If you’re a hiker seeing solace, not skiers, as I am, the Brauneck, located near Lenggries, should not be your first choice for a hike.
Start of the hike up the Brauneck
Most of the hike takes place on a ski hill with only brief interludes onto what I consider a real hiking trail. I grumbled my way up most of the mountain, and admittedly even more as skiers whizzed by me.
Part of the hike is on a ski hill – not very inspiring.
But as I came closer and closer to the summit, and the view over the Alps opened up, I became happier.
View overlooking Lenggries from the summit.
Even more so when I reached the Brauneckhaus. We continued on to the summit, but we stopped here on the way back for a snack and to enjoy the view over the Alps, which was pretty incredible.
Gorgeous views from the Brauneckhaus (1540m), which is open all year-long.
Gorgeous wide open mountain views near the summit.
There’s never a dull moment on the Brauneck. If skiers are not racing past you, then paragliders are soaring over you. With a gondola whisking visitors near the summit, the mountain is a popular take-off spot for paragliders and hangliders, when the conditions are just right. It makes for good entertainment while hiking or enjoying lunch.
Brauneck is a popular takeoff spot for paragliders
Laurel doing a summit-selfie at the Brauneck.
So would I recommend the Brauneck? For the views and the Brauneckhaus, yes, absolutely. But for the hiking trail itself? Not so much.
In summer, it would be free of skiers, but hiking up a ski slope, even without skiers, still isn’t very inspiring.
But as always, even a so-so day in the mountains is better than a good day in the city in my opinion. Besides, J.P. was excited to test out his new North Face The North Face Stratos Jacket from Millets, an outdoor store that has both online and in-store options in the UK. Not only is it rain and wind proof, it’s also really comfortable and you don’t sweat it in like you do in a lot of rain-proof gear. I’m totally stealing it when I do Everest Base Camp next week!
J.P. showing off his new North Face jacket from Millets.
Know Before You Hike Brauneck Mountain:
- The hike takes ~ 4 hours ( 2 1/2 hours to get up and 1:30 to go down). The elevation gain is 840 m.
- The hike starts at the Talstation der Brauneck Seilbahn (Brauneck Gondola Parking Lot), located just outside of Lenggries, just over 60km from Munich.
- It’s also possible to reach close to the summit with the gondola, so you can still enjoy the gorgeous views even if you’re not able to hike up.
- In addition to the Brauneckhaus, a typical Bavarian hut, there’s also a fancier panoramic restaurant near the top.
- It’s also possible to reach the start of the hike/ski hill with public transportation. Take the Bayerische Oberlandbahn (BOB train) from Munich to Lenggries, then the ski bus from the train station to the parking lot. There’s also a local bus when the ski bus isn’t running.
- In addition to hiking, the mountain offers a variety of other activities, which you can see here.
- If you’re looking for a hike where the trail itself that is more enjoyable I highly recommend Höllentalklamm (open in late spring – fall only), Partnacklamm, Heimgarten to Herzogstand, the Jochberg or the easy Hoher Kranzberg, all located in the Bavarian Alps.
