Circular hiking trail Karwendel Gorge and footbridge

This hike starts at the Scharnitz Nature Park Information Centre, which is easy to reach by public transport. From here you’ll follow Hinterautalstraße for an easy kilometre (0.6 mi) to the Karwendelbach, after which things get more exciting.

You’ll turn left and climb up the slope on a narrow, winding path that can be challenging in places. However, views of the wild Karwendel Gorge and the surrounding mountains are your reward and there are several excellent viewpoints. Once at the top, you’ll reach a forest track and keep right towards Karwendelhaus. A short detour on the path to the left will bring you to the charming Birzelkapelle. Otherwise, you’ll continue along the forest track until the turnoff for the Karwendelsteg. The route continues along this path until it meets a forest road that takes you back towards Scharnitz.

You can hike the last 2 kilometres (1.25 mi) along the road or cross the Isar bridge and follow the Isarsteig back to the start.