Not too long ago, the Spitzenwanderweg was ceremonially opened. The long-distance hiking trail covers 200 km and 12 stages through the picturesquely diverse landscape of the Zugspitze region. More than 6,800 meters of altitude difference are also covered, so the top hiking trail is quite a sporting endeavor.

But it's worth it. Because the trail leads through a diverse landscape and also passes through numerous cultural monuments. The start and end point is the picturesque town of Murnau. Two overnight stays in huts are included on the long-distance hiking trail, once in the Soiern House and once in the Schachenhaus. On the 200 km, hikers pass fantastic views, flower-rich mountain and moor meadows, deep blue mountain lakes, bubbling springs and rivers, the spectacular Partnach and Höllental gorge, foothills of the Alps with far-reaching views, as well as cultural monuments such as the royal castles of Schachen and Linderhof Castle, as well as typical Bavarian villages such as Murnau, Krün, Mittenwald, Grainau or Oberammergau. There is therefore much to experience and discover on the 200 km long trail.

And we too are keen on the long-distance hiking trail and are treading this stage by stage, because the trail will also be a special experience for us locals. Sonja will walk the path partly alone, but also with Polly. Join us on the hiking trail!

Stage 1: From Murnau to Eschenlohe

For me, the top hiking trail will be the 10th long-distance hiking trail, which will once again bring me closer to another piece of German natural and cultural landscape. However, it will also be the long-distance hiking trail with the highest altitude difference and I actually have great respect for that. But the first stages will start easily for now and that's how you can get started...

Stage 1: Murnau - Eschenlohe

Stage 2: From Eschenlohe to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The second stage takes long-distance hikers to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The approximately 16 km long route leads mainly through meadows and moss areas, past the famous seven springs. If you want, you can take a detour to the Kuhfluchtwasserfälle, one of the highest waterfalls in Germany. And the fantastic alpine panorama is almost always in front of your eyes. Let's go!

Stage 2: Eschenlohe - Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Stage 3: Through the Partnach Gorge from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Krün

The third stage of the top hiking trail once again offers several highlights and fantastic views over its 25 km. Starting with the impressive Olympic ski jump in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, through the unique natural spectacle of the Partnach Gorge to the magnificent mountain panoramas of the Wetterstein Mountains as well as the Karwendel Mountains. Over 25 km, there is therefore a lot to discover and experience again.

Stage 3: Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Krün

Stage 6: From Mittenwald to Schachen

The sixth stage of the peak hiking trail leads from Mittenwald up to Königshaus am Schachen, one of the royal castles of the fairytale king Ludwig II of Bavaria. The Königshaus am Schachen is located at 1,866 m and can only be reached by shank's mare or by mountain bike, making it a special attraction. In addition, stage 6 must be combined with stage 7 and an overnight stay in the chess house is necessary. Accordingly, a very special hiking experience awaits hikers on these stages.

Stage 6: Mittenwald - Schachen

Stage 7: From Schachenhaus to Kreuzeck

The seventh stage of the peak hiking trail takes long-distance hikers from Schachen down to Reintal and then back up to Kreuzeck. An extremely scenic hike, which, however, also requires a head for heights and sure-footedness. You shouldn't be distracted by the beautiful views as you descend into the valley today. When the weather is clear, there are fantastic views; even from Schachen, you can see the final destination of today's stage in the distance and also make the way down into the valley. The crystal-clear Partnach River and the sound of rushing waterfalls accompany hikers along the way.

Stage 7: Schachenhaus - Kreuzeck

Stage 8: From Kreuzeck via Höllentalklamm to Grainau

The eighth stage of the top hiking trail promises great views over the mountains and down into the valley and takes hikers on one of the most popular hiking trails in the Zugspitze village of Grainau. Since the last two stages had many meters of climb, this stage is almost always downhill. The hiker crosses the spectacular Höllentalklamm gorge. And there are also places to stop for refreshments on this stage: the Höllentalangerhütte halfway through and the Klammeingshütte invite you to stop off.

Stage 8: Kreuzeck - Grainau

Stage 9: From Grainau to Linderhof Castle

Following in the footsteps of King Ludwig II, we travel today from the idyllic holiday resort of Grainau to the favorite castle of the Bavarian fairy tale king. The beautiful forest route runs past the Loisach and takes hikers some of the way around the Kramer. Hikers enjoy wonderful mountain views as well as small and larger streams. And at the end of the tour, Linderhof Castle is open to visit. A guided tour of the small but magnificent castle is not to be missed.

Stage 9: Grainau - Linderhof Castle

Stage 10: From Linderhof Castle to Unterammergau

The tenth stage of the top hiking trail takes long-distance hikers across the Ammergau Alps from Linderhof Castle to Unterammergau. You cross the 1,566 m high Pürschling-Berg and hike on the European long-distance hiking trail E4, which is the longest European hiking trail with a length of over 10,000 km. In contrast to stage 9, this stage is again a mountain stage that leads on narrow, rocky and root-rich trails through a mountain forest up to the Pürschling, and on the other side either on the wider forest road or a forest trail down to the village of Unterammergau.

Stage 10: Linderhof Castle - Unterammergau

Stage 11: From Unterammergau to Bad Kohlgrub

The eleventh stage of the peak hiking trail runs from Unterammergau to Bad Kohlgrub. Once again, a summit is crossed, the Hörnle. On this stage, you have the chance to climb even three peaks, as the Hörnle forms a small group of three peaks called Vorderes Hörnle (1,484 m), Mittleres Hörnle (1,496 m) and Hinteres Hörnle (1,548 m). The Hörnle is a popular peak that is often frequented by locals. At the summit, there is a beautiful mountain inn that invites you to stop off. Once you reach the summit, it's all downhill from there to the destination of Bad Kohlgrub.

Stage 11: Unterammergau - Bad Kohlgrub

Stage 12: From Bad Kohlgrub to Murnau

The twelfth and last stage of the peak hiking trail is also the longest. 27.1 km must be hiked from Bad Kohlgrub to the destination in Murnau. However, the stage is fairly flat; you only have to climb 140 meters in altitude. From Bad Kohlgrub, the long-distance hiking trail leads through the idyllic foothills of the Alps to the beautiful Staffelsee, past meadows, fields and moorlands. The stage is accessible all year round, but summer time is one of the best hiking seasons, as not only do numerous flowers bloom on the fertile moors, but the Staffelsee also invites you to swim.