Arena Redaktion, 04.10.2023

Into the golden autumn on the sunny side of the Zugspitze

The 7 most beautiful autumn hikes in the Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena

When is it most beautiful in the mountains? For us, when autumn begins and peace returns. At the end of the hiking season, nature in the seven villages of the Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena really comes up with sunshine, pleasant temperatures and fantastic views. We reveal our seven tour tips for the golden season.

A treat for all the senses: the pleasure hike to Tuftlalm

Lermoos

If you are traveling with family towards the Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena, you should remember this easy hike from Lermoos up to the Tuftlalm. On the southern slope of the 2,340 meter high Daniel, which rises north of Lermoos, the Tuftlalm is a rewarding and easy to reach destination. With hearty Tyrolean snacks with homemade products, we would like to sit on the alp terrace forever. Again and again, the view sweeps over the Wetterstein massif with the Zugspitze and the Mieminger chain. The hike to this "place in the sun" is literally a treat for all the senses!

Our tip: Once you have reached the top, you will be rewarded with an impressive panoramic view of parts of Lermoos, the Moos, Biberwier and Ehrwald from a viewing platform that is only a few minutes' walk from the mountain pasture.

Via the Rietzler Climb to the all-round view at the summit of the Thaneller

Heiterwang

With its pyramid-shaped peak, the 2,341-meter-high Thaneller is truly an eye-catcher above Heiterwang. Its view is as impressive as its shape: almost free-standing, it offers a 360-degree view from the Bavarian lowlands to the glaciated peaks in the main Alpine ridge. For experienced mountain enthusiasts, we recommend the varied ascent via the Werner-Rietzler-Steig or also just called Rietzler-Steig. After a rest on the summit with a great view, you can descend in a relaxed manner via the south side in the direction of Berwang. 
Our tip: Are you experienced on the mountain? Then the Rietzler trail will be a great pleasure for you. It leads along narrow paths, short sections with wire rope protection and easy, free climbing through the north face towards the summit cross.

All good things come in threes

Biberwier

As busy and popular as the three lakes - Blindsee, Mittersee and Weißensee - near Biberwier are in the summer months, they are just as quiet in autumn.  Here you can experience almost meditative hiking in wonderful scenery in the days after the swimming season. The easy 3-lake hike on the best paths invites you to linger over and over again with a magnificent panorama - including a view of the Zugspitze. An ideal tour to simply switch off from stressful everyday life.  

Our tip: The turquoise color of the Blindsee lake comes into its own especially when viewed from a little higher up. The 3-lake hike is perfect for this.

A beautiful lake surrounded by an autumn-colored forest. A wooden hut can be seen on the opposite side of the lake. | © Tiroler Zugspitz Arena/Bianca McCarty
Mittersee Foto: Bianca McCarty

To the largest alpine village in Tyrol

Namlos

What was once a year-round inhabited community is now considered a popular destination for families. The alpine village of Fallerschein, located at 1,300 meters above sea level, makes it easy for you as a visitor: you can reach the 40 stately log cabins in about one and a half hours via a moderately ascending forest path that is suitable for strollers. The path is surrounded by imposing mountain peaks and leads through a high valley that shines in all colors in autumn to the largest alpine village in Tyrol. 

Our tip: An absolute highlight for young and old on the tour is the Namlos suspension bridge, which - as the name suggests - spans the gorge of the Namlos stream.

Three wooden houses in front of a green hilly landscape.  | © Tiroler Zugspitz Arena/Bianca McCarty
Three wooden houses on green meadows in front of green mountain slopes.
Small metal sculpture of a little man on a wooden pole. Green forests and mountains in the background.
In the foreground a lush green fir forest on a green meadow, in the background a green mountain range under a blue sky. | © Tiroler Zugspitz Arena/Bianca McCarty
Wooden figure in front of a wooden arch and green conifers in the background.
A window hung with a lace curtain in a wooden house in the mountain village of Fallerschein.
In the foreground a green mixed forest that slowly fades into autumn colors, a gravel path that leads through it and in the background a green mountain range and mountain meadows under a blue sky.

Discover nature on the stroller trail

Bichlbach

For young families, the question often arises as to how the beloved hiking can be combined with the offspring. In Bichlbach there is the perfect solution: the stroller trail offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature together with your baby or toddler and be active at the same time. The starting point of this little adventure is the Almkopfbahn in Bichlbach. From there, the asphalt path starts, winding gently along the picturesque landscape. With a length of about three kilometers, the route is pleasant and easy to manage - both for the parents pushing the stroller and for the little passengers. The fresh mountain air and peaceful atmosphere offer a welcome change from everyday life.

Our tip: You can rent strollers partly in the hotels or also in the local sports stores. This is particularly practical for families with small children who no longer need a buggy, but who would like to have one with them for safety reasons when hiking.

To the mirror of Germany's highest mountain

Ehrwald

Nestled between the Vorderer Tajakopf in the east, the Vorderer Drachenkopf in the south and the Ehrwalder Sonnenspitze in the west, Seebensee is one of the most popular mountain lakes in the Tyrolean Zugpitz Arena. And not for nothing. Crystal clear water surrounded by a breathtaking panoramic view invites you to pause and refresh yourself. The leisurely hike starts at the mountain station of the Ehrwalder Almbahn in the direction of Seebenalm and leads from there to Seebensee. Once you've arrived, you're guaranteed not to want to leave this spot in a hurry. While the red-colored trees are reflected in the water, your gaze wanders in the direction of the opposite Zugspitze. 
Our tip: You can extend the tour by another mountain lake. At the southern end of the Seebensee begins the ascent to the Coburger Hütte (about 40 minutes) and to the nearby Drachensee.

A slightly snow-covered mountain in the fog in the background, in the foreground a rocky slope with yellow, slightly snow-covered larches.
Foto: Bianca McCarty

Discover nature with the little eagle "Horsti

Berwang

You can playfully learn more about the local flora and fauna on the nature discovery trail Mitteregg. Here the little eagle "Horsti" teaches you important things about respectful interaction with nature. Numerous play stations such as a wooden sound game, Horsti's flight show, a wooden ball track, quiz games and much more await the children along the 30-minute trail. During the hike, the children have to solve a riddle and receive a small surprise at the end with the solution word.
Our tip: To be on the safe side, take a two-euro piece for the wooden ball track and plan enough time for the tour; the play stations in particular quickly turn the short walk into a half-day excursion.

You may also be interested in ...

Similar articles