Schildenstein 1613m – hiking the Wolfsschlucht

The summer was scorching, truly exceptional. The heat was relentless, making it a memorable season. Unbearably hot, to say the least. Returning to the trail leading to Schildenstein, a path I’d hiked before, I was filled with the hope that, after two decades, I could undertake this journey once more, treating it as a small test run.

One of the charms of this hike lay in the fact that the ascent was consistently sheltered from the sun, thanks to the trees and the cool, trickling waters originating from Wolfsschlucht.

It’s crucial to begin at the initial, larger paid parking area just beyond Wildbad Kreuth.

Once you’ve crossed the bridge, proceed along the road indicated by the signpost that reads “Siebenhütte / Schildenstein 3.5 hr.” This path will lead you to Gasthaus Altes Bad or the Bildungszentrum within a quick 10-minute walk. Disregard the other signs on the right of the bridge, as they also guide you to Siebenhütte.

Follow the K8 trail and keep an eye out for the “Kiem Pauli Weg” signpost, situated shortly after Gasthaus Altes Bad. The Siebenhütte is a mere 30-minute stroll away and features a charming little “Biergarten” where you can indulge in a snack and quench your thirst.

Continuing on, follow the signs guiding you towards “Schildenstein – Über die Wolfsschlucht,” and proceed along the path with occasional slight ascents through the valley until you arrive at the delightful little waterfall. Here, you can savor one last opportunity to cool off your toes.

Lets go Babe

Embark on the trail adjacent to the waterfall, which leads you to a steep ascent, occasionally bolstered by steel ropes in exposed sections. Follow this path until you reach the ridge. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views, glimpsing through the narrow gorge at times, taking in the sights of Leonhardistein and the renowned Roß-und Buchstein peaks, both boasting climbing routes.

Upon reaching this ridge point, you’ll have conquered the steepest part of the trail. Despite my best efforts with a whole packet of tissue paper, the relentless sweat persisted. Thankfully, my technical wear kept me comfortable, even when drenched.

Continue to the right, making your way toward the seemingly close yet still distant summit. The path offers a more manageable terrain with gentle undulations, adorned with charming Enzian flowers, for the next 20 minutes before the final, steep ascent to the summit.

At this point, solitude was my companion, with only cows lounging on the grass, seemingly impervious to the heat and the myriad flies buzzing around them. Soon enough, these pesky insects took an interest in me, delighting in every drop of sweat they could find. Oh, how I wished for a tail to shoo them away.

To the left, the impressive Guffert massif caught my attention, evoking memories of our past ascent in winter. The route to the summit was hot, steep, and rocky, yet not perilous or overly exposed. Your reward awaits with spectacular vistas extending to the Bavarian Alps, stretching all the way to Tirol’s Achensee lake and its mesmerizing blue waters.

“PRIVAT – Hier gibts nix!”

After a brief break at the summit, I found myself completely out of water, and with the temperature at a scorching 34°C, the absence of any options for refreshments on the way back spelled trouble. While descending from the summit, I crossed paths with three young men who inquired about the distance to the summit and the availability of shade. My response was blunt but honest: “If you’re slender enough to hide behind the summit cross, yes, there’s some shade.” I may have been unkind, but I spoke the truth.

Following the trail further down to Gaißalm, I had hoped to quench my thirst with a glass of water. However, upon reaching the Gaißalm, a large sign was prominently displayed outside, reading “PRIVAT – Hier gibts nix!” which translated to “Private hut – there’s nothing here for you to eat or drink, so don’t ask.” My hopes were dashed as I gazed at the green water, filled with algae, meant for the grazing cows in front of the alpine pasture. I knew the Königsalm was open, but it was a 20-minute hike back, and it felt too far at that point. There were no signs of rivers, streams, or fountains nearby.

Feeling disappointed and thirsty, my feet were burning in the scorching heat, encased in my Sticky Beast Approach shoes, and I trudged on. The path wound around a small hill and led me down through the forest, eventually returning to the parking lot, taking an additional 1.5 hours. By this time, I was severely dehydrated.

The trail formed a small loop over a wooden bridge, where the “Herzögliche Fischzucht” was located, surrounded by picturesque fish farming lakes, and usually offering guests refreshments and fishy snacks. Unfortunately, it was either closed due to it being a Monday or perhaps too late in the day. I retraced my steps to the bridge, cooled off in the river beneath it, and then made my way back to the car just as a thunderstorm began. Perfect timing! The rain was so hot that it evaporated on impact with the ground.

Glad to be back in my car, tired, thirsty and sweaty, it was the end of a wonderful day alone in the Bavarian alps. I finally found my reward some 10km away, 20 minutes later. (See picture below) .

Thanks to the article and also his review of the Book “Männertouren – 30 Wandertouren für echten Kerle” from Uli, describing the beginning of the journey to the Wolfsschlucht, which gave me the inspiration to repeat this trial on a hot summer day. OK, so now I feel like “ein echter Kerl”. Maybe.

Facts and Data

Notes: You should be good in your footing and have no fear of heights to do this. However, for those of you who has an abundance in alpine experience, the crossings are comfortable. The ascend is great since it’s almost always in the shade until you reach the ridge. Best to start early in the morning to avoid the heat in the afternoon in high summer. Please do bring sufficient Water along with you, as there are no base points along the way (especially in the latter part) unless you make a detour to Königsalm.

Duration: 4.5 – 5 hrs in total
Ascend: Parking – Siebenhütten 30 mins, Siebehnhütten- Schildenstein über Wolfsschlucht 2.5 hrs
Descend: Summit – Gaißalm – Parking Wildbad Kreuth 1.5 -2 hours (depending on where you park)

Elevation gain: 820m

Food and Refreshments:

• Siebenhütten Gastwirtschaft (which is actually right in the beginning of the hike).
• Not on the way but with a 15-20 min detour:

1. Blaubergalm (try their Bio cheese),
2. Königsalm which lays left of the Gaißalm.

• Gasthaus Altes Bad has a lovely Biergarten outside right next to a flowing medicinal water spring, with exclusive Menus and Prices. Drive up and park when you dine there.
• Herzögliche Fischzucht with products like smoked Trout and Char (Saibling) from their fish farm. Situated 10 mins from the main parking lot and just below the Bildungszentrum.

Getting there:
With the car: From Munich, take the A8 direction Salzburg and exit at Holzkirchen. Follow the signs to Tegernsee. In Gmund, just after the steep hill down to the traffic light, turn right to Bad Wiessee and Kreuth. Just after Kreuth turn left into the first bigger signpost for Parking.

Hike and Trial Map: Kompasskarte 8 – Tegernsee, Schliersee, Wendelstein, Gipfelziele from Heinz Hainewinkel, Brückmann München.