Krottenkopf Mountain

Highest peak of the Estergebirge with hiking trails

Summit of the Estergebirge in Bavaria, the region's highest peak; hikers follow marked trails for alpine views across Bavarian Alps and nearby lakes.

Main image

Krottenkopf at a Glance#

About Krottenkopf#

A summit in the Bavarian Prealps with an elevation of 2,086 meters, and the highest peak of the Estergebirge mountain group in Bavaria.

A well-known hiking peak in the region, reached by marked mountain trails that provide alpine terrain and panoramic views from the summit. The summit offers views across the surrounding Bavarian Prealps and, on clear days, toward higher ranges including the Wetterstein and Zugspitze.

The mountain has long been used for alpine hiking and local grazing; it is part of the traditional alpine landscape of southern Bavaria and has been included in regional maps and guidebooks for mountaineers.

Sits in Bavaria in southern Germany, within the Estergebirge range; access is typically from nearby valleys and towns in the Werdenfelser Land and the Garmisch area.

  • Elevation: Summit elevation is 2,086 meters, making it the highest point of the Estergebirge (Ester Mountains).
  • Best time to visit: Most ascents are undertaken in late spring to early autumn when trails are free of snow and mountain huts on approach routes are open.

How to Get to Krottenkopf#

Trailheads for Krottenkopf are reached from the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and other local access points in the Bavarian Alps. The most popular walks start from Esterberg or from the Ettal valley; regional hiking maps provide detailed routes and parking information.

Tips for Visiting Krottenkopf#

  • Start early to avoid hikers coming off nearby alpine routes; the mountain can be busy in summer weekends.
  • There are multiple trailheads; use the one from Jachenau for a steadier ascent and more alpine scenery.
  • If planning to climb in winter, check avalanche forecasts and go with a trained guide.

Best Time to Visit Krottenkopf#

June-September for the most accessible hiking and stable weather.

Summer hiking
June-September · 8-20°C
Trails are usually snow-free and alpine meadows are in bloom.
Winter skiing/hiking
December-March · -10-5°C
Snow conditions create a different experience and require ski or snowshoe equipment.

Weather & Climate near Krottenkopf#

Climate

Krottenkopf's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1398 mm/year), wettest in July.

Air Quality: AQI 33 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
15°
Warmest Month
-7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -7° - -1° -10° 83 mm - - 4.8 m/s - -
February - -7° - -1° -9° 78 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
March - -5° - 2° -7° 100 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
April - -3° - 4° -3° 115 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
May - 2° - 9° 3° 128 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
June - 5° - 12° 7° 164 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
July - 8° - 15° 11° 171 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
August - 8° - 15° 11° 156 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
September - 5° - 12° 6° 111 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
October - 2° - 7° 1° 91 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
November - -3° - 2° -5° 104 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
December - -5° - 0° -8° 97 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -

Nearby Attractions to Krottenkopf#