This time I've got a special kind of adventure for you - the Hasentalkopf Hike in the Ammergau Alps. Nestled near picturesque Oberammergau, this circular track is your Swiss Army knife for outdoor escapades: it has it all. Want stunning alpine views? Check. Want a trail that treats your dog as well as you? Double check! Want to escape the crowds? Triple-check, especially if you leave early in the morning.
Here's the kicker: The Hasentalkopf Hike has become one of the most popular loop hikes in the Ammergau Alps Nature Park. And for good reason! The climb into the Sägertal valley is well worth the effort for the enchanting Hasentalkopf basin and the sweeping panoramic views. You can do this loop from either direction; it's choose-your-own-adventure at its best.
But the magic of this hike isn't just in the views, it's in the flexibility. Whether you're a first-timer, a seasoned hiker, or somewhere in between, there's a piece of trail perfect for you.
Pro tip: Start early to maximize your day exploring one of the most exciting hikes in the Bavarian Alps!
Quick Facts about the Hike to Hasentalkopf
— Distance: 12.5 km
— Circular Track: Yes
— Time Required: 5:00 hours
— Difficulty: Moderate
— Min. Height: 970 m
— Max. Height: 1757 m
— Best Time to Visit: May - October
Good to know about the Hasentalkopf Hike
— When to visit: Outside the tourist season, you'll have the mountains pretty much to yourself.
— Best time of year: September and October are all about red and gold leaves. Seriously, the trail turns into an artist's palette, and you'll have a front-row seat to the spectacle.
— Linderhof Palace: If you've got some time and energy left over after the hike, head to Linderhof Palace. It's only a 30-minute walk from the parking lot, and it's a piece of Bavarian beauty you won't want to miss.
What to Bring: Your Essential Packing List for the Hasentalkopf Hike
— Backpack
— Hiking boots
— Shorts
— Shirt
— Light sweater
— Sunscreen
— Sunglasses
— 1-2 liters of water
— Sandwich
— Snacks like bananas or granola bars
— Phone (or Camera)
More recommendations on what to pack for hiking in September - November:
— Headlamps or torch
— Spare shirt
— Warm jacket
— Long sweatpants
— Beanie
— Gloves
More recommendations on what to pack when traveling with your dog:
— Leash
— Portable drinking bowl
— Treats
Is the Hasentalkopf Hike Dog-Friendly?
This hike is a paradise for dogs! In the beginning, you walk along a river for the first 1.5 hours. There's plenty of opportunity for your pup to cool off. This part of the hike is also great for hot summer days as it is completely shaded by beautiful deciduous trees.
The rest of the hike is pleasant, with lots of alpine meadows, beautiful views, and a steady but moderate incline that makes the area easily accessible for dogs who are not canine Usain Bolt.
Even the ridge walk is easy for dogs and doesn't pose any major hazards.
All in all, Hanna had a great time and although she's already part of the older generation, the hike didn't fully exhaust her, unlike some of the more challenging hikes from the past, such as the Brecherspitz or the Drachensee hike.
Directions for the Hasentalkopf Hike
From Graswangtal via Sägerbachtal (1.5 h)
Start your hike at the large parking lot at the back of the Graswangtal and hike into the Sägerbachtal. It’s completely free! You'll hike along a forest road next to the Sägerbach for about 1.5 hours. But hang on! Once you're out of the woods, you'll have lonely mountain paths and dreamy views. Enjoy!
The name "Sägerbachtal" probably comes from the German word "Säger", which can mean "sawyer" (a person who cuts wood), and "Bach", which means "stream" or "brook". The "Tal" means "valley". This suggests that the area may have a history related to lumbering, probably powered by the stream that flows through the valley.
Reaching Bäckenalmstattel (45 min)
After 45 minutes you reach the Bäckenalmstattel, where you have a choice: turn right and you reach the Feigenkopf and the Große Klammspitze, or go straight and you reach the Kenzenhütten. This time we turn left and head for the Lösertaljoch and Kessel-Rundweg!
Reaching the Kesselwand Rim (20 min)
After a short climb, you'll reach the edge of the Kesselwand, which, let me tell you, looks like a freakin' volcanic crater. On some days there's even a small lake that forms here. Talk about surprises from Mother Nature!
Ascent to the Opposite Side of the Kesselwand Rim (30 min)
From here you descend into the basin and climb up the other side to the top of Kesselwand.
This is the starting point of the 15-minute ridge climb to the top of the Hasentalkopf, offering ecstatic views and an incredible panorama of the Ammergau Alps!
Ridge Climb to Hasentalkopf Summit (15 min)
From there follow the ridge towards Hasentalkopf. The beginning is the "trickiest" - but nothing to worry about. It's super safe for your dog too! After a few minutes, you will reach the Hasentalkopf (1797 m) - enjoy the well-deserved alpine panorama of the Ammergau Alps! You can even see Linderhof Castle from up there!
Descent the Lösertal (60 min)
After the Hasentalkopf summit, go back to your starting point. Then descend the Kesselwand on the opposite side towards Scheinbergjoch until you reach the fork. Here you have the option of returning to the parking lot in the direction of Lösertal, Sägertal, and Linderhof. Or you can extend your hike to the Scheinbergjoch by continuing straight. Today we decided to return early because it was already getting dark.
Follow the path towards Lösertal until you're back on the trail you started on in the Sägertal.
Return via Sägerbachtal to Graswangtal (45 min)
From here, just follow this forest road back to where you started in the Graswangtal. And boom! You've completed an amazing hike.
Bonus: Visit Linderhof Palace
If you're looking to extend your day of adventure, consider a visit to Linderhof Palace. Located just a 30-minute walk from the parking lot, this palace adds an extra layer to your Hasentalkopf Hike experience. Instead of returning to the parking lot, you can just follow the path always in the direction of Linderhof Palace.
Linderhof Palace is known for its intricate architecture, manicured gardens, and historical significance. Built by King Ludwig II, it offers visitors an insightful glimpse into Bavarian royal history.
Linderhof Palace is the smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, but it's the only one that was fully completed during his lifetime. The other two castles are the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and Herrenchiemsee Palace.
So if you have time and energy left over after the hike, a visit to Linderhof Palace is a worthwhile addition to your hiking day.
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate Linderhof Palace, visit either before your hike or after you've had a chance to rest. The palace and gardens have much to offer and deserve to be explored at your leisure.
Final Thoughts on the Hasentalkopf Hiking Guide
The Hasentalkopf Hike in the Bavarian Alps offers a complete outdoor experience, from its scenic vistas to its dog friendliness to its proximity to historic landmarks like Linderhof Palace. Regardless of your hiking level, this trail provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy nature at its finest.
If you're planning a visit, it's a good idea to start early in the day to make the most of this hike and avoid the crowds. Consider your abilities and those of your companions, including pets, when preparing for this hike. It's a loop trail, which gives you flexibility in how you approach it.
Overall, the Hasentalkopf Hike offers a well-rounded experience that caters to a variety of outdoor interests and skill levels. It is a remarkable option for visitors to the Bavarian Alps.
Pro tip: If you are staying longer in the Ettal region, be sure to check out other breathtaking hikes, such as the Teufelsstättkopf Hike in Oberammergau or the Schartenkopf Hike in Unterammergau.
FAQs About the Hasentalkopf Hike
I don't have hiking boots. Are they mandatory or can I use sneakers?
I always recommend hiking boots for safety and comfort. However, this hike is not particularly challenging or alpine terrain, so it's very accessible with sneakers. The same is true for the ridge walk.
I am not an experienced hiker. Is the Hasentalkopf hike suitable for me?
The Hasentalkopf hike is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. Less experienced hikers will quickly gain confidence in their abilities as the trail is not very challenging - just a steady but not steep incline. You will also be distracted by the beautiful views. So no need to worry! 😅
I am not the fittest person. Can I still do this trek?
This hike is perfect for both fit people and beginners because of the steady but moderate incline. Nothing steep or challenging. There are plenty of beautiful places to rest along the way and the trail can be shortened at any time. Go for it!
Do you think it is possible to hike the Hasentalkopf and Linderhof Palace in one day?
Yes and no. If you start very early in the morning, say 8 a.m. at the parking lot, you will have the whole afternoon to enjoy Linderhof Palace. However, keep in mind that Linderhof Palace itself is a large area of forest and beautiful nature, so you will need an additional 3-4 hours to see it all, including the guided tour of the palace. This means that you would be walking for at least 9-10 hours straight! Ufffff! So it depends on your time and energy.
