Hochstaufen Mountain

Bavarian Alpine peak with panoramic summit views

A peak in the Chiemgau Alps of Bavaria, Hochstaufen draws day hikers and ridge walkers for marked trails, summit views over the Reichenhall area and connections to nearby alpine paths.

Main image

Hochstaufen at a Glance#

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How to Get to Hochstaufen#

Nearest towns are Bad Reichenhall and Piding. From Salzburg, drive about 25-35 minutes south on the A8/E55 and local roads to Piding or directly to the Götschen ski area for access to trailheads; regional buses run to the base villages, from which signed footpaths begin.

Tips for Visiting Hochstaufen#

  • Start early to avoid the afternoon haze if aiming for panoramic photos over the Salzach valley.
  • The normal route from Piding is straightforward but exposed in places - poles help on scree.
  • A simple summit loop combined with a visit to nearby Berchtesgaden makes for a full-day Alpine outing.

Best Time to Visit Hochstaufen#

Most comfortable from late spring to early autumn for hiking; winter for experienced ski tourers only.

Spring-Summer (May-Sep)
May-Sep · 5°C to 20°C
Snow-free trails on the classic routes; wildflowers in early summer.
Autumn (Sep-Oct)
Sep-Oct · -2°C to 10°C
Clear air and fewer visitors; soon-to-come winter conditions at higher elevations.
Winter (Dec-Mar)
Dec-Mar · -15°C to 0°C
Snow and ice; popular for ski tours but exposed slopes require care.

Weather & Climate near Hochstaufen#

Climate

Hochstaufen's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -6°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1468 mm/year), wettest in July.

Air Quality: AQI 35 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
16°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -5° - 1° -7° 90 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
February - -6° - 1° -7° 82 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
March - -4° - 2° -5° 106 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
April - -2° - 5° -2° 103 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
May - 3° - 10° 5° 124 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
June - 6° - 13° 8° 175 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
July - 8° - 16° 12° 192 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
August - 9° - 16° 12° 169 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
September - 6° - 13° 7° 121 mm - - 3.2 m/s - -
October - 2° - 9° 3° 93 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
November - -3° - 4° -3° 104 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
December - -5° - 2° -6° 109 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -