Jenner on foot
a circuit from Hinterbrand

The main circuit links Hinterbrand, Mitterkaseralm and the top station with a return via Königsbergalm. It covers around 12.4 kilometres and 700 metres of ascent, with four and a half to five hours of walking. Add about forty minutes for the return walk to Königsblick, plus all your stops. The Stahlhaus hut detour and reservoir loop are additional walks too.

Start early and choose settled weather. This is a demanding mountain walk, with long, steep climbs and a substantial descent. The summit path is rocky and steep. We recommend it for summer and snow-free autumn conditions, not for snow or ice. If you’re new to mountain walking, begin with a shorter route such as the Schmuckenstein circuit.

From Hinterbrand car park, walk through the woods towards the Jennerbahn middle station. At the open Krautkaser slope, the ascent branches left. A steep climb and sunken path take you up to Mitterkaseralm.

As the meadows open, the views widen towards the mountains opposite, with the cliffs of Hohes Brett above. Stop at the hut if it’s open, but keep some energy for the next steep stretch to the top station and the longer return journey.

Beside Jenneralm, take the summit path towards the Königsblick viewing platform. Königssee reaches south between the mountain walls far below, opposite the Watzmann. The platform sits a little below Jenner’s 1,874-metre summit.

From the top station to the summit, allow around twenty minutes each way for 550 metres of path and 74 metres of ascent. The final section to the cross is steep and rocky. Decide according to your experience and the conditions, then return the same way to the station.

From the top station, zigzags descend to Königsbergalm below Schneibsteinhaus. Pass the upper Sulzbergkaser and follow the forestry track downhill towards Königsbachalm. At the beginning of the pasture area, the Königsweg branches right towards the middle station. You don’t need to descend all the way to Königsbachalm’s restaurant for this circuit.

Continue towards Wasserfallalm, following the Königsweg across the slopes with further uphill sections, then return through the woods to Hinterbrand. If you still have time and energy, the reservoir beside the middle station makes an optional extra stop, with benches facing Watzmann.

For the hut variation, continue from the top station across Jennersattel to Carl-von-Stahl-Haus at Torrener Joch, on the Austrian border between the Göll massif and Hagengebirge. From there, walk down towards Schneibsteinhaus, whose terrace faces the Watzmann’s east wall. Rejoin the main return route through Königsbergalm.

These huts lie off the direct circuit. Carry a walking map showing the variation and allow extra distance, walking time and breaks. Check hut openings and bring a picnic as well. Mitterkaseralm’s summer 2026 season has ended; it does not accept cards. Schneibsteinhaus also closes seasonally.

You can park at Hinterbrand, walk for about twenty to thirty minutes to the middle station and take the gondola for the upper section. Visit Königsblick, then walk down via Königsbergalm and Königsweg to the middle station and back to the car.

Confirm the cable car schedule and the right upper-section ticket first. This option reduces the climb, but leaves a long downhill walk. The full circuit needs no gondola ticket. Our Jenner cable car guide also describes shorter outings and winter visits.

Start and finish at the paid Hinterbrand walking car park on Scharitzkehlstraße, Schönau am Königssee. This is not the lower cable car station down by Königssee.

Bring mountain boots, enough water, food, sun and rain protection and a warm layer. Check the mountain forecast and trail conditions, especially in spring and after early autumn snow. Children need experience of this amount of ascent and a long descent. The steep paths are unsuitable for pushchairs. Stay on marked trails and keep your distance from grazing animals.