European Long distance path E 4 - part Germany (region Chiemgau)

The European Long Distance Path E4 – part Germany (region Chiemgau) is a roughly 90 km point-to-point alpine segment of the 10,000 km E4 route, crossing the Chiemgau Alps of southeastern Bavaria, Germany. It gains around 5,000 m of cumulative ascent over 5 days and is rated moderate, threading past the Chiemsee lake and peaks like the Kampenwand (1,669 m) and Geigelstein (1,808 m).

About the European Long distance path E 4 - part Germany (region Chiemgau)

The E4 is one of twelve European long-distance paths coordinated by the European Ramblers Association (Europäische Wandervereinigung, founded 1969 in Germany). The full route stretches roughly 10,000 km from Tarifa on the southern tip of Spain, across the Pyrenees, through France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece, with extensions onto Crete and Cyprus. It is part of the International Walking Network (IWN), one of the world's most significant networks of waymarked trails.

The Chiemgau section is a short but scenically dense slice of that continental journey. After entering Bavaria from the Allgäu and the Bavarian foothills, the E4 runs along the northern edge of the Alps before reaching the Chiemgau — the region around the Chiemsee, Bavaria's largest lake at about 80 km² and nicknamed "das Bayerische Meer" (the Bavarian Sea). Here the trail leaves the lowlands and climbs into the Chiemgau Alps, a compact group of the Northern Limestone Alps with summits between 1,500 m and 1,800 m.

This guide treats the Chiemgau segment as a standalone multi-day hike of about 90 km, broken into five manageable days. Because the E4 follows existing German regional trails rather than a single dedicated path, exact administrative distances vary between sources; the figures below reflect a typical line linking Prien am Chiemsee to the Reit im Winkl and Ruhpolding area. The terrain is genuine alpine walking — forested valleys, open alpine pasture (Almen), limestone ridges and exposed summit paths — but it never crosses glaciers or requires technical climbing, which is what keeps the overall grade moderate. For anyone wanting a taste of the Alps without the commitment of a full transalpine crossing, the Chiemgau E4 is an excellent introduction.

Historically, the E-path network was conceived in the late 1960s to knit together pre-existing national and regional trails under a shared waymark, and the E4 was among the first routes designated. In Germany the path largely overlaps with established Bavarian footpaths maintained by local sections of the German Alpine Club and regional rambling associations, so on the ground you follow familiar red-and-white blazes and local signposts rather than a dedicated "E4" marker on every post. The Chiemgau stretch is also one of the most accessible alpine portions of the entire 10,000 km route, sitting barely an hour from Munich by train, which makes it a favourite weekend and week-long objective for both German and international walkers. Pairing world-class scenery with reliable public transport, mountain huts and well-graded paths, it rewards careful planning more than raw endurance.

Route Overview & Stages

The five stages below run broadly west to east, starting at the lakeshore town of Prien am Chiemsee and finishing in the Reit im Winkl / Ruhpolding basin. Distances and ascent are approximate and depend on which huts and valley alternatives you choose.

Total across the five stages is roughly 90 km with about 5,000 m of cumulative ascent. The opening day is deliberately gentle, easing you in along the Chiemsee shore before the serious climbing begins on Stage 2 up the Kampenwand. Stages 3 and 4, over the Geigelstein and Hochgern, are the physical crux, each packing more than 1,300 m of ascent with steep, occasionally exposed sections that demand sure footing. The final stage relaxes again onto the Winklmoosalm plateau, a broad alpine meadow at around 1,160 m, before the gentle descent into Reit im Winkl. Strong walkers compress this into four days; those wanting summit detours and rest stops should plan six. If you are pacing daily distances for the first time, our breakdown of how many calories you need hiking a full day helps you size food rations for each stage.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Chiemsee & Herrenchiemsee — Bavaria's largest lake hosts Herreninsel island and King Ludwig II's Versailles-inspired palace, begun in 1878 and reached by the historic Chiemsee-Schifffahrt ferries.
• Fraueninsel (Frauenwörth) — A tiny island with a Benedictine convent founded around 782 AD, one of the oldest in the German-speaking world, visible from the northern shore stages.
• Kampenwand (1,669 m) — The Chiemgau's signature crag, with a serrated limestone crest, a cable car from Aschau, and the Kampenwandhütte for refreshments.
• Geigelstein (1,808 m) — The highest point near the route and a protected nature reserve famed for alpine wildflowers, earning it the nickname "Blumenberg" (flower mountain).
• Hochgern (1,748 m) — A grassy panoramic summit above Marquartstein with sweeping views over the Chiemsee and across to the Kaisergebirge in Austria.
• Hochfelln (1,674 m) — A nearby Chiemgau peak served by a cable car from Bergen and crowned by the Hochfellnhaus, a popular optional detour.
• Reit im Winkl — A border resort village renowned as one of Germany's snowiest spots and a cross-country skiing hub at the eastern end of the segment.
• Ruhpolding & the Chiemgau Arena — Home to a world-famous biathlon stadium and gateway to the eastern Chiemgau valleys for the finish.

Best Time to Hike the European Long distance path E 4 - part Germany (region Chiemgau)

The reliable hiking window for the Chiemgau Alps runs from late May to mid-October. Snow can linger on north-facing ridges below the Kampenwand and Geigelstein into early June, and the higher alpine huts of the German Alpine Club (DAV) typically open from late May and close in early to mid-October.

June and July bring the alpine flower bloom — the Geigelstein reserve is at its most spectacular — but they also bring the highest frequency of afternoon thunderstorms, which build quickly over limestone summits. August is warm and busy, coinciding with Bavarian school holidays, so huts and ferries are at their fullest.

September is the single best month to hike the Chiemgau E4. Weather is at its most settled, with crisp mornings, stable high-pressure spells and excellent long-range visibility from the Hochgern and Geigelstein; crowds thin out after the August peak, yet the huts remain open. As of 2026, expect daytime valley temperatures around 18–22 °C and cooler 5–10 °C on the summits, with the first dusting of snow possible above 1,700 m by late September. Always check the DWD German Weather Service mountain forecast the evening before each high stage, as conditions can shift within hours.

Practical Information

Accommodation

The Chiemgau offers a dense mix of valley guesthouses and alpine huts, so you rarely need to carry a tent. DAV-run huts such as the Priener Hütte (on the Geigelstein), Kampenwandhütte, Hochgernhaus and Hochfellnhaus offer dormitory bunks (Matratzenlager) for roughly €15–20 per night for Alpine Club members and €25–35 for non-members, with simple half-board meals available for an additional €20–25. In the valleys, Gasthof and pension rooms in Aschau, Bernau, Marquartstein and Reit im Winkl run about €70–120 for a double with breakfast. Campsites along the Chiemsee, such as those near Prien and Bernau, charge roughly €20–30 per night for two people with a tent. Booking ahead is essential in August and on weekends; huts often require reservation by phone or through the DAV online portal.

Getting There & Back

Prien am Chiemsee sits on the main Munich–Salzburg railway line, with direct regional and EuroCity trains from Munich Hauptbahnhof taking about 55–60 minutes. The nearest major international gateway is Munich Airport (MUC), roughly 1.5 hours away by train via Munich; Salzburg Airport in Austria is a closer 45-minute drive but has fewer connections. At the eastern end, Reit im Winkl and Ruhpolding are reached by RVO regional buses, with Ruhpolding also on a branch railway connecting to Traunstein on the Munich line in about 30 minutes. This rail-and-bus combination makes the segment fully feasible without a car.

Permits & Fees

No permit is required to hike anywhere on the German Chiemgau E4 — Germany's right of access (Betretungsrecht) allows free walking on marked mountain paths. Within the Geigelstein nature reserve you must stay on signed trails to protect the alpine flora. Optional costs include the Herrenchiemsee palace entry (around €11), the Chiemsee ferries (roughly €9–11 return to Herreninsel), and the Kampenwand or Hochfelln cable cars (around €20–26 return) if you choose to shortcut an ascent or descent.

Gear & Packing List

Limestone alpine terrain demands sturdy footwear with good ankle support, a windproof and waterproof shell, and warm layers — summit temperatures can sit 10–15 °C below the valley even in summer. Trekking poles ease the steep descents off the Geigelstein and Hochgern, and 2–3 litres of water capacity is wise on the dry limestone ridges between huts.

Because most nights are spent in huts or guesthouses, a 35–55 litre pack is ample. A comfortable mid-volume option is the Abisko Hike 35 for those travelling light hut-to-hut, while a Aircontact Lite 45+10 suits hikers carrying extra layers or some food. If you prefer an ultralight setup, the 2400 Windrider keeps base weight low for the longer stages. For more options, see our roundup of the best ultralight backpacks of 2026. Bring a hut sleeping liner (required in DAV huts), a headtorch, and cash, as smaller alpine huts often do not take cards.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the continental scale of the E4 appeals, Germany's other European long-distance paths make natural follow-ups, sharing the same waymarking philosophy and the European Ramblers Association coordination. Consider the Europäischer Fernwanderweg E8, Rheinland-Pfalz and the Europäischer Fernwanderweg E8, Nordrhein-Westfalen for a 4,390 km route across western Germany, or the E11 series for flatter, forest-and-heath country: E11 Sachsen-Anhalt (W), E11 Sachsen-Anhalt (O) and E11 Brandenburg (O), each part of a 2,070 km corridor. For a contrasting Balkan-style mountain crossing, our guide on how to hike the Theth to Valbona trail in Albania offers a wilder, more remote alpine experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Chiemgau section of the E4?
September is the best month: high-pressure weather is most stable, visibility from summits like the Hochgern and Geigelstein is excellent, and the August crowds have thinned while DAV huts stay open until early October. June and July offer the alpine flower bloom but carry a higher risk of afternoon thunderstorms over the limestone peaks.

How difficult is the Chiemgau E4?
It is rated moderate. The route involves genuine alpine walking with steep, sometimes exposed paths over summits up to 1,808 m and around 5,000 m of total ascent across the segment, but it crosses no glaciers and needs no technical climbing. Sure-footedness, a head for modest exposure, and reasonable fitness are the main requirements.

How many kilometres per day should I plan?
The five stages average about 18 km and 1,000 m of ascent per day, ranging from an easy 18 km lakeshore opener to demanding 1,300–1,350 m climbing days over the Geigelstein and Hochgern. Strong hikers combine stages into four days; allow six if you want summit detours, rest stops or shorter days.

What accommodation is available along the route?
You can hike hut-to-hut using DAV alpine huts such as the Priener Hütte, Kampenwandhütte and Hochgernhaus, where dormitory bunks cost roughly €15–35 depending on membership. Valley guesthouses in Aschau, Marquartstein and Reit im Winkl run €70–120 per double, and Chiemsee campsites charge about €20–30. Reserve huts ahead in summer.

Do I need a permit to hike the Chiemgau E4?
No permit is required. Germany's right of access lets you walk freely on marked mountain trails, with the only restriction being that you must stay on signed paths inside the Geigelstein nature reserve. Optional fees apply for the Chiemsee ferries (around €9–11), the Herrenchiemsee palace (about €11), and cable cars (roughly €20–26).