Recently we have enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere in the mountains with fog and rain. But this time we are even luckier and get best summer weather.
We take the train to Kochel and change to the bus that takes us to our starting point, the valley station of the Herzogstandbahn.
But of course we don't take the cable car up. We make our way up the sweaty way..
It goes up quickly. As a reward for the effort, the forest opens from now and then and reveals a great view on lake Walchensee.
We are on the right way. We planned to got to the Herzogstand but will change our plans.
The path leads along a steep slope.
The stairs seem to lead to the sky.
Steel ropes to hold on give security near a small water fall.
Most of the path is easy to walk.
But the path is quite steep.
Great view near a dead tree trunk.
Still going up...
Shortly after we are at the Herzogstandhaus.
So many people who came up with the cable car are queuing up in front of the hut! We decide to skip our stop here.
The path to the Herzogstand seems to be an ant road. Without further ado we take up the suggestion of Gaby and branch off to the neighboring and much less visited Martinskopf.
Here it is much quieter...
...until we arrive at the summit ;-)
Summit rest with a wonderful view of the Walchensee
After an extensive break, we go back down to the main path at the Herzogstandhaus.
We take the path to Urfeld.
There are few people around here, but we meet a some cows.
Behind us you can see the Martinskopf.
We arrive at a nice panorama point, where we take some pictures.
But we have to continue on our way down!
The path leads through refreshing light forest.
This way.
Soon we reach Urfeld.
As we still have time until the bus comes we stop at the café at the lake.
There we can enjoy again the nice view of the Walchensee.
The bus stop is right next to the café. There is still time for our last group photo for today.
Heike A. comments succinctly on today's hike with "It can also be nice when it's not raining." ;-) We can all only agree with that!