As expected, on the fourth day, there is Elevation Loss, while our energy levels are on a slight upswing—a brief recovery break before the finale.
A moderately difficult Kaiserkrone stage with spectacular panoramic views, starting at the Stripsenjochhaus in the impressive morning light and leading along scenic trails over the mountain pine-covered ridge to the Stripsenkopf. From the observation pavilion, the Wilde Kaiser, with its peaks and Rock Faces, takes center stage; on a clear day, the view extends as far as Lake Chiemsee, the Loferer & Leogang Rocky Mountains, and across to the Karwendel. After that, the tour remains a varied mix of forest trails, meadow and woodland paths, as well as rocky passages—some of which are secured with ropes—requiring sure footing and a solid level of fitness. A long descent via the Scheibenbichlalmen toward Griesenau.
Stunning views from the Kaiser to Lake Chiemsee!
At the Stripsenjochhaus, you’ll be treated to vibrant colors even at sunrise!
Trail 825 takes you north over a ridge covered in mountain pine. At the Feldberg/Stripsenkopf junction, keep to the right toward Feldberg, and at the next junction, hike west for about 10–15 minutes until you reach the observation pavilion at the Stripsenkopf (1,807 m). From here, you can enjoy the peaks and Rock Faces of the Wilder Kaiser in all their glory! On a clear day, you can even see Lake Chiemsee to the north, the Loferer & Leogang Rocky Mountains to the south, and the Karwendel to the west.
The trail continues along a scenic ridge, first downhill and past the “Frankenländer Nadel” and then back uphill via the Tristecken (1,710 m) to the summit of the Feldberg (1,813 m). From here, you’ll enjoy a fascinating view of the Ellmau Tor from the north.
Trail 825 continues to the Obere Scheibenbichlalm. From there, follow Forest Road 76 and, in part, Trail 20 (taking shortcuts across meadows and through the forest) down into the Kaiserbachtal Nature Reserve.
Once you reach the paved road, start hiking eastward; if the water level is low, you can cross the stream after about 100 m and continue on Forest Trail 801 toward Griesenau. If the water level is too high, simply follow the paved road past the toll booth toward Griesenau.
Before reaching Kössen Straße, turn right onto the forest trail at the first house and hike south along the Engelbach toward Gasteig (about 1–1½ hours). Keep left at the first fork. The trail leads through the forest via several wooden footbridges until you reach the forest road again. Follow this road southeast all the way to Gasteig, where there are several places to stay.
Be sure to bring plenty of food and drinks for this stage!
TIP: Regional bus and demonstration cheese dairy
Tired hikers can take the bus for the last stretch from Griesenau to Gasteig and visit the “Wilder Käser” demonstration cheese dairy there.
800 VTT regional bus: Kirchdorf i. T. to Griesenau
Accommodation options on Stage 4:
Kramerhof Gasteig
Gasthof Mitterjager Gasteig
Gasteiger Jagdschlössl
▶ To Stage 5
▶ To the alternative route: Stripsenjochhaus descent through the Kaiserbach Valley
800 VVT Regional Bus Route: Kirchdorf i. T. to Griesenau
See "Kaiserkrone"—Full Route or Stage 1.
