Ester Mountains Mountains

Address: Estergebirge (Ester Mountains), Bavaria, Germany

The Ester Mountains (Estergebirge) are a compact range in Bavaria, Germany, forming part of the Bavarian Prealps. The range is noted for its steep limestone ridges and alpine summits, the highest being Krottenkopf at 2,086 metres.

Hikers will find a network of marked trails and ridge routes that link summits and alpine pasture areas, with typical day-hike routes ascending to the higher peaks. Terrain includes steep approaches, rocky ridgelines and forested lower slopes, suitable for summer hiking and ski touring in winter.

The Ester Mountains are a physiographic part of the Northern Limestone Alps and have long been used for alpine pasture, forestry and mountain recreation. Mountain huts and traditional pasturelands reflect the region’s alpine land use.

The range lies in Bavaria in southern Germany as a northerly block of the Bavarian Prealps, north of the main Alpine crest and within reach of towns in Upper Bavaria.

• Outdoor activities: The range is part of the Bavarian Prealps and is popular for hiking, with trails leading to alpine summits and mountain huts.

What to See#

• Krottenkopf (2,086 m): Krottenkopf - the range’s highest summit at 2,086 metres, commonly used as a target for day hikes and ridge walks.

Access from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and nearby Bavarian towns by regional roads and public buses; trailheads have parking and are signposted.

• If aiming for the summit, combine the route with nearby trails for a full-day hike.
• Watch for weather changes in late afternoon; the area can become fog-bound quickly.