Via Alpina Purple A40

The Via Alpina Purple A40 is an approximately 15 km point-to-point alpine stage in the Salzburg Alps of Austria and Bavaria, Germany, climbing 455 m to the Baumgartl ridge (2,522 m) before a sustained 990 m descent to the Kärlingerhaus hut (1,631 m). Rated moderate-to-challenging due to exposed karst terrain and route-finding demands, it traverses the otherworldly Steinernes Meer — one of the Alps' most spectacular limestone plateaux — while crossing the border from Austria into Berchtesgaden National Park.

About the Via Alpina Purple A40

The Via Alpina Purple A40 occupies a privileged position along one of Europe's most celebrated long-distance routes. As Stage 40 of the 66-stage Via Alpina Purple Trail — an International Walking Network (IWN) route stretching roughly 2,500 km from Trieste on the Adriatic to Monaco on the Mediterranean — this stage encapsulates alpine hiking at its most dramatic and most remote.

The stage begins at the Riemannhaus mountain hut, perched at 2,177 m in Austria's Salzburg state above the village of Ramsau am Steinernen Meer. From here, the route ascends steadily to the edge of the Steinernes Meer plateau, a vast karst limestone expanse whose name — "Stone Sea" — captures its most striking quality. This moonscape of fractured rock, polished limestone slabs, and scattered cairns extends for several kilometres with virtually no vegetation, a landscape shaped over millions of years by water dissolving the underlying limestone into an intricate system of underground passages.

The stage's defining moment arrives at the Baumgartl (2,522 m), where a stone cairn marks the crossing from Austria's Salzburg state into Bavaria, Germany. Hikers simultaneously enter Berchtesgaden National Park, Germany's only alpine national park, designated in 1978 and covering 210 km² of protected high-alpine terrain. The rules change here: camping is prohibited outside designated areas, dogs must be leashed, and a strict leave-no-trace ethic is enforced by active park rangers.

Beyond the border, the trail descends to the Kärlingerhaus (1,631 m), a staffed refuge positioned above the Funtensee, a glacially formed lake famous among meteorologists as one of the most reliable cold-air sinks in Central Europe — temperatures here plunge below −45 °C in winter, making it the coldest consistently measured location in Germany. For trekkers, it is simply a spectacular overnight stop before the Stage A41 boat crossing of the Königssee.

The Via Alpina Purple Trail was established in 2002 as a collaborative project between eight Alpine nations. Stage A40 is maintained jointly by the Austrian and German sections of the Via Alpina association, with the authoritative route description published at via-alpina.org.

Route Overview & Stages

Stage A40 is a single hiking day divided into four distinct terrain sections. Navigation is primarily by painted red-white-red waymarks on rocks and occasional wooden signposts. Route-finding demands concentration on the featureless plateau — a GPS track downloaded in advance is strongly advised.

Total: ~15 km  |  Elevation gain: ~455 m  |  Elevation loss: ~990 m  |  Estimated time: 5–7 hours

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Riemannhaus (2,177 m): A well-equipped staffed hut near the crest of the Salzburg Alps, operated by the Austrian Alpine Club (ÖAV). The views from the terrace at sunrise — over the Zell am See basin and across to the Hohe Tauern peaks — are reason alone to stay the night before tackling Stage A40.
• Ramseider Scharte (2,278 m): The narrow col that delivers you onto the plateau proper. On clear days, the Großglockner (3,798 m), Austria's highest peak, appears to the south across the Hohe Tauern range — a striking reminder of how deep into the Alps the Via Alpina runs.
• Steinernes Meer Plateau: The central and most memorable feature of Stage A40. This karst limestone desert covers roughly 45 km² and reaches elevations above 2,600 m. The absence of soil and vegetation gives it an austere, almost lunar quality. Beneath the rock, extensive cave systems make this one of the most important speleological areas in the Eastern Alps.
• Schönfeldspitze (2,653 m): The dominant summit visible throughout the plateau traverse, its north face dropping precipitously to the scree below the route. The peak lies just off the official Via Alpina line but rewards experienced scramblers with a short detour.
• Baumgartl (2,522 m): The international border crossing between Austria and Germany, marked by a stone cairn and waypost. This is also the highest point of Stage A40 and the moment you legally step into Bavaria and Berchtesgaden National Park.
• Funtensee: A glacially carved lake at 1,601 m within Berchtesgaden National Park, regularly measured as Germany's coldest weather station. The lake's still surface mirrors the surrounding peaks at dawn and provides a dramatic backdrop for the final kilometre into the Kärlingerhaus.
• Kärlingerhaus (1,631 m): One of the most scenically isolated mountain huts in the Berchtesgaden Alps — reachable only on foot or by combining the Königssee boat with a four-hour walk. Operated by the DAV (German Alpine Club), it serves hot meals and provides drying rooms, making it a genuine reward after a demanding crossing.
• Watzmann East Face: As the trail drops off the Baumgartl into German territory, the Watzmann massif (2,713 m) gradually dominates the western horizon. Its east face — falling approximately 1,800 m vertically — is one of the largest continuous rock walls in the Alps and one of the most iconic views in the Berchtesgaden region.

Best Time to Hike the Via Alpina Purple A40

The high-alpine character of Stage A40 sharply limits the practical hiking window. The Steinernes Meer plateau, sitting above 2,200 m, typically retains winter snow until mid-June, and early autumn snowfall can make the polished limestone slabs dangerous from late September onward.

July and August offer the most reliable conditions. Snow is almost entirely cleared from the plateau by early July, daylight extends past 20:00 local time, and both the Riemannhaus and Kärlingerhaus huts are fully staffed. Brief wildflower meadows bloom in July on the lower slopes flanking the plateau edge. As of 2026, the Kärlingerhaus opens from mid-June to early October — always confirm exact dates with the DAV Berchtesgaden section before travel, as weather can adjust the season year to year.

September is a quieter alternative. Crowds thin noticeably after the Central European school holidays end in late August, autumn light over the Steinernes Meer is exceptional for photography, and temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for sustained hiking. Afternoon thunderstorms become more frequent in September, however — a 07:00 start is advisable to be off the exposed plateau before early-afternoon convective activity builds.

The single best month to hike Stage A40 is August, when the weather window is widest, both huts are fully operational, and the full extent of the Steinernes Meer is accessible without residual snowfields complicating navigation.

Avoid June unless you are experienced with snow travel and carry an ice axe. October is possible in fine years but risky — the Kärlingerhaus closes by mid-October, and the Königssee boat service scales back its schedule, complicating the exit along Stage A41.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Overnight stays on Stage A40 are at mountain huts. There are no towns, guesthouses, or campsites along the route. Advance booking is essential in July and August; both huts fill 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season.

Riemannhaus (2,177 m, Salzburg, Austria): Operated by the ÖAV Salzburg section. Dormitory beds cost approximately €28–35/night for non-members; ÖAV or DAV members receive a significant discount. Breakfast costs approximately €10, a three-course dinner approximately €18. The hut has drying rooms, coin-operated showers (€2), and a sun terrace with panoramic views.

Kärlingerhaus (1,631 m, Bavaria, Germany): Operated by the DAV Berchtesgaden section. Dormitory beds cost approximately €32–40/night for non-members. Packed lunches can be ordered the evening before for approximately €12. All supplies arrive by helicopter or boat — menus are limited but hearty. A full day on the plateau burns 3,000–4,500 calories, so take the dinner option seriously rather than relying solely on trail snacks.

Wild camping is prohibited within Berchtesgaden National Park on the German section of the route. On the Austrian side, emergency bivouacking in exceptional circumstances is tolerated but actively discouraged.

Getting There & Back

To the Riemannhaus (start): Travel by rail to Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer, served by hourly ÖBB trains from Salzburg Hbf (journey time approximately 50 minutes). A local PostBus connects Saalfelden to Ramsau am Steinernen Meer. From Ramsau, a marked trail ascends approximately 2 hours and 500 m of elevation gain to the Riemannhaus. Nearest airport: Salzburg (SZG), approximately 70 km from Saalfelden.

From the Kärlingerhaus (end): The standard exit is via Stage A41 — a 4-hour walk to St. Bartholomä on the Königssee shore, followed by the electric Königssee ferry (approximately €19 one-way) to Schönau am Königssee. From Schönau, a 10-minute bus reaches Berchtesgaden Hbf, with hourly rail connections to Salzburg (35 minutes) and Munich Hbf (2 hours). Nearest major airport: Munich (MUC), approximately 140 km from Berchtesgaden.

If hiking Stage A40 as a standalone excursion, the cleanest option is to stay at the Riemannhaus the night before, complete the crossing the next day, exit via the Königssee ferry, and return to Salzburg by train the same evening — a long but logistically manageable day.

Permits & Fees

No hiking permit is required. Entry to Berchtesgaden National Park is free of charge. The one fee to budget for is the Königssee ferry operated by the Bayerische Seenschifffahrt (approximately €19 one-way from St. Bartholomä to Schönau), if you continue along Stage A41. Berchtesgaden National Park regulations apply from the Baumgartl border crossing: no drones, dogs on leash at all times, no picking of plants or disturbing wildlife, and no camping outside designated bivouac points. Rangers actively patrol and fines apply.

Gear & Packing List

Stage A40 is a serious alpine crossing, not a casual day hike. The exposed plateau, demanding descent, and absence of resupply points between huts make thoughtful gear selection important. If you are planning multiple Via Alpina stages back-to-back, our 2026 ultralight backpack guide compares the top options for multi-day alpine hut trekking.

Pack: For a one-night crossing, a 45–65 L capacity pack works well. The Osprey Aether 65 is a perennial choice for hut-to-hut trekking — its adjustable torso fit and load transfer system handle the long descent to the Kärlingerhaus comfortably. For hikers prioritising a lower base weight, the Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 balances structure with efficiency, and the extendable collar is useful for adding a down layer and wet gear after rain. Ultralight hikers moving fast between huts may find the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Windrider sufficient — its waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric construction is well suited to the unpredictable weather common on the Steinernes Meer plateau.

Footwear: Stiff-soled mountain hiking boots with ankle support are non-negotiable on the karst plateau. Wet limestone slabs are notoriously slick, and trail runners provide inadequate edge control on steeper traverses. Gaiters are useful in early July if residual snowfields remain across parts of the plateau.

Navigation: Download a GPS track of Stage A40 before departure. Painted waymarks on the open plateau are spaced widely and can be difficult to locate in mist or flat light. A 1:25,000 topographic map — Alpenvereinskarte Sheet BY 21, Steinernes Meer — is the authoritative paper backup and a legal requirement for self-rescue in an emergency.

Water: There are no reliable water sources between the Riemannhaus and the Kärlingerhaus. Carry a minimum of 2 litres, or 3 litres in warm weather. A filter or purification tablets are useful if snowmelt pools remain on the plateau in early season.

Layers and sun protection: Temperatures on the Steinernes Meer plateau regularly drop below 10 °C even in August, and the open terrain offers no wind shelter. Pack a fleece or down mid-layer, a waterproof hardshell, and a warm hat. UV intensity at 2,500 m is roughly double that at sea level — factor-50 sunscreen, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a sun hat are essential for the plateau crossing.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the high-alpine hut-to-hut character of Stage A40 appeals to you, the Austrian Alps offer several outstanding alternatives. The Stubaier Höhenweg in Tyrol is a classic multi-day circuit with comparable elevation profiles and even more dramatic glacier scenery, making it a natural next objective for Via Alpina veterans. For something in the Zillertal Alps near the Austrian-Italian border, the Berliner Höhenweg Zustieg Ahornbahn provides a thrilling high-route approach into one of the Eastern Alps' finest ridge systems. Across a broader swath of Austria, the Adlerweg — the 35-stage Eagle's Way through Tyrol — shares the Via Alpina's ethos of connecting alpine stages into a coherent long-distance journey, though it is generally less demanding than the Steinernes Meer crossing. For committed long-distance trekkers ready for a truly epic Austrian undertaking, the JK01 and JK02 routes each span 720 km across the Austrian Alps and represent some of the most ambitious trail planning in the country's network. For hikers drawn to remote point-to-point crossings through dramatic mountain terrain in a very different cultural setting, the Theth to Valbona hike in Albania offers a striking parallel experience at a fraction of the logistical complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Via Alpina Purple A40?
July and August are the optimal months. The Steinernes Meer plateau clears of snow by early July, both the Riemannhaus and Kärlingerhaus huts are fully staffed, and daylight is ample for a comfortable crossing. August offers the widest weather window with the fewest residual snowfields. Avoid June without winter mountaineering skills, and always confirm hut opening dates before booking in September or October.

How difficult is Stage A40?
Stage A40 is rated moderate-to-challenging. There is no technical climbing — no cables, fixed ropes, or exposed scrambling — but the stage demands confident navigation on an open karst plateau, comfort at altitudes above 2,500 m, and physical endurance over 15 km with nearly 1,000 m of cumulative descent. Hikers with previous multi-day alpine experience and appropriate mountain footwear will find the stage very manageable. Beginners should plan extra time and carry a GPS track.

How long is the stage and how many hours does it take?
Stage A40 covers approximately 15 km from the Riemannhaus (2,177 m) to the Kärlingerhaus (1,631 m), with around 455 m of elevation gain and 990 m of descent. Fit hikers complete it in 5–6 hours; most walkers taking photo stops and a plateau lunch should budget 6–7 hours. Aim to start by 08:00 to clear the exposed plateau before afternoon thunderstorms develop in summer months.

Where can I stay on the Via Alpina Purple A40?
The Riemannhaus at the start and the Kärlingerhaus at the finish are the only accommodation options on or near the route. Both are staffed alpine huts run by the respective national Alpine clubs — the ÖAV in Austria and the DAV in Germany. Dormitory beds cost approximately €28–40/night depending on club membership. Book both huts as early as possible for July and August, when spaces fill weeks in advance.

Do I need a permit to hike Stage A40?
No permit is required and entry to Berchtesgaden National Park is free. The main fee to budget for is the Königssee ferry service (approximately €19 one-way from St. Bartholomä to Schönau am Königssee) if you continue along Stage A41. From the Baumgartl border crossing onward, Berchtesgaden National Park regulations apply: no camping, no drones, dogs must be leashed at all times, and no collection of plants or rocks. Rangers actively enforce these rules.