Arrival by public transport
By train to Scharnitz train station, then a 10-minute walk to the starting point at the Nature Park Information Center.
All real-time connections can be found in the route planner.
Psst, please don't spread the word too often that you can get excellent views of the Karwendel mountains from the Zäunlkopf. Here you can often enjoy the emerging Canadian feeling all by yourself.
The ascent to the Zäunlkopf, which is not at all short but not particularly technically demanding, is only rewarded at the end. After mainly ascending through forest terrain, the summit offers views of the three Karwendel valleys Gleirschtal, Hinterautal and Karwendeltal, which few people get to see from this perspective. Shortly after the summit, you reach the Oberbrunnalm, a real Tyrolean showpiece. The final descent is along one of the most beautiful forest paths in Tyrol, leading through the Gießenbachklamm gorge with its bizarre rock formations. The tour is easily accessible by public transport thanks to the connection to the Scharnitz and Gießenbach train stations.
This moderately difficult hike takes you through varied landscapes with plenty of scenic views. The starting point is the Naturpark Info Center in Scharnitz. The trail begins by turning right towards Café Länd. Across from the café, the path climbs slightly, then turns right onto a dirt road. From there, head left towards Parking Lot P4 Mühlberg. After the last house on the left, a narrow, sometimes steep trail begins to climb in switchbacks through Bärenklamm (watch for the signs). This trail, which requires sure-footedness, goes through shady forest up to the Mühlberg Forest Road.
You can take a short detour to the Heart Viewpoint on Mühlberg. Continue uphill to the old Mühlberg lift station. From there, a narrow path on the left leads to Mittagskopf and Zäunlkopf. A quick 10-minute detour will reward you with stunning views of the Karwendel valleys. From Zäunlkopf, the descent begins, following signs to Oberbrunnalm.
The return route takes you through the Gießenbach Valley along the forest road towards Scharnitz. In Gießenbach, cross the main road and turn right onto the forest road back to Scharnitz.
Alternative Starting Point:
The hike can also begin in Gießenbach (P5/P6). From here, cross the bridge and turn left. After a short distance, take the path on the right uphill, eventually reaching the Mühlberg Forest Road. From here, continue as described above.
Other Descent Options:
From Oberbrunnalm, descend via the Isertal Valley and through Gleirschklamm back to the starting point.
From Oberbrunnalm, descend via the Isertal Valley and follow trail No. 57 (Hochwaldweg) back to Scharnitz.
By train to Scharnitz train station, then a 10-minute walk to the starting point at the Nature Park Information Center.
All real-time connections can be found in the route planner.
Rundwanderung über Zäunlkopf zur Oberbrunnalm
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