For the inquisitive: hike to the Birnbachloch

At the foot of the Leogang Mountains lies the Birnbachloch – a true place of power and a very special spot that offers both tranquility and energy. Surrounded by imposing rock faces and gentle meadows, this place invites you to pause, marvel, and breathe deeply. Spending a moment here allows you to feel the special power of nature and the alpine beauty of this unique landscape.

What does chilled beer in Bavarian inns have to do with the lowest glacier in the Eastern Alps? After this hike, you'll know the answer and can impress your friends in the "Useless Knowledge" section. The hike to the Birnbachloch takes you close to the Leogang Mountains. In the height of summer, it's best to start early, as you'll be exposed to the sun during the approximately five-kilometer hike.

From the parking lot, you first hike a short distance along the trail towards the Passauer Hütte mountain hut and then take the marked path northwest to the Birnbachloch. This hike takes you through part of the wildly romantic Wetzstein Forest to reach the Birnbachloch, one of the lowest-lying glaciers in Central Europe. In the 19th century, Munich's breweries harvested ice here for their ice cellars. The blocks of ice were transported hundreds of meters down the mountain on wooden chutes.

If you don't want to take the same route back, you can cross the new suspension bridge at the shelter to reach the Priesteregg Inn. From there, you'll rejoin the marked trail and return to the starting point.