Very long hike that requires good physical condition.
The starting point for the hike to the Gehrenspitze is the Puitbach/Ahrn parking lot (P13) in Leutasch (fee required). From here, follow the signs to the left along the path to Puitegg and further into the Puittal valley. This valley delights with untouched nature and paradisiacal views of the surrounding mountains. Under the high towers of the Ãfelekopf, the Leutascher Dreitorspitze and the walls of the Gehrenspitze, you climb further and further up through the lush green valley. The flora and fauna with countless mountain herbs is also unique. With a little luck, you will encounter chamois or marmots that call the Puittal their home.
At first, you have to overcome a few steep meters in altitude, but these pay off at the Scharnitzjoch at the latest. After about 3 hours you reach it and can look forward for the first time to magnificent views of the Gaistal. Also the Wangalm and Wettersteinhütte can now be seen from here. The trail continues via the small Erinnerungshütte (not managed) towards the summit of the Gehrenspitze. The path becomes narrower and is partly exposed. Good surefootedness and a head for heights are necessary here. Once at the summit, the panoramic views are overwhelming: you overlook the Leutasch valley, the Karwendel mountains and the Hohe Munde.
You can either descend via the same path or via the Wangalm and Wettersteinhütte. If you choose the latter, follow the path from the Scharnitzjoch in the direction of Wangalm and descend across lush alpine meadows and cow pastures. The two alpine pastures are only 10 minutes apart and both offer wonderful sun terraces, rustic parlors, very good cuisine and warm hospitality. From here you can descend to the Gaistal.
At the entrance to the Gaistal, a visit to the wildly beautiful natural Kneipp facility on the Leutascher Ache (between the hiking parking lots P4 and P5) is recommended as a regenerative end to the hike, before taking the optional hiking bus from there to the starting point.
