Alpine crossing Watzmann - Three Peaks
A fantastic crossing of the Alps with the circumnavigation of the Großglockner and breathtaking views of the 3 Peaks.
Another highlight of the Vivalpin program is the eastern Alpine crossing through some of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the Alps. The start at Königsee is already worth the trip, but the program points of the following days put another one on top: the circumnavigation of Austria's highest mountain, the 3,798 m high Großglockner, and the view of the Three Peaks, which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. The 7 stages with up to 1,300 m of ascent are well-balanced in terms of highlights and fitness requirements. For us, this route is more than just an alternative to the classic E5.
Program and schedule
- Mountain guide:in with the appropriate qualifications
- 5 x overnight stays in AV huts
- 1 x overnight stay in a guesthouse
- 6 x rich breakfast
- 6 x multi-course evening menu
- 3 x cab / bus transfer
- 1 x return transfer to Berchtesgaden
- Sea to Summit Daypack
- Free participation in the online training Alpine Crossing Preparation (1 h)
Additional costs
- Snacks, drinks
- Arrival, possibly parking fee
Day 1: Meeting point, equipment check and by boat across the Königssee to St. Bartholomä. Ascent via the Saugasse to the Kärlinger Haus (1,638 m). Overnight stay/half board in the Kärlinger Haus.
Ascent 1,100 m / walking time 4 - 5 h
2nd day: Cross the karstified plateau of the Steinernes Meer to the Riemann Haus (2,177 m). Descent via a partly rope-secured path to Maria Alm. Short cab transfer and ascent to the beautiful Trauneralm.
Ascent 900 m / descent 1,100 m / walking time 7 h
Day 3: Ascent to the "Pfandlscharte" (2,665 m) with a magnificent view of the Großglockner. Continue uphill and downhill to the Glockner Haus (2,132 m)
Ascent 1,200 m / descent 650 m / walking time 5 - 7 h
Day 4: Now it's off to the south side of the Glockner. The trail leads via the Margaritzen reservoir and the Stockerscharte (Wiener Höhenweg) to the Salmhütte (2,644 m). After a lunch break, continue to the Glorer Hütte (2,642 m) and downhill across idyllic alpine meadows to the Luckner Haus (1,918 m) or alternatively to the Lucknerhütte (2,241 m).
Ascent 900 m or 1,200 m / descent 1,100 m / walking time 7 h
Day 5: After breakfast, transfer to the Defereggen valley to Maria Hilf. Past the Stallebach waterfall and Alpe Stalle, ascent to the Villgrater Törl and then descent to the Unterstalleralm. From here, take the bus / hiking cab to the guesthouse in Kalkstein.
Ascent 1,100 m / descent 830 m / walking time 5 - 6 h
Day 6: A wonderful ascent to the Toblacher Pfannhorn (2,663 m) with the first views of the Dolomites. On the descent, stop off at the Bonner Hütte. After a short transfer and a short ascent, you are in the middle of the Dolomites. Overnight stay at the Drei Schuster hut (1,626 m).
Ascent 1,300 m / descent 1,000 m / walking time 6 h
Day 7: Through the Innerfeldtal to the Drei Zinnen Hütte (2,438 m) with an overwhelming view of the north faces of the famous Drei Zinnen, then over the Paternsattel to the Auronzo Hütte, where the transfer back to Berchtesgaden takes place. Arrival in Berchtesgaden in the evening.Ascent 930 m / descent 300 m / walking time 5 h
Note on program changes:
All courses and guided tours are conscientiously organized and carried out in accordance with the safety standards of the Vivalpin Mountain and Ski School with qualified specialists (e.g. mountain and ski guides, mountain hiking guides, etc.). The provisional tour program may be adjusted for safety-related reasons, such as bad weather, dangerous conditions, unforeseen natural events or inadequate conditions of the participants. The final program will be decided by the guide on site..
You should know about good physical condition, a good physical condition, A head for heights and endurance for daily stages with about 8 kg of luggage.
You can expect approx. 7 h walking time and ascents of up to 1,300 m - including 5 hours of ascents and descents with up to 1,250 m difference in altitude. Good preparation for multi-day hikes is half the battle. Get used to your equipment - especially your hiking boots and carrying a rucksack. The best way to practise this is on hikes with comparable differences in altitude.
For your targeted preparation we recommend our intensive training in surefootedness and head for heights in any case the participation in our online training.
"From the Watzmann to the Three Peaks, that doesn't just sound good, it really is good. This alpine crossing is more demanding than the classic E5. The stages are longer and also technically more demanding. So if you have already done the E5 or another long-distance hike, then the tour from the Watzmann to the Three Peaks is the logical step up for you. Absolutely recommended!"
Lisa Pütz
Mountain hiking guide
Member of the VIVALPIN Competence Team
Head of department for mountain school for many years