Circular Hike via Zäunlkopf to Oberbrunnalm
Circular Hike via Zäunlkopf to Oberbrunnalm
4.8
(88)
398
hikers
Circular Hike via Zäunlkopf to Oberbrunnalm
05:24
15.2km
850m
Hiking
Hike the difficult 9.4-mile Round trip from Scharnitz to Oberbrunnalm in Karwendel Nature Park, gaining 2779 feet in 5h 23m.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
5.60 km
Großer Mittagskopf and Zäunlkopf
Highlight • Summit
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6.24 km
View of the Karwendel Mountains
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7.84 km
Oberbrunn Alm
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Translated by Google •
Tip by
15.2 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
7.34 km
5.25 km
1.63 km
571 m
411 m
Surfaces
8.66 km
3.59 km
1.70 km
408 m
380 m
278 m
155 m
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Elevation
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Monday 25 May
29°C
11°C
17 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difficulty and terrain like on the round trip to Oberbrunnalm?
This hike is generally considered difficult, requiring very good fitness and sure-footedness. The terrain is varied, including dirt roads, forest paths, and narrow, sometimes steep trails with switchbacks. You may encounter scree, earth paths, wooden boards, and rock passages, especially if the route includes the Gleirschklamm gorge. Sturdy hiking shoes are highly recommended due to potentially challenging and slippery sections.
How long does this round trip typically take to complete?
The round trip typically takes around 5 to 6 hours to complete, covering a distance of approximately 15.2 kilometers with an elevation gain of about 847 meters.
What are the main highlights and viewpoints along the route?
Key highlights include the rustic Oberbrunn Alm, which offers traditional Tyrolean food. You'll also find magnificent panoramic views of the Karwendel valleys from viewpoints like the Großer Mittagskopf and Zäunlkopf. The route also offers a View of the Karwendel Mountains, and depending on the variation, you might experience the impressive Gleirschklamm gorge.
How do I get to the trailhead in Scharnitz, and where can I park?
The starting point in Scharnitz is easily accessible. You can reach it by public transport, including bus and train services, which is convenient for visitors from areas like Seefeld or Innsbruck. For those driving, parking is available in Scharnitz, though specific parking areas should be checked locally upon arrival.
Is this trail dog-friendly?
While the Karwendel Nature Park generally welcomes dogs, it's essential to keep them on a leash, especially due to the presence of wildlife and grazing animals. Given the trail's difficult rating and varied terrain, ensure your dog is fit for a challenging hike.
What is the best time of year to hike to Oberbrunnalm?
The best time to hike this trail is typically during the summer months when the Oberbrunn Alm is managed and open. During this period, the weather is generally more stable, and the trails are clear of snow. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any permits or fees required to hike in Karwendel Nature Park?
As the trail is located within the Karwendel Nature Park, Austria's largest nature park, there are generally no specific hiking permits or entrance fees required for access. However, it's crucial to respect nature park regulations, such as staying on marked trails and not disturbing wildlife.
What facilities are available at the Oberbrunnalm?
The Oberbrunn Alm is a rustic alpine hut that offers traditional Tyrolean food, often prepared on a wood stove. It serves as a welcoming stop for hikers and mountain bikers during the summer months when it is managed and open.
Is this hike suitable for families or beginners?
Given its difficult rating, significant elevation gain, and varied terrain, this specific round trip is generally not recommended for beginners or young children. It requires very good fitness and sure-footedness. Families with hiking experience and older, fit children might manage, but it's a challenging route.
Does this route connect with other trails in the Karwendel Nature Park?
Yes, this route intersects with several other trails. Notable sections include parts of the Scharnitz - Mühlberg - Oberbrunn-Alm trail, the Isar-Radweg, and the Scharnitz - Kreidengraben - Oberbrunn-Alm trail. It also briefly touches upon the Gleirschtal - Pfeishütte and Hinterautal - Kastenalm routes, among others.
What kind of scenery and nature can I expect on the trail?
You can expect abundant and varied alpine scenery. The trail passes through shady forests, offers panoramic views of the Karwendel valleys (Gleirschtal, Hinterautal, Karwendeltal), and provides glimpses of prominent peaks like Pleisenspitze and Brunnsteinspitz. If your route includes the Gleirschklamm gorge, you'll experience spectacular rock formations and adventurous passages.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
A beautiful, somewhat moderate circular tour with great views, mostly beautiful trails, and plenty of variety. Picture 10 is a hidden object game with paragliders ;-)
Recommend a pair of good hiking shoes and trekking poles
After our rainy arrival yesterday and our first night in the tent at 7 degrees Celsius 😅, we were optimistic that the weather would cooperate today. It didn't quite work out, but it didn't stop us from taking this beautiful and varied hike. We treated ourselves to a long break at the very cozy Oberbrunnalm with a really great host and delicious food 🤗 The heavy rain calmed down, and we were able to descend in just a drizzle. By the time we arrived at the campsite, the rain had stopped, and we had a fantastic sunset 😍
The 5th day in Scharnitz was very cloudy again 🌫️. Mistress and my playmate just dropped out of my pack. I too 🐕 tried to sneak away somehow. Unfortunately in vain, the gentleman had discovered me after all. So backpack packed, rainproof 🌧️clothes put on and let's go. It should go high. We were drawn up over the stone wall in the direction of the Oberbrunnalm. As tedious as the ascent along the Teufelsteig 😈 in constant drizzle 🌧️ was, the section was still so beautiful. Thirst was quenched by crossing the Teufelslochklamm 😅 and we continued to the chalk ditch, along which we fought our way 🦮. Passing the Zunfterkopf, there were a few difficult passages to overcome. Uprooted trees blocked the path in several places. In some places, my master was probably concerned that I would jump over the fallen trees with many broken, sharp branches without slitting my stomach. So he picked me up (a full 80 pounds of Labrador) and "safely" carried me over. Respect, what else the old man can do ... I should have known beforehand, then he could have carried me the last few kilometers 😂. We reached the Oberbrunnalm ... but we didn't take a break. The schnitzel 🐖 still had all 4 feet and also looked very mobile. I wasn't really sure if the pig mom, her piglets and I would become friends - well, I'm very open to new acquaintances - so we moved past a few cows 🐮, further up to the Zäunlkopf. Here we both noticed that the entire ascent we only met two bipeds. Whether it was the weather - who drives their dog 🐶 out the door in such a nasty weather - or the great climb? Regardless, we just enjoyed the quiet. After a short photo session 📸 we continued to the Großer Mittagskopf. So much for lunch... I got a 🥕 while my driver ate his sausage roll with relish. Here's another proof photo 📸 for those who stayed at home and off down into the valley. In between, we were able to admire the opposite mountains ⛰️, which were no longer quite so cloudy. After a good 14km we were happy to finally arrive back at the holiday home. On the last hundred meters, the homecoming was already announced by phone with the request that cool cyclists be provided 🍺. Even if the trip was really nice. One thing is certain for me, the old man should do the next summit tour alone. And now I put the 🐾🐾 up and rest.
Since the hut with the world's best Brettljausen goes into the winter break from Monday, we took the chance again today to indulge ourselves with culinary delights 😊. We went up over the fence (it's much more fun to walk up than on the bike down😏) and after a hearty snack with two beers and two schnapps (on the house), we happily started the descent over the Teufelsteig / Tafelesteig. Quite narrow but easy to walk forest paths give you that Estergebirge feeling again and again. Just not that steep and tricky 😉. All in all, a beautiful, uphill, continuously steep and demanding round that is not too long and spoils you again and again with dream panoramas! 🤗 By the way, of the 4 euro parking fee, you can have 2 euro credited to you at the hut! 👍🏻