Waztmann

Route: 18.44KM
Elevation gain: D+ / D-: 1,454 meters
Orientation: North
Difficulty: S2 - S3
Duration: 6 hours
Required equipment: None

DESCRIPTION

Before delving into the legend of the Watzmann, let's provide some context about this beautiful mountain that attracts many ski mountaineers. The Watzmann mountain range consists of several independent peaks and sub-peaks. The highest, called Mittelspitze (2,713m), the Südspitze (2712m), and the Hocheck (2,651m). To the east lies the so-called Watzmannfrau, and in between, there are 7 sub-peaks called children. When looking at the Watzmann from Berchtesgaden, the shape of the mountain range can be interpreted as the woman on the left, followed by 7 sub-peaks ("the children") and the main massif of the Watzmann ("the King"). And here is where a little story begins.

Legend has it that many years ago, King Watzmann ruled these beautiful lands with cruelty and endless lust for power. The inhabitants were afraid because he never showed mercy, and when they saw him full of rage hunting in the woods, everyone trembled. His wife and his 7 children were just like the king, cruel and merciless. One day, they arrived at a meadow where a shepherd, while resting in the hut, his wife cared for their newborn in the meadow. The Watzmann's dogs attacked them, injuring the woman and the newborn, while the king watched and laughed. The shepherd woke up alerted by the noise and killed the king's favorite dog. As the shepherd looked at his dead wife and child, the king sent the rest of the dogs, which killed them while they screamed. At that moment, a sound from within the mountains arose, causing the dogs to attack the king Watzmann, his wife, and his seven children. Blood flowed profusely. Those bodies turned into the mountains that now make up the Watzmann mountain range, and their blood is now the lakes Königsee, and the dogs ended up at Hundstod (2,593m).

Today, this mountain offers multiple options for ski mountaineering. Below, I recount the trips made to the 3rd and 5th peaks of the Watzmann. Only the final meters are different.

The route starts at a fairly low altitude, requiring some walking. This is quite common in the Berchtesgaden Alps, so many locals begin the outing with electric bicycles. The tranquility of the place and respect allow shoes and bicycles to be left without fear of theft. We approached on foot.

Watzmann - Nameless

Last weekend, we had abundant snowfall that left 50/70cm of fresh snow. The low temperatures, and some more snow during the week, have left good conditions to continue enjoying ski mountaineering in the Austrian Alps.

We drove to the Hammerstiel parking lot (6 euros per day), where we left the car to start the route. We began walking at an altitude of 776m and did not leave the track until we reached almost 1200m. There, we left our shoes and entered the forest with skis on. The first section is quite steep, and we climbed in switchbacks until we reached a flatter area. There we found ourselves between the Watzmann and the Watzmannfrau. Ahead of us, on a flat area, we could see the three options for reaching the summit. Today, we chose the fifth peak, which was to our right.

The day is sunny, and it's the first day when the sun and higher temperatures make their presence felt. As we progress over snow that is moistening from the sun's action, the Watzmann offers small but constant purges. A deafening noise, but one that represents no danger.

We continue advancing to an unnamed point near the 5th peak, from which we have a spectacular view of Berchtesgaden. The Königsee lake looks magnificent, as do the impressive vertical walls of the Watzmann. It is one of the most beautiful and impressive views that can be found in Berchtesgaden.

The descent takes place in a northerly direction, where conditions are almost always very good. Despite the necessary approach to get there, you always leave satisfied. We return to the starting point with skis, and only a walk through a wonderful environment remains until we reach the car.

Deidre and Pol