From the Jennerbahn middle station, a steep trail leads back down into the valley: with great views thanks to the short detour to the Brandkopf, and pleasantly shady on hot summer days (trail no. 9 on the Jennerbahn overview map).
Before our morning tour today, we treat ourselves to an espresso in the “Halbzeit” restaurant at the middle station of the Jennerbahn. We enjoy the morning sun and the view of the mountains “Schlafende Hexe” and the “Untersberg” on the comfortable armchairs in the meadow.
Our hike takes us up to the “Brandkopf” and back down into the valley via the “Stufenweg”. From the middle station, the Brandkopf is well signposted and we follow the initially wide forest path and keep left at the first crossroads.
It goes steeply downhill for a few meters, and we enjoy the bright yellow marsh marigolds along the edge of the path in spring.
We walk a few meters past the “Stufenweg” junction until we reach the large meadow. Here, a narrow trail leads along the edge of the meadow (please stay on the path, as the meadow is used for grazing) to the “Brandkopf”, a truly magnificent viewpoint that I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone.
The ascent takes only 15 minutes, and with a short break on one of the many benches, you can enjoy the panoramic view – including Lake Königssee.
We return to the trail junction along the same path. On the way down, the lovingly restored, listed “Hinterbrandlehen” farmhouse comes into view. We keep to the right and take the steep “Stufenweg” down into the valley.
The trail leads through open mountain forest, accompanied by the sound of the “Krautkasergraben”, descending over steps and a narrow path back into the valley.
The final stretch follows the “Richard-Voss-Straße” back to the Jennerbahn valley station or the Königssee parking lot, offering a wonderful view all the way to the end of the tour.
With short breaks and the detour to the Brandkopf, you should plan for about 2 hours. Sturdy shoes with good soles are a must, and hiking poles are recommended.
