The Ettaler Mandl is not just another peak in the Ammergau Alps. With its imposing height of 1,633 meters, the challenging route and the opportunity to experience the nature and history of Bavaria up close, this mountain is a real highlight for hikers. This tour combines sportiness, adventure and culture - and the starting point at Ettal Monastery adds a special atmosphere to the whole experience.
Ettaler Mandl at a glance
- Address (starting point): Ettal Monastery, 82488 Ettal
- Summit altitude: 1,633 meters
- Ascent time: approx. 2-2.5 hours
- Descent time: approx. 1.5-2 hours
- Total walking time: 4-5 hours (including breaks)
- Required fitness level: medium to demanding
- Equipment required: hiking boots with a good tread sole, water, snack, via ferrata set (harness, carabiner, helmet), weatherproof clothing
- Via ferrata: yes, category A/B
- Altitude covered: approx. 680 meters
The history of the Ettal Mandl: more than just a summit
Ettal Abbey, a Benedictine abbey founded in 1330, is located at the foot of the Ettaler Mandl. The abbey is not only an impressive building, but also an important place for the region. The monks brought knowledge, culture and their way of life to the area and have shaped it to this day. The abbey church and the baroque towers are an imposing sight, making the starting point of the tour something very special.
The route to the summit leads along old paths that have been used by hunters, shepherds and pilgrims for centuries. The hike gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Ammergau Alps and walk in the footsteps of times gone by. For the people of the region, the Ettaler Mandl is a symbol of strength and endurance. Many legends and myths have grown up around this striking peak, which has always stirred people's imaginations. You can feel this atmosphere as you climb the Ettaler Mandl - a mixture of nature, culture and a touch of mysticism.
Detailed tour description for the ascent to the Ettaler Mandl
Starting point: parking lot at Ettal Monastery, approx. 900 m altitude
Summit altitude: 1,633 m
Altitude covered: approx. 680 m
Ascent time: 2-2.5 hours
Section 1: Running in on the forest trail
The hike starts from the parking lot of Ettal Monastery on a wide forest path. This section is perfect for warming up as it is relatively flat and well developed. You have around 20 minutes here to get into the rhythm of the hike and take in the peaceful surroundings. The path leads into the shady forest, and the fresh scent of the conifers will put you in a pleasant mood for the altitude meters ahead.
After these first few minutes, you will reach a marked junction. Here you leave the wide forest path and enter a narrower but clearly visible path, which becomes steadily steeper from now on.
Section 2: Forest paths and increasing incline
The narrow forest path now winds its way through dense coniferous forest, which provides shade and keeps the air pleasantly cool. The ground is criss-crossed with roots, which can make the path a little slippery - so sure-footedness is particularly important here. In this section, you cover around 250 meters in altitude and the incline becomes increasingly noticeable.
The atmosphere in the forest is quiet and almost mystical. As you hike through the dense greenery, you are accompanied only by the rustling of leaves and the crunching of pebbles under your hiking boots. This section takes about an hour and prepares you physically and mentally for the more challenging parts of the tour.
Section 3: The tree line and the first views
After about an hour, you reach the tree line and the surroundings change noticeably. Here, the view opens up to the surrounding mountains and the rocky alpine meadows that line the rest of the trail. The landscape becomes more alpine and the vegetation changes to robust alpine flowers such as gentian and alpine roses. This section is perfect for a short break to enjoy the view and recharge your batteries.
The path becomes increasingly steeper and rockier, and the meters in altitude add up noticeably. The last 200 meters up to the via ferrata passage take you into alpine terrain, and the view becomes more impressive with every step.
Section 4: The via ferrata passage (category A/B)
Shortly before the summit, the highlight of the route awaits - a via ferrata passage of category A/B, which requires basic climbing equipment and caution. Here you should put on your via ferrata kit (harness, carabiner, helmet) to stand safely on the wire ropes and steel steps. Although the climb is not very long, it is challenging enough to test your balance and sure-footedness.
Despite its brevity, the passage is rewarding as it gives you a sense of adventure and brings you closer to the summit. The last 150 meters in altitude run through rocky terrain that challenges you once again before you reach the summit cross.
Section 5: The summit of the Ettaler Mandl
After a total ascent of around 2-2.5 hours, you finally reach the summit cross of the Ettaler Mandl at 1,633 meters. The view up here is stunning - from the Zugspitze to the Allgäu Alps, the Alpine world spreads out before you. This moment is ideal for a longer break and a snack. Take the time to enjoy the 360-degree view of the mountains and soak up the peace and quiet up here. The feeling of having reached the summit more than makes up for the effort.
Detailed tour description for the descent from the Ettaler Mandl
Descent altitude difference: approx. 680 m
Descent time: 1.5-2 hours
Section 1: Return via the via ferrata
For the descent, first follow the same route you took on the ascent and start with the via ferrata passage. Special care is required here, as the descent is often more challenging. Take your steps slowly and safely, hold on to the wire ropes and use the safety points to stabilize your balance. One step at a time until you have left the rocky section behind you and are back on the hiking trail.
Section 2: Through the rocky alpine meadows to the tree line
Once you have safely completed the via ferrata passage, the descent continues through the open, rocky alpine meadows that you have already passed on the ascent. The view of the surrounding mountains accompanies you as you make your way down step by step. Here you can enjoy the view once again and take in the alpine landscape. Take advantage of the open section for a final breather and a few final views of the Ammergau Alps.
As soon as you reach the tree line, the scenery changes again and the forest welcomes you with its tall conifers. The path becomes shadier and the sounds of the forest create a relaxing atmosphere that prepares you for the last part of the descent.
Section 3: Forest path back to the wide forest path
The narrow path now leads you back through the dense coniferous forest. The downhill gradient can put a strain on your knees, so a walking stick can be helpful here to support your weight. Take extra care on slippery sections, as the roots and pebbles can easily become a tripping hazard when wet.
This section takes you down around 250 meters in altitude and takes another half an hour. The fresh forest air and the calming sound of the trees make the strenuous descent feel a little easier.
Section 4: Back on the forest path to Ettal Monastery
As soon as you have left the narrow forest path, you reach the wide forest path that leads you back to the starting point at Ettal Monastery. This last section is relaxed and offers you the opportunity to reflect on the impressions of the ascent. The wide path is flat and pleasant to walk on, so you can enjoy the rest of the descent at your leisure.
After a total of around 4 to 5 hours - including breaks - you will arrive back at Ettal Monastery. Here you can round off your day of hiking and perhaps visit the monastery brewery for a well-earned refreshment after a strenuous day.
Flora and fauna: a paradise for nature lovers
You will encounter fascinating flora and fauna on the way to the Ettaler Mandl. The first sections of the hike lead through dense forests of spruce and fir trees, which exude a wonderfully fresh aroma. Especially in spring and summer, wild herbs such as mountain thyme and mint bloom between the trees. As soon as you reach the tree line, you'll find yourself on alpine meadows that glow in bright colors. Alpine roses, gentian and silver thistles bloom here and turn the rocky ascent into an experience for the senses.
The wildlife is also impressive: with a bit of luck, you might spot marmots whistling loudly as they scurry through the area or chamois climbing safely over the steep slopes. The Ammergau Alps are also home to rare bird species such as the black grouse and golden eagle. Binoculars are well worth having on this tour to observe the diversity of wildlife up close.
Panoramic view from the summit: Breathtaking views of the Alps
At the top of the Ettaler Mandl, a panorama that is hard to beat awaits you. The view stretches across the Ammergau Alps and, if the weather cooperates, you can see the Zugspitze and the rolling hills of the foothills of the Alps stretching to the horizon. Up here, the ascent becomes a reward and it is worth taking a longer break to fully enjoy the view.
The summit cross is a popular spot for souvenir photos, but be careful: the rocky outcrop is uneven and a secure footing is important. The atmosphere up here is unique and peaceful - a place to take a deep breath and enjoy nature in all its glory. If you have brought a small picnic with you, this is the perfect moment to enjoy it. At altitude, the simplest things taste twice as good.
Turn your hike to the Ettaler Mandl into an experience
To make your hike a complete success, follow a few practical tips:
- Best time: From May to October, the Alps offer ideal conditions for this tour. Summer is pleasantly warm and autumn turns the landscape a glorious gold.
- Equipment: You should definitely bring hiking boots with a good profile, a via ferrata set (helmet, climbing harness, carabiner) and a windbreaker. A walking stick can help with the descent.
- Behavior in nature: Respect the flora and fauna and stay on the marked paths. Take your garbage back with you and keep quiet so as not to disturb the animals.
Refreshment stops and regional specialties
After a challenging hike, a freshly tapped beer or a hearty meal tastes all the better. Ettal Monastery offers the ideal opportunity to stop off after your hike. The monks have been brewing their own beer here for centuries, the Ettal monastery beer, which you should definitely try. A guided tour of the monastery brewery is also a special experience, where you can learn about the history and production of the beer and even try a sip of the famous Ettal monastery schnapps.
Just a short drive away is the Berggasthof Laber, which is not only known for its good food, but also offers a fantastic view of the Ammergau Alps. The menu includes Bavarian classics such as Käsespätzle, Brotzeitbrettl and pork knuckle. Those who prefer something sweet should try the Kaiserschmarrn - a classic of Alpine cuisine.
If you fancy taking a real piece of Bavaria home with you, the small farm stores and farms around Ettal are a good place to start. Here you can buy fresh mountain cheese, quark and milk directly from the producer. Ettal mountain cheese is a special treat, with its tangy flavor making it the perfect accompaniment to a snack.
Mountain railroad to the Ettaler Mandl
If even the short mountain tour is too strenuous for you, you can also take the Laber mountain railroad up the mountain.
However, the starting point is then Oberammergau and not Ettal.
From the mountain station, it's a 20-minute walk to the Etaller Mandl via ferrata.
You can find more information about the mountain railroad here:
https://www.laber-bergbahn.de/
Equipment for this mountain tour
With the perfect equipment, the hike to the Ettaler Mandl will be unforgettable.
- Via ferrata set
- Hiking rucksack
- Hydration bladder for rucksack
- camera Sony Alpha 6600
