Over the Marxenhöhe to the Kneifelspitze mountain in Berchtesgadener Land

Dream panorama on Berchtesgaden's local mountain

The hike starts at the pilgrimage church of Maria Gern. Behind the church, a paved road leads steeply uphill towards the forest. Follow the road for a short distance until you reach a large signpost at a hairpin bend. Here, take the path to the right into the forest towards Marxenhöhe.

Then follow the forest path straight ahead until, after about 10 minutes, you reach a junction. Take the path to the right to reach the Marxenhöhe viewpoint. From here, Berchtesgaden lies at your feet, and the mountains behind it form a magnificent panorama even from this vantage point.

From the viewpoint, return to the main path and follow it through the forest and across meadows up to a property. Here, the hiking trail curves and continues uphill behind the property into the forest. The final section of the trail climbs a few more meters in elevation via switchbacks before reaching the road from the Metzenleitenlehen. From here, it's only a few minutes to the summit.

Although the Kneifelspitze is only 1,189 meters high, the panoramic view is magnificent thanks to its isolated location. The view can be enjoyed from the sun terrace of the Paulshütte or from one of the benches set up a little further away.

The path down leads via switchbacks back to the forest path. When you emerge from the forest, follow the signs to the right to Maria Gern. You'll soon reach a hiking parking lot. It's only a short walk back to the starting point along the paved road.