Grunstein Klettersteig: the Berchtesgaden Via Ferrata- Several years ago I got hooked on via ferratas. I am always searching for one to complete on our next adventure. So when it came to visiting the town of Berchtesgaden Germany I knew there had to be at least one in the area. I came across Grunstein Klettersteig when looking for something mid-level when it came to intensity and one that offered good views. You can read about the one we completed in the Laterbruunnen Valley of Switzerland here and one above Norway’s fjords here.

In Germany they refer to via ferratas as the word klettersteig. And these things are everywhere! Popular with both tourists and locals.

A via Ferrata means the ‘iron way’. They are located on a mountain route equipped with steel cables, ladders, and other fixed anchors, for example wooden walkways and suspended bridges

Most via ferratas are found in European countries but are slowing making way across the world. We love them because they are a perfect mix of fear factor, adrenaline and the absolutely best way to view the amazing mountain tops, especially this one.

There were hundreds of via ferratas to choose from in this area, which made it really hard to narrow down the search. These routes are popular for locals but still very hard to find information on.

We chose the Grunstein Klettersteig on the factors of difficulty, time to complete, features and views along the course. And of course is looks over the beautiful Lake Konigssee.

Statistics

Difficulty: medium

Rating: B/C

Elevation Change: 697 meters (2287 feet)

Length: 6.8 kilometers (4.23 miles)

Time: 4 1/2 hours average

Gear You Need

To complete to a via ferrata you do need the correct equipment, helmet, harness and clips.. We have thought several times about investing in some of our own gear, as if it very affordable compared to some prices of rentals. But as we were going to be traveling for 5 weeks we needed all the space in our bags that we could get. If interested this is a great set. We rented ours at Intersport Renoth right by Lake Konigssee for only $10, this was a steal! They do take your credit card to hold as a deposit until you bring the equipment back.

How to Get There

The best place to start this trail is by parking at the Lake Konigssee parking lot. If renting equipment walk right into the heart of town to the Intersport Renoth to pick up your gear. There are restrooms with a water fountain nearby, so make sure your water bottles are topped off before hitting the trail.

We went as soon as the shop opened, which we were glad we did. We ended up spending more time on the trail than we expected.

If facing the lake head to your right along the lake to find the trail. You will pass by a few shops and restaurants before walking along the lakes edge and across the covered bridge. This is when you will start to see more signs for the trail. Cross over the road to continue on to the path you will start to see some trails signs here to keep you on the right path. You will walk by some homes before you entered into a more wooded area. Here you will see the bobsled and luge track.

The Climb

Starting Route

Before long you will come across the start of the via ferrata. There were a few different options on how you wanted to conquer the start of the trail. They all end merging together but the start does have some different levels of difficulties. After looking ahead and seeing the start of the trail was literally a straight up climb we decided to go with the easiest option that was towards the left, and boy were we glad we choose that, as it was plenty of hard for us. This was also what most people ahead of us were doing, so we considered it a safe bet to have someone to follow.

Boy oh boy this trail was a lot more difficult than the last one I went on (here). Just when I thought it had to level out it was straight up once again. This trail definitely took some upper body strength and before long we were wishing we brought climb gloves. Our hands were definitely starting to blister. As I love a good adrenaline rush I was still having the time of my life as I was maneuvering over boulders, grabbing on to the anchors and taking looks back over the Alpine valley. There is a reason that this place is famous for being Hilter’s favorite vacation spot.

Features

Eventually we started to climb horizontally instead of vertically. Which is when we got to play on this bridge, and then shortly after a fun leap across the side of the Alps.

The Last Leg

After another ascent up I definitely was starting to get tired. I will admit after a lot of hiking the day before I was starting to get worn out and ready for the end to rest my arms and legs. After a short break on a bench with some locals they informed us what was waiting for us at the top…..a biergarten! How did I not know this? It’s Germany, there is a biergarten at the end of every hike not matter how secluded it is. Well and just like that my spirits were lifted and a cold German lager was in my sights.

We finished a few more uphill battles. The course got a little more level as we didn’t need to use our harnesses as much. And at last the final climb!

The top had many benches placed all around to enjoy the different angles of this mountain top view. Ready for a cold one though we headed to the biergarten. I was started get doubtful of this biergarten and if it would be open. The hike we did a few days before had a biegarten and ehte end as well, it ended up being closed once we got there.

The Reward

Out of water and wobbly legs we began to hear people talking and there is was! Grünsteinhütte, smack dab in the middle of no where without running water was our biergarten! We finished right in time to hunker down enjoy a few brews while a storm passed through. Hungry and feeling I deserved it I ordered an apple strudel as well. Hit the spot!

Some people hike the trail up just to visit this biergarten, we took that trail down as we ate our packed sandwiches and snacks. This trail will take you back to the start of the via ferrata, pass the blob sled track and back to the lake. Return your gear if you need to and pat yourself on the back as this was definitely a course more difficult than expected.

What to Bring With You

Water– Hydration Bladder for your backpack (we each had a 2 liter on this hot day) and/or collapsible travel waterbottles (here and here)

Snacks– I love these bar for hikes, small enough for a quick snack

Sandwiches– you can always plan on ordering something at the biergarten

Harness and Clips– rent or for a fair price you can purchase a kit here if you plan on doing more in the future

Helmet– rent or purchase

Good Shoes– I usually wear my Ahnu’s but was happy with my trail shoes as they gave my foot more flexibility on the rocks.

Camera– this one is great for climbs, I loop it on my harness and it is water and shock proof

Gloves– We went with out and regretted it, they didn’t offer these at the rental store but may possibly have them for rent. Here is an affordable pair.

Cash

Other Tips & Information

-Bring plenty of water on this trail. We brought our 2 liter camelbaks along with some collapsible travel waterbottles. It was an exceptionally hot day in Berchtesgaden and we were out of water before we finished the trail. There is no shade or good resting spots on the route, so be prepared.

-Expect for it to take longer then listed on most sites. There was someone moving pretty fast on the route that passed us up. But we seemed to be staying in speed of most of the other people completely the via ferrata and it took us longer than expected. By the time we stopped at the berigarten and hiked back down it took us a good 6 hours.

-Because it took longer than expected we were glad we brought some lunch meat sandwiches and granola bars to keep our energy up throughout the route.

-Carry cash on you if you want something at the biergarten. They do not accept credit cards, as this is the case for most restaurants in the smaller towns in Germany.