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For the trail · alpventurer.com/geitau-aiplspitz

Ridge Scramble Adventure: Geitau to Aiplspitz Hike in Bavaria’s Heart

Ridge Scramble Adventure · Germany

Difficulty
Challenging

In short

The challenging Aiplspitz hike starts in Geitau in the Bavarian Oberland and climbs to 1,759 m. The route covers 11 km, with 1,000 m of ascent and 669 m of descent. Its final section follows the rocky north ridge, where sure-footedness and a head for heights are needed.

The route

Distance
11.0 km
Ascent
+1,000 m
Descent
−669 m
High point
1,759 m
Lowest point
772 m

A Geitau: 47.69373, 11.96654B Finish: 47.67156, 11.88684▲ Aiplspitz: 47.67302, 11.92366

Elevation profile of Ridge Scramble Adventure: Geitau to Aiplspitz Hike in Bavaria’s HeartStarts at 778 m, climbs 1,000 m in total to a high point of 1,754 m after 5.6 km, and finishes at 1,138 m; 10.3 km in all.1,000 m1,500 m0 km1 km2 km3 km4 km5 km6 km7 km8 km9 km10 kmGeitauAiplspitz · 1,754 mFinish

Walking time, without breaks

  • Relaxed7 h 35 min
  • Average6 h 5 min
  • Fast4 h 50 min

How steep

  • Under 8% 2.7 km
  • 8 to 15% 1.4 km
  • 15 to 25% 4.3 km
  • Over 25% 1.9 km

In two parts

  • Up to Aiplspitz 5.6 km · +981 m
  • Down to the finish 4.7 km · −671 m

What to pack

Every hike

  • Water: about 2.5 litres (half a litre an hour)
  • Rain jacket
  • A warm layer (fleece or light down)
  • Sun cap, sunglasses and sun cream
  • Boots or trail shoes with good grip
  • Phone with the map offline, and a power bank
  • Small first aid kit
  • Headlamp, in case it gets late
  • Some cash and your ID

For the summit

  • Hat and gloves: it is colder and windier at the top
  • Walking poles, for the way down

For a long day

  • Lunch, and a snack for every two hours
  • Salty snacks or electrolytes
  • Blister plasters

Chains and scrambles

  • Helmet, for falling stones
  • Gloves for the cables

The guide

Embark on an exhilarating alpine adventure as you hike from Geitau to Aiplspitz, a majestic peak that offers breathtaking panoramic vistas and a thrilling ridge climb. This demanding day hike promises natural beauty, challenging terrain, and a sense of accomplishment. Lace up your hiking boots, embrace the heights, and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing landscapes of the Bavarian Oberland.

Aiplspitz view Panorama

How to get there

To kickstart your journey, drive along the Munich-Salzburg motorway and exit at Irschenberg. Follow the scenic route through Fischbachau to Aurach, then turn left and continue for about 3 km to Geitau. At the Gasthof Rote Wand, take a right turn and follow the road to the hikers’ car park at the end of the street.

If you prefer public transportation, catch the Bavarian Oberlandbahn from Munich main station to the Geitau stop, and you’ll be steps away from the hiking adventure.

About the Geitau – Aiplspitz – Spitzingsee hike

Aiplspitz hiking

Your journey begins at Geitau (780 m), where you’ll be greeted by the impressive sight of the Aiplspitz and its inviting north ridge. The hike starts gently as you follow the signposted trail towards Aiplspitz via Geitauer Alm. The path gradually ascends through a mountain forest, offering glimpses of the surrounding landscape.

Upon reaching Geitauer Alm (1330 m), the terrain changes, and the real adventure begins. Follow the red markings as you traverse a grassy slope towards the cirque below Aiplspitz. Prepare for a challenging ascent as you reach the saddle between Aiplspitz and Heissenplatte, where the true excitement lies. The final leg of the hike takes you along the exhilarating north ridge of Aiplspitz (1759 m). This part of the journey demands sure-footedness and a head for heights as you navigate the rocky terrain and manageable climbing sections. The ridge offers a thrilling experience, combining stimulating scrambling with occasional walking passages. As you ascend, the panoramic views of Hochmiesing, Rotwand, and Benzingspitz unfold, rewarding your efforts.

Aiplspitz

After soaking in the stunning summit views, retrace your steps for a descent via the same route. For an alternative descent, consider the west ridge route to Tanzeck. This descent features safety ropes and a mix of earthy and slippery sections, adding an extra layer of excitement. From Tanzeck, continue to the Schönfeldhütte (for a cold beer) and Spitzingsattel, where you can catch a bus back to Fischhausen-Neuhaus and the Bavarian Oberlandbahn.

Embarking on the Geitau to Aiplspitz hike is an unforgettable journey that offers natural beauty, physical challenges, and panoramic rewards. Embrace the heights, experience the rush of the north ridge scramble, and bask in the awe-inspiring vistas that await atop Aiplspitz. This adventure is a testament to your daring spirit and a chance to connect with the stunning landscapes of the Bavarian Oberland.

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