Sonntagshorn Mountain
Twin-summit Alpine mountain on Bavaria–Austria border
A mountain on the Austria-Germany border in the Chiemgau Alps, reached by alpine trails and ski tours. Hikers and backcountry skiers come for ridge walks and high‑alpine pastures.
Sonntagshorn at a Glance#
Hours: Open year-round
Admission: Free
About Sonntagshorn#
Sonntagshorn is a mountain in the Chiemgau Alps on the border between Germany and Austria, rising to about 1,961 metres. It is the highest peak of the local massif and a prominent summit in the region.
The summit provides broad alpine views across surrounding ranges and valleys; typical uphill walks from valley trailheads require several hours and involve steep sections. The peak is used by day hikers in summer and by experienced ski tourers in winter when conditions allow.
The mountain is a natural feature rather than a constructed site and has long formed part of the local border landscape between Bavaria and the Austrian state of Salzburg. Routes and trailheads developed over time to support recreational use rather than any single historical construction.
Sonntagshorn sits within the southeastern German/Austrian alpine region known as the Chiemgau Alps, on the ridge that separates Bavarian valleys from the Austrian Salzburger Land. The area is mountainous and accessed from regional alpine roads and hiking trails.
- Elevation: Sits on the Germany-Austria border within the Chiemgau Alps and rises to 1,961 metres above sea level.
- Access and season: Most access is on foot along marked alpine routes; snow and steep terrain make winter ascents technical and weather-dependent.
How to Get to Sonntagshorn#
Sonntagshorn sits on the border of Bavaria and Austria in the Chiemgau Alps. The mountain is accessed from valley trailheads reached by car from the Salzburg area (roughly 50-60 km) or from Bavarian towns such as Ruhpolding; use the A8 motorway (Munich-Salzburg) and then regional/B‑roads to the chosen valley parking (trailheads such as Winklmoosalm on the Bavarian side). From the roadheads you continue on marked mountain trails - the ascent is a full alpine hike, so plan for several hours on foot from the parking.
Best Time to Visit Sonntagshorn#
Best in summer for hiking when trails are mostly snow‑free; winter offers ski touring for experienced visitors.
Weather & Climate near Sonntagshorn#
Sonntagshorn's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -7°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1479 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -6° - 0° | -8° | 89 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -7° - -1° | -9° | 81 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -5° - 1° | -7° | 106 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -3° - 3° | -4° | 114 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 2° - 9° | 3° | 129 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 5° - 12° | 7° | 172 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 7° - 15° | 11° | 191 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 8° - 15° | 11° | 167 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 5° - 12° | 6° | 122 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 2° - 8° | 2° | 95 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -3° - 3° | -4° | 106 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -5° - 1° | -7° | 107 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |