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SIX OF THE MOST EPIC ADVENTURE SPOTS ACROSS GERMANY, AUSTRIA & SWITZERLAND

Chosen by some of our favourite outdoor photographers

MAINZER HÖHENWEG RIDGE CLIMB, ÖTZTAL ALPS, AUSTRIA

Chosen by David Herzig

Why do you love this place?

“The Mainzer Höhenweg includes a 7km long ridge climb combining five peaks over 3000m and includes spectacular views over the Ötztal Alps. But don’t underestimate the risk on that hike: With a total length of about 18km and about 2200 vertical metres to climb it can easily take over 12 hours to complete. But anyone in the right physical condition and with the right skills will definitely enjoy this walk.”

How long does it take?

“More than ten hours, definitely.”

What about for first-timers?

“Yeah, this is definitely not a trail for first timers! But there are plenty of spectacular alternatives all around the Ötztal and Pitztal Valley for beginners. For first timers I would definitely recommend going on a hike with cable car support. This will show you the beauty of the surrounding alpine areas without pushing you to your limit. You want to enjoy hiking, so take it easy on the first one.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“First of all, I pack my L5 Summit Jacket no matter what weather is like. The weather can change super quick in high alpine areas, so always be prepared. Second, on a long tour like this you need a really good, trusty solid mountain boot. The last thing you want to experience on an exposed ridge like that is your feet not carrying you anymore. Last, I’ll definitely pack my camera, to capture all these spectacular views all over and the great moments along the way. Memories for a lifetime are made out there.”

Best photo opportunity?

“That’s a hard one, but I would focus on the mighty glaciers surrounding the valley, as well as the emotions on a long tour like that. There’s also a pretty cool bivouac shelter halfway along the ridge that looks like straight from out of space.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“You should look out for traditional Tyrolean kitchen. One of my favourites is the Tyrolean cheese dumplings with salad called ‘Kaspressknödel mit Salat’. You can’t go wrong with that.”

 

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HUNDSKOPF, TYROL, AUSTRIA

Chosen by Tarah Voss

Why do you love this place?

“This mountain has the perfect sunrise view towards the east and offers spectacular views along over the whole Inntal Valley as well as the Alpenhauptkamm.”

How long does it take and how hard is the route?

It takes about two hours to reach the summit. It doesn’t have that many vertical metres as you already start at quite a high point, but the whole hike is quite steep. Then there comes a trickier part where you have to climb and hold on to a steel rope, but other than that it’s a pretty easy hike.”

What about for first-timers?

“I wouldn’t really recommend this hike for total beginners as there is a tricky part to climb along the ridge. You need to have a head for heights and be sure-footed.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“Even on a super sunny day I’ll make sure to bring a shell jacket with me. It can get very windy up on a summit and especially after a sweaty hike, you want to be able to enjoy the summit comfortably. I personally use the L5 FUTURELIGHT Jacket. I always bring a warm and comfy ThermoBall Jacket, too, no matter the weather. The conditions can change within minutes. If you go on a sunrise hike, definitely make sure to bring a little camping stove along to enjoy some freshly brewed coffee on top of the mountain.”

Best photo opportunity?

“The ridge climb towards the summit is pretty epic.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“Hinterhornalm, which is located right at the beginning of the hike. Great traditional Austrian food!”

RASTKOGEL, TYROL, AUSTRIA

Chosen by Tom Klocker

Why do you love this place?

“You can get a 360-view from the very top, which is really cool. The sunrise and sunset up there are pretty sweet, especially when you get a sea full of clouds under your feet. And the good thing is, it’s very easy to get to if you have a mountain bike. A bike and hike tour there is an incredible adventure.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“I love to take my bike from Tux and head up the forest roads until the Rastkogel ski resort ends. After around an hour on the bike the hike starts. Take your time for the hike, it’s only 400 vertical metres and takes about 45 minutes. The route is very easy, but to get to the very top you need to use your hands for a short while.”

What about for first-timers?

“This mountain is good for beginners, which is really cool.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“Most important is protective gear for your body plus a headlamp, enough to drink and a camera to catch these moments.”

Best photo opportunity?

“The view to the mighty Hintertuxer glacier is incredible on any day, but if you get above the clouds like we did it’s just unreal.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“If hike from the other side, which is the Zillertaler Höhenstrasse, you pass by the Rastkogel hut. Have a coffee there.”

 

 

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MATTERHORN, THE ALPS, SWITZERLAND

Chosen by Fabio Zingg

Why do you love this place?

“Simply, it’s Switzerland’s most remarkable mountain and the most famous mountain in the Alps.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“Every time I arrive in Zermatt and see this mountain again I’m just in awe of it, as it

stands so tall, even against the surrounding high mountains there. I’ve done some incredible hikes and skiing and I think it’s the perfect playground for your adventure. Pretty much any mountain sport can be done there and the landscapes are some of the wildest and most fascinating I’ve experienced.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“Unfortunately, I’m a little afraid of heights. The climb up the top is quite sketchy and always filled with a lot of adventurers in summer. Therefore I prefer staying in the Matterhorn’s surroundings, as it has so many places and views to offer. Some of my favourites are Gornergrat, the Monte Rosa Hut and the Five Lakes hike. My favourite hiking route is definitely the one where you conquer the third largest glacier of the Alps (Morteratsch Gletscher) and end up at one of Switzerland’s most famous huts, the Monte Rosa Hut. The wide view over the Morteratsch Glacier with the tall standing Matterhorn is super unique and worth a visit in my opinion. One way takes you around four hours from the train station Rotenboden but you need to be an experienced hiker to complete this hike.”

What about for first-timers?

“The trail up the Matterhorn is definitely only possible for experienced climbers and even then, they recommend taking a local mountain guide. The perfect hike for beginners is the Five Lake Way, where you have three diverse and beautiful lakes to enjoy, and even take a dip in two of them. The hiking time is around 2.5 hours and you’ll come across many cool forests and mountain restaurants.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“It’s important to pack warm clothing because it can get quite chilly. Good hiking shoes and crampons are needed if you want to do the more adventurous hike that conquers the Gorner Glacier. Other than that I suggest bringing a Toblerone – I’m sure Swiss chocolate tastes even better in the mountains.”

Best photo opportunity?

“Probably the classic mirror lake Matterhorn portrait at Lake Riffelsee. It feels almost unreal standing there and watching the time going by. Sunrise is the best time for this as you get perfect warm light. You’re best staying at one of the mountain hotels for a night if you want to capture it.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“Riffelhaus and Gornergrat hotel both offer great meals. They serve local specialities as well as healthier options. They have many visitors during the whole year so expect amazing brunches, lunches and dinners every day.”

 

NEBELHORN, ALLGÄU ALPS, GERMANY

Chosen by Lars Schmucker

Why do you love this place?

“For me, the Nebelhorn is one of the most beautiful mountains in the Allgäu and offers numerous hiking opportunities and via ferrata routes. Nearby is also the beautiful Seealpsee, a high mountain lake at 1,622 metres. It is not only a wonderful photo, but also a great place to stop and enjoy the beauty of the Allgäu Alps.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“When I want to be at the summit at sunrise, the shortest and fastest way always counts for me. I go from the valley station of the mountain railway to the Nebelhorn, which is signposted. On the way back to the valley you can then take a detour and plan a break at Lake Seealpsee. The trails are very well signposted here. Ascent and descent take about seven hours in total. It’s not too tough, but good conditions are required.”

What about for first-timers?

“For beginners it is possible to use the cable car for almost the entire route, or only part of it. However, if you want to see the sunrise and sunset, you have to hike or alternatively you can also spend a night in the Edmund-Probst-Hauz mountain hut, which is at an altitude of 1,927 metres.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“A fresh base layer – it’s absolutely necessary to have something dry on your skin after the ascent. There’s nothing worse than freezing at the summit. No matter what the weather is like in the valley, I always have a thin windproof jacket with me, which has a small pack size. Finally, homemade muesli bars simply taste better on the mountain after the ascent.”

Best photo opportunity?

“For me it’s always a photo of the sunrise in the mountains. The moment gives me so much energy, so much strength, and recharges my batteries.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“Try a traditional Allgäu meal in the Edmund-Probst-Haus close to the peak after the ascent and enjoy the view over the valley.”

KRÄHE, AMMERGAU ALPS, GERMANY

Chosen by Dominik Wierl

Why do you love this place?

"I always love finding new places on my doorstep. It’s great to know your home and all the beautiful surroundings it offers – you don't always need to drive far for an adventure. I’d had this place in mind for quite a while, and finally managed to get there with the perfect weather for this shot."

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“At the border to Austria near the Ammerwald Alm, there is a little nearby parking lot. From there, the hike is pretty straightforward – the trail begins just behind it. It took us three or four hours to get to the spot as we had a lot of snow fields to cross. All in all, this hike was pretty demanding.”

What about for first-timers?

“The Ammergau Alps offer many small and easy hikes with sick views. For beginners, I would definitely recommend checking out the Teufelstättkopf and the Pürschling, which has a cabin that serves local food and drinks. Over in Unterammergau there is a nice round trip that starts at a small pretty gorge.”

What to pack for your adventure?

“Bring your walking sticks. I know they make you look like a grandma, but they’ll help you in this steep terrain, and your knees will thank you. Snacks too. Everybody loves a little break on the way up with snacks. And my must-have for a nice evening in the mountains is my much loved Bialetti coffee machine. If there is any space left in my backpack, I always bring it with me to enjoy a good hot coffee at the summit.”

Best photo opportunity?

“If the view is clear, you can see the Zugspitze. If you're feeling a bit adventurous, shoot the sunset – stay late enough, and you’ll see the Alps glowing. The way down is an easy forest road.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“That's the only bummer with this hike - I couldn't find a good restaurant nearby. But here is my insider tip: if you have a bit of extra time in the area, be sure to check out the bakery Hobis in Garmisch. Ask for a ‘Mars–Semmel’ and be happy.”

 

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If you’re up for exploring further afield, check out these hit-lists for France , the UK  and Italy.