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1 MUNICH TO THE INN VALLEY

Descending to Peteralm (Stage 4)

First sight of the Alps (Stage 2)

This first section of the route is an ideal way to start a major multi-day hike. The first two days are uncomplicated and give you a chance to warm up for the alpine adventure ahead.

The walk starts in Munich, Germany’s third biggest city, dynamic, fast growing and very accessible. Most walkers travelling from abroad will probably arrive a day early in time for an early start next day and, if so, there is plenty to see. Consider looking at St Johann Nepomuk, better known as the Asam Church, a beautiful and very sumptuous Baroque church or, if you want to limber up, take a walk through the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world.

Section 1 could be broken down into three distinct legs. The first takes two and half days and follows the River Isar south from Munich to Lenggries. Despite starting in the middle of Munich the route is surprisingly quiet and for the most part follows a pretty riverside walk. It travels through the Isar Tal Verein a ‘citizens’ park’ acquired through money raised by subscription in 1902. A response to concerns that the environment was being damaged by industrial development, it was one of the first parks of its kind in the world. The walk is a long one so expect hot feet and blisters if you’re not careful.

The second leg crosses the Benediktenwand, part of the Bavarian pre-Alps. The term ‘pre-Alps’ suggests ‘foothills’ but these are proper mountains. After two and half days of flat walking an 800m climb will come as a shock, a shock compounded by arguably the most demanding ridge walk of the whole Traumpfad.

The third leg leaves Germany and heads into Austria, crossing the Karwendel and tackling another exciting climb up to the Birkkarspitz. A long and stunning descent down the valley to Kastenalm follows before climbing next day over the Lafatscherjoch and into the Inn Valley.

Access and accommodation

If you want to walk this first section in isolation, getting to and from the Inn Valley, a main transit route through Austria, is easy. Options include (from either Hall or Wattens) a train to Innsbruck airport or a train to Munich for a return flight.

Accommodation is in a mix of mountain huts and small alpine hotels. The Karwendel Haus, just before the Birkkarspitz, is particularly good, and you can get a two-person room if you book early enough.

Taking the easy way up

KEY INFORMATION

Distance	154km (or 159km following Stage 7B)
Total ascent	5320m
Total descent	6620m
Alternative schedule	The Inn Valley can be crossed in different ways, including an option that reduces the overall schedule by a day. The alternatives are outlined in the introduction to Stage 7.