Eisberg via Eisbergsteig and Eingeschossener Steig

This is a 7.7-mile (12.3 km) loop from Brandhäusl near Hintersee, climbing by the Platte branch of the old Eisbergsteig to Eisberg, then descending the Eingeschossener Steig and returning past Schwarzbachwacht and Taubensee. The summit is about 1,800 m, roughly 950 m above the start; allow about 7–9 hours for the full loop. The trailhead and much of the return are outside the park boundary, while the summit and upper route are inside. This is an unmarked, unmaintained line, and public access could not be confirmed. I’d only consider it if you’re experienced with exposed alpine routes and confident finding your way without signs; check access with the park authority before setting out.

From Brandhäusl, follow the Halsalm direction. After about 15–20 minutes, a small path branches right into Antonigraben; allow another 30–40 minutes to reach the east wall of Edelweißlahner. At the split, this circuit takes Platte, not Leiterl. The route narrows to a very exposed rock ledge with a steel cable. The line is old and unmaintained, so don’t assume that cable is dependable protection. If exposed steps make you hesitate, turn back here.

The path reaches Eisbergscharte, then fades among dwarf pines. Expect to pick out the tread and navigate between the three summit points rather than follow a clear marked track. The highest point is around 1,800 m. From the ridge, reports describe views toward Watzmann and Hochkalter to the south, Hochstaufen and Lattengebirge to the north, and Göllstock to the east.

From the northernmost summit, descend toward the old Eisbergalm clearing and hunting hut, then aim for the col between Zirbeneck and Eisberg. The loose scree hides the line in places. Farther down, the Eingeschossener Steig crosses a rock wall blasted into a narrow ledge; water runs over the rock, and a cable offers a handhold. The name refers to that blasted passage. The rock and forest below can be wet and slippery, and regional alpine guidance now advises against hiking this descent. This route is a poor choice for anyone without strong footing, comfort with exposure, and reliable map-based route-finding.

After the forest path reaches a track, follow the described return toward Schwarzbachwacht, past the parking area and Taubensee, then back to Brandhäusl. The final walk from the parking/Taubensee area to the start is about 40 minutes. No on-route drinking water, food stop, or toilet could be confirmed; meals in Hintersee or Ramsau are separate stops. The start is at a gravel pullout near the Halsalm sign, and Triebenbach is the public-transport stop.