Walk around Mount Wank – Esterbergalm – Gschwandtnerbauer – Gamshütte

During the hike from the middle terminal of the Wankbahn cable car via the Hüttlsteig forest track to the Alpine hut Esterbergalm, the complete tour offers a great panoramic view over the mountain called Hoher Fricken and the Ester Mountains, the charming view of which often is disregarded on many other trails. The Esterbergalm is a pasture for horses and young cattle. The first time it was mentioned in an official document was in 1408. Small paths along the Kaltwassergraben (cold water ditch) lead to the Gschwandterbauer Alpine hut. From there, the way back into the valley leads via Tannenhütte Alpine hut (closed) and the St. Anton Franciscan Monastery.

 

For a more detailed description of the tour, please refer to "PDF Print" above.

From the middle terminal the way will lead you downhill below the Wankbahn cable car. Turn right to the Esterbergalm after approx. three minutes. You will now walk on the Hüttlsteig, an interesting forest track, until you reach the forestry road that will lead you further uphill to Esterbergalm. After you have had a rest, follow the path that leads over the meadow to Mount Wank. At first, the trail will lead you slightly uphill. When you have reached the Kaltwassergraben (cold water ditch), the way to the Gschwandtnerbauer goes downhill. Approx. 100 m above the Alpine hut, turn right to the Tannenhütte. Enjoy the vista at the Tannenhütte and let your eye wander over Garmisch-Partenkirchen, before you start your descent back to the valley. Turn right at the Josefsbichl and its wayside cross. You will reach the pilgrimage church of St. Anton via a small forest path. Next to the church, on the left hand side, the road leads uphill to the crossroads at the Klettergarten (rock climbing centre). Turn left and walk downhill to the starting point of this tour.

 

Take the motorway A95 in the direction of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. At the end of the motorway at Eschenlohe take the state road B2 to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. After the tunnel, drive in the direction of the Partenkirchen part of town. When you are near the town limits, turn left after the Police Station and drive to the Wankbahn cable car.

When coming from Mittenwald, take the state road B2 to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, drive through Partenkirchen in the direction of München (Munich) and follow the signs to the Wankbahn cable car near the end of the town.

Via state road B23, drive to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and turn left onto Gernackerstraße at the second traffic light. Follow the signposts to Partenkirchen/Mittenwald/Innsbruck. Near the end of town, the signs will guide you to the Wankbahn cable car.