Hiking to the Teufelstättkopf (1758m) in Unterammergau is an adventure fit for everyone. It’s perfect for ambitious hikers as you can easily extend the route and also take more challenging trails when reaching higher altitudes. Simultaneously, it is popular for hikers who do not need to go to the limit, but simply want to enjoy a fairy-tale hike with a great view. The trail is an exhilarating mix of challenge and charm that requires a reasonable level of fitness and good boots. Contrary to what you might read in other guidebooks, you don't have to be an alpine expert to do this trail. Sure, there's a ridge that will make you sweat, but with or without alpine skills, this hike is doable and totally worth it.

Why Hiking to Teufelstättkopf is Your Next Must-Do Adventure

cUnspoiled Nature: The trail offers a mix of meadows, forests, and rocky terrain. It never gets boring!

—  Alpine Views: The views from the top of the Teufelstättkopf are breathtaking. Get ready to marvel at the panorama of the Ammergau Alps.

—  Cooling Spots: Ideal for summer, the hike offers hidden streams, waterfalls, and shady wooded areas. Jump in, the water's fine!

‍—  For Everyone: The hike is great for both ambitious hikers and those who just want a scenic walk.

This 4-hour hike takes you through another beautiful part of the Ammergau Alps. The ridge hike will test your stamina, but reward you with wonderful Alpine scenery.

Quick Facts about the Hike to Teufelstättkopf

—  Starting point: Free parking lot in the center of Unterammergau

—  Distance: 17.5 km

—  Time Required: 4:30 hours

—  Difficulty: Moderate

—  Min. Height: 836 m

—  Max. Height: 1758 m

—  Best Time to Visit: June to September

Pro Tips for Hiking to Teufelstättkopf

—  Choice of Routes: When you pass reach the lake, skip the popular forest path and take this path to your right. This trail has fewer crowds.

—  Leave Early or Very Late: Because this hike is very accessible, it can get crowded! If you prefer to have nature to yourself, leave very early or very late.

—  Alpine Coaster: If you have your car in Oberammergau or are willing to walk another 30 minutes from there to Unterammergau, you can ride the Alpine Coaster and save the last hour of walking.

Is the Teufelstättkopf Hike Dog-Friendly?

When it comes to dog-friendly hikes, the Teufelstättkopf in the Ammergau Alps ticks many boxes. The hike is suitable for both ambitious hikers and those who just want to enjoy a fairytale hike with fantastic views. One of the most beautiful sections for your four-legged friend is the beginning, which takes you through a gorge with several waterfalls and streams where your dog can cool off.

The hike covers a variety of terrain - forest roads, forest trails, and a fairly walkable ridge. There are no parts of the hike that would put a non-acrophobic person or dog in danger. However, make sure your dog is fit as the climb includes some challenging, steep sections.

So if your dog is up for a little challenge and enjoys being outdoors, he will have a great time on this hike. I'm sure my Border Collie Hanna would have loved it. Next time I will take her with me!

Tour Overview: Your Unforgettable Hiking Journey from Unterammergau to Teufelstättkopf

Get ready for a hike that combines serene waterfalls, lush alpine meadows, exhilarating steep climbs, and spectacular views. This route is a treasure trove of scenery and challenges. Here's your step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Parking and Getting Started

Start from the center of Unterammergau where you'll find ample parking options for free. You can even get to Unterammergau by train. From there, just follow the signs towards Schleifmühlklamm.

Step 2: Refreshing Stop at the Schleifmühlklamm

The Schleifmühlklamm is a cool and refreshing stop about 5 minutes into the hike. Perfect for a quick dip, so bring a swimsuit if you're up! It even has some waterfalls!

Step 3: Forest Road to the Storage Lake

After you pass Schleifmühlklamm, the path transforms into a wide forest road. Follow this upwards for 35 minutes until you reach the lake.

Step 4: Decision Point

Only a few minutes after you pass the storage lake, you can continue upwards or turn right onto another forest road towards Teufelstättkopf. We go right to avoid the crowds.

Step 5: Ascending the Ridge

After 45 min you'll reach the beginning of the ridge walk. The beginning is steep but then you will be on a beautiful path among rocks and a panoramic landscape. My personal highlight of this tour.

Step 5: Making the Summit

Unfortunately, the day I went was foggy, so I couldn't enjoy the panoramic views. Despite this, the hike was breathtaking. There's a short section with steel cables to aid in climbing, but it's not particularly challenging.

Step 6: Optional

On the way down you will pass the house of August Schuster. Here you have another opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Ammergau Alps from the Pürschling (1566 m). It's well worth the short detour.

Step 6: Descent and Return

You have multiple options for descending. Either extend the hike or go back the way you came through alpine meadows and forest roads, which will take around 45 minutes.

Detailed Route Description: Hiking from Unterammergau to Teufelstättkopf

Before you start, wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water and snacks. This hike is strenuous, so make sure you're physically prepared.

This guide will give you a well-rounded hiking experience of nature, challenges, and unforgettable views. Enjoy the journey!

Unterammergau: Parking and Public Transportation Tips

The hike starts in the small village of Unterammergau. Unlike its neighbor Oberammergau, parking is plentiful and free here. I could find a parking spot directly in the center of Unterammergau. Your hike starts in the direction of the Schleifmühlklamm.

Alternatively, you can get to Unterammergau by public transport.

Refreshment Stop at the Schleifmühlklamm

Within 5 minutes of starting, you reach the entrance to Schleifmühlklamm. This part is a delight for nature lovers and photographers, offering waterholes and scenic waterfalls. It’s a cool and refreshing start that takes about 20 minutes. Enjoy!

Into the Forest

Exiting the Klamm, you'll find a wide forest road. Follow this uphill, walking alongside a lush creek that turns into a lighter pine forest. It feels like stepping into a fairy tale. This segment takes another 35 minutes.

The trail starts to get steeper here. You’ll eventually reach a small reservoir on the left. Although not much to look at, it serves as a good landmark. A few hundred meters past the reservoir, you'll arrive at a junction.

At the junction, you can either continue straight or turn right onto another forest road. Turn right, following signs towards Teufelstättkopf. It's another hour to the next fork.

Ascent and Ridge Walk

Turn left and walk up a steep grassy slope into the forest. After the forest you reach the ridge - this is where the Teufelsstättkopf hike really begins. Follow the path upwards across the ridge and marvel at the jaw-dropping views. This is my favorite part of the hike.

Climb to the Summit

After another 45 minutes, you reach the summit. There is a steel cable to assist you for the last bit. Dogs can also make it up here. Unfortunately, the day I went was foggy, so I couldn't enjoy the panoramic views. Despite this, the hike was breathtaking. There's a short section with steel cables to aid in climbing, but it's not particularly challenging.

The Descent from Teufelsstättkopf to Pürschling

Going down, you'll reach a fork after 5 minutes. We continue our way in the direction of Unterammergau and reach the house of August Schuster after an additional 15 minutes. Here you have another opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Ammergau Alps from the house.

If you have some spare minutes left and want to discover another summit, you can do so by following the “Plattengradweg” in the direction of the Pürschling summit (1566 m). It's well worth the short detour.

On this day I took the forest road down to Unterammergau because of the bad weather. But up here there are some great trails to extend your hiking adventure to many different summits.

Return to Unterammergau

On the forest road, it takes around 1.5 hours to get back to Unterammergau. On the way, you can make a detour to Schleifmühlklamm again for some refreshment.

Pro Tip: If you feel like it, take a detour to the Alpine Coaster and save yourself the last hour of walking. The only downside is that you have to walk from Oberammergau to Unterammergau, which takes about 40 minutes. It's worth the fun!

Closing Remarks about My Teufelsstättkopf Hike in the Ammergau Alps

The Teufelstättkopf Hike in the Ammergau Alps offers a well-rounded experience for adventurers of all levels. From the cool and refreshing atmosphere of the Schleifmühlklamm gorge to the exhilarating climb to the summit, this hike offers a blend of natural beauty and physical challenge. It's a hike that gives you options, challenges, and most importantly, an experience you'll treasure for a lifetime.

Pro Tip: If you are staying longer in the area, you will definitely enjoy the Schartenkopf hike and Hasentalkopf hike in Oberammergau. Check it out!

I will definitely come back and do the hike again. Hopefully, I will have better weather and views this time. Stay tuned!