly enchanting. And the vegetation is unique, so many flowers, so much green 🍀🥰

A very beautiful route. But it's quite challenging. Approximately 1200 meters of elevation gain. The final climb is about 400 meters. It starts at the Staudacher Alm. Two very nice young ladies were there. The food and drinks were good. The average gradient was 35%. Peak gradient was 42%. You should be fit and drink plenty of fluids. The view over the entire valley is simply magnificent. It's worth the effort. Have fun!😀

Today, I showed dear Isa a bit of 'my'🤭 beautiful Chiemgau region again 🤩. I don't need to say much about the Hochgern, it's just perfect for a chilled chat 😄😉🥰