Falkenstein

Hiking:

Ascent to the Falkenstein Castle Ruins (1277 meters)

Characteristics: Short, initially steep hike on partially narrow, interesting trails. Beautiful deep and panoramic views of the surrounding mountain landscape as well as the foreland with Forggensee, Weissensee and Hopfensee and the Ammergau Alps behind them. Suitable for sporty hiking enthusiasts.

Route: The hike starts from the parking lot of the shooting house in Roßmoos-Weissensee. You reach it by driving along the main road from Weissensee towards Pfronten and then turning left at the last district of Weissensee called Wiedmar. The shooting house and the adjoining parking lot with a large maypole can already be seen from the street.

And off we go. Don’t forget your camera for panoramic shots.

Follow the paved road with a slight incline and take the first left onto the gravel path. There you will see a farm on the right side. Walk straight ahead along the gravel path through an avenue and then follow the path to the forest, which is very well signposted.

Now you reach the forest. Walk along the forest path, which winds up through the sparse mountain forest (the unpaved path is partially steep here).

Follow the signs to ‘Falkenstein’ up to the paved road.

Once on the paved road, follow it upwards as it winds through the mountain forest. Enjoy the fantastic views along the way!

Soon you will see the Falkenstein Hotel and the Falkenstein Castle ruins.

Follow the paved road to the signposted ‘Mariengrotte’ (just before the Falkenstein Hotel). Now turn left and via a narrow unpaved path you will reach the Mariengrotto located in the vertical rock face. From there you have a fantastic view of the mountains.

Walk back a little way and take the left fork upwards. The stairs lead directly to the impressive castle museum located on the right and the panoramic restaurant inviting you to linger.

To the left, take a short climb of about 3 minutes up to the castle ruins and the viewing platform. From there you have a dreamy 360° panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

First, descend the same way and walk left around the castle hotel. There you will see on the right a fork with a small path with stairs. Go up the stairs and you will be at the viewpoint with seating.

It’s worth staying there for a moment.

Walk straight back down to the paved road and follow it (initially the same way down). Soon you will reach the fork to the forest path (ascent) again. Pass this by and continue to follow the paved road. After a few hundred meters, there is an inconspicuous turn to the right signposted ‘Benken’. Follow this narrow unpaved forest path (a game trail).

Follow the trail markings (always slightly northeast). These lead you on field paths and unpaved gravel paths directly to the Benken district.

Upon reaching the Benken district, now walk down the paved road on the right. Then take the third turn on the right and follow the gravel path until you reach the avenue from the ascent. Turn left and walk past the farm again, then follow the paved road (the same way as the ascent) back to the parking lot.