This extensive and varied hike through the alpine paradise of Gaistal can also be done in sections, depending on your preference. The diverse High Alpine Circular Hike starts right from the hiking parking lot P2 (Stupfer) in Leutasch's Gaistal. A large wooden sign marks the path leading towards the Wettersteinhütte and Wangalm.
At the beginning, you'll face a steep and sporty climb through beautiful forest trails before reaching a wide gravel forest road. Follow the yellow hiking signs up to just below the rustic Wettersteinhütte (1,717 m). Here, you can choose between a spectacular path directly to the hut or a slightly easier ascent. Both routes require good footing and stamina, but once you reach the hut, you can enjoy delicious food with stunning views of the Wetterstein mountains.
A little further on, you'll find the idyllic Wangalm (1,753 m). Here, you can experience traditional alpine life up close in a cozy setting. Climbers can explore several rock climbing routes nearby, while peak baggers can follow signs to the Gehrenspitze summit (2,367 m).
From Wangalm, the hike continues northwards to the Südwandsteig, leading up to Schönberg (2,142 m). Along the way, observant hikers might spot local wildlife. The highest hut in the Wetterstein mountains, Rotmoosalm (2,030 m), is eventually reached. Besides excellent Tyrolean cuisine, this hut offers high-alpine overnight stays during summer upon request. Shortcut: You can also hike directly to Rotmoosalm from the last parking lot at Salzbach (steep but beautiful).
From Rotmoosalm, the High Alpine Circular Hike continues west along the Südwandsteig, crossing Mitterjöchl below the Klein- and Hochwanner (2,546 m and 2,774 m), before reaching the Steinerne Hüttl (1,925 m) with views of Hochwanner (Germanyâs second-highest peak), the Hohe Munde, and the distant Zillertal Glacier.
Tip: If you reserve a spot at this rocky hut in advance, you can climb Germanyâs highest mountain, the Zugspitze, from here. Alternatively, you can relax on the sunny terrace before descending along winding paths to the historic Tillfussalm (1,382 m) in Gaistal.
From afar, youâll be greeted by the charming hunting lodge Hubertus, where the Bavarian folk writer Ludwig Ganghofer wrote his most famous works. Tillfussalmâs legendary inn is also a highlight â from traditional cheese dumplings to homemade cakes. If you want to walk a bit further, you can skip Tillfussalm and follow the turquoise Leutascher Ache river to Gaistalalm (1,373 m).
Finally, the famous Ganghoferweg leads down the valley with beautiful views, and you can take a last detour to the rustic Hämmermoosalm (1,417 m) â the final stop on the High Alpine Circular Hike before a relaxed return to the start at the Leutascher Ache.
For a refreshing end to the High Alpine Circular Hike in Gaistal, a visit to the wild and beautiful Kneipp facility by the Leutascher Ache (between parking lots P4 and P5) is recommended.
A detailed report on this High Alpine Circular Hike can also be found on the blog.
