Sometimes we need to spend some time in nature; to reconnect with the world around us and remind ourselves what it is to be alive. Breitenstein, located by the township of Fischbachau deep in the Bavarian Alps is less than an hour of driving from Munich and offers a multitude of hikes of different difficulties that provide an escape from the bustling crowds and busy streets of the Bavarian capital.
I visited a close friend of mine last November who thought it was a good idea to take me into the mountains. We decided to hike to the summit and complete a loop which took somewhere between two and three hours. We parked the car in Birkenstein, right next to Fischbachau, in a car park that provides access to the trailhead and a plethora of different walks.
The trail itself climbs about 800m to the summit at 1622m above sea level through a variety of different sections including gravel roads, steep rocky sections, luscious meadows and forested areas. Hiking in November was a particularly good time because we had a diversity of different conditions; at the bottom, as we prepared ourselves by the car, it felt like a summer morning, however we were stood in a few inches of snow on the summit.
I would highly recommend this hike to anybody who enjoys nature and being outdoors, and who enjoys a moderate challenge, although beginner hikers shouldn't have a problem reaching the summit with a little bit of determination. I would recommend a sturdy pair of hiking boots, a waterproof layer, warm clothing, plenty of water and of course a camera to document your adventures and to capture photos to make all your followers on Instagram jealous. There aren't many facilities besides a car park, some basic trail information and some public toilets located in the car park, which, although a minor inconvenience, adds to the feeling of blissful isolation. There are also a couple of huts on the way, but these are closed during the winter months, so if you like to enjoy a beer on the summit you will have to take your own.
Happy hiking!
