Kahlersberg via Mauslochsteig

Kahlersberg via Mauslochsteig is a 12.1-mile (19.4 km) out-and-back from Parkplatz Hinterbrand to the 2,350 m summit. It gains about 4,265 feet (1,300 m), and the published time is nine hours. The route starts on the Königsweg, climbs through Priesbergalm, Stiergraben, Seeleinsee and Hochgschirr, then tackles the exposed west wall; return the same way. This is for experienced hikers comfortable with a long day, rough ground and exposure. The payoff is a high limestone summit with a wide view over the Berchtesgaden Alps.

The published mileage and time start at Parkplatz Hinterbrand; a different access changes the distance, and the optional Jennerbahn middle-station start has no separate figure. Most of the day is the approach and return, not just the summit climb. A local route account names Dr.-Hugo-Beck-Haus near Jennerbahn middle station as the only refreshment stop, better treated as a possible stop on the way back. Check that it is operating before relying on food there. I could not verify a dog rule, so check before bringing one.

From Hinterbrand, take the Königsweg toward Priesbergalm. Past the lower huts, a narrow path crosses meadow, enters woods and drops into a ditch before climbing Stiergraben. The path gets stonier as the trees thin to dwarf pine and rock. At the Seeleinsee junction, the lake may not be visible yet; it comes into view on the rocky ascent toward Hochgschirr, where the green water sits against gray limestone.

At Seeleinsee, take the right-hand rocky ascent to Hochgschirr. Turn left at the pass. From there, route-finding shifts from obvious path to faint tracks and stone cairns across broken limestone toward the foot of Kahlersberg’s west face. Keep the line in sight; do not improvise across the karst if tracks disappear. On the final plateau the tracks fade and landmarks are sparse, so poor visibility makes navigation especially difficult.

The named west-wall route climbs steeply and is exposed in places. Short cruxes have fixed wire protection; another route description also notes metal rungs or steps. These aids do not make it an easy or beginner route. You need steady feet and comfort with exposed ground on the ascent and, again, on the descent. If you are unsure about that kind of terrain, this is a good place to turn back rather than push onto the wall.

Above the wall, the route eases onto a broad karst plateau. The summit view takes in Watzmann’s east face, Kleine Reibn, the Steinernes Meer, Hochkönig and Wildalmkircherl. For a photo, include some pale limestone in the foreground; it shows the rough high terrain you crossed. The return follows the same track, so the secured wall needs care in reverse and the long walk through Stiergraben and along Königsweg still lies ahead.

These peaks belong to the Northern Limestone Alps; their bedrock formed from deposits in the ancient Tethys about 200 million years ago. Ibex are associated with Kahlersberg, and local hiking descriptions report them grazing near the upper path. Give them room, and don’t count on a sighting.