TL;DR
The Ammergauer Hochplatte, standing at 2,082 meters, is not just the highest point in the Ostallgäu district but also a stunning destination for mountaineering, with a varied route and breathtaking views. The tour includes a hike through the picturesque Roggental Valley, known for its beautiful streams and waterfalls.
In this article, I will provide detailed instructions on how to reach the Ammergauer Hochplatte and insider information to make your hiking experience truly rewarding. By the end of the article, you will understand why the Ammergauer Hochplatte Hike is one of my favorite hikes in the Ammergauer Alps.
Before I introduce you to the tour, please note that its starting point is in Reutte, Austria. However, almost the entire route and the summit are on German territory, so I’ve classified the tour under Germany.
How do I Get to Ammergauer Hochplatte By Car?
If you are coming from the German side, take the B23 to the junction for Schloss Linderhof/Reutte. Turn onto the St2060 and drive past Linderhof and Graswang to the Austrian border. About 3 km after the Austrian border, you will find a free parking lot on the right at the Almwirtschaft Ammerwald. If you are from Austria or the Füssen area, take the L255 past Plansee to reach the starting point.
If the parking lot is fully occupied, you can park your car for free next to Ammerwald 9, which is 300 m away from the Almwirtschaft Ammerwald, the starting point of today’s hike.
Tour Summary: Ammergauer Hochplatte
— Starting Point: Ammerwald-Alm, restaurant, and hiking car park (1102 m).
— Walking time: 5 hours. Ascent: 3 hours; Descent: 2 hours.
— Altitude difference: 1000 meters; Distance: 10.6 km (total round trip including the traverse); 5.3 km via the Weitalpjoch to the summit.
— Best season: End of June to the first snowfall.
— Please note that there is no opportunity to stop for refreshments on the tour.
Tour Description: Hiking to Ammergauer Hochplatte
Ascent
From the Ammerwald Alm, take the forest road straight into the forest. You won’t miss it. Go right at the fork in the road (signposted Hochplatte/Weitalpjoch) until the forest road turns right. From there, follow the signs on the small hiking trail into the Roggental.
The path quickly narrows into a trail and initially runs alongside the stream on the right-hand side of the valley. The Roggental is a highlight of the trip, with majestic streams roaring and waterfalls pouring from all sides - something not often seen in the Alps. You will discover an old iron ladder that helps you cross the stream to the other side. From there, the trail steeply climbs up. It continues into the valley, offering a view of the beautiful stream gorge with cascades and pools.
After walking for about an hour, you will reach a fork in the path (1466 m). Take the right path and climb steeply in switchbacks to the Weitalpjoch (1780 m). Afterward, continue further to the Ammergauer Hochplatte. Optionally, once at the top of Weitalpjoch, you can choose to make a detour to other peaks like the Lösertaljoch and Hasentalkopf. I highly recommend visiting these peaks. However, please note that the ascent to Ammergauer Hochplatte is becoming more and more challenging from now on. So before attempting the detour, carefully consider whether you are fit enough and can make it on time. If not, it’s best to stick to the main track.
After turning left and navigating a right-hand bend around a head, you will reach another saddle known as the Schlössel. Continue north through the karst terrain, the Wilden Freithof, which features karst fields and mountain pines, until you reach the ridge. The ridge offers some beautiful views of Lake Forggensee and the surrounding Alps.
The path now continues along the ridge to the left (west). There is a wire rope to help you at a slightly exposed, narrow point along the ridge. However, it’s still a walkable path, not a climbing area, so you don’t need special equipment. Keep going in a southwestern direction until you reach the summit of the Ammergauer Hochplatte (2079 m).
Descent
You have two options to descend from the Ammergauer Hochplatte:
- Take the same route as the ascent.
- Cross the Hochplatte using the partially exposed ridge to the so-called "Fensterl" (Bavarian word for window).
For a more beautiful and rewarding option, follow the partly wire-secured western ridge to the Fensterl towards the higher main summit of the Ammergauer Hochplatte (2082 m). The hike involves walking over the exposed ridge, with short climbing sections secured with wire ropes. Afterward, you’ll return to the ridge, which is initially narrow and airy but then widens out over the broad ridge down to the small rock gate, the Fensterl (1916 m).
From the Fensterl, turn left toward descent (southeast) and cross to the Roggentalsattel (1883 m). Descend into the Roggental through a broad corrie basin, following the same path as the ascent back to the starting point at the Ammerwald Alm (1112 m).
What’s the Best Hiking Trail to the Ammergauer Hochplatte?
Although you can hike in the other direction, I recommend going counterclockwise for the best experience. Here’s why:
— The ascent to the Weitalpjoch is steep and more pleasant when ascending towards the Ammergauer Hochplatte.
— The ascent passes through mountain pines, which get very hot in the afternoon when descending.
— You will find the critical point on the ridge (at the crossing) from the main summit of the Ammergauer Hochplatte to the Fensterlmore rewarding and fun during the ascent, not the descent.
— When crossing clockwise, you have more spectacular views.
— From the Roggentalsattel, the descent is very easy on the knees.
Do I need Special Equipment for the Hike?
While not required, consider bringing your hiking poles, as they can help make the descent more knee-friendly. Besides that, you don’t need any special hiking equipment. If you are afraid of heights and don’t feel secure on the crossing, it’s best to hike only to the first summit of the Ammergauer Hochplatte (2079 m) and return the same way.
Final Words
The hike to the Ammergauer Hochplatte is a versatile, beautiful, and challenging trail. The route described here involves an ascent in an anti-clockwise direction over the Weitalpjoch. It requires a certain amount of sure-footedness and a head for heights. The crossing from the cross to the main summit and the Fensterl is even more demanding. Still, it makes this hike even more memorable and attractive. Overall, it’s a magnificent crossing in wild nature with a breathtaking summit view and a view of Forggen- and Plansee as well as Zugspitze and Lechtaler Alps.
If you like this hike, make sure to check out my hiking guide for climbing the picturesque Schartenkopf and Laber, as well.
