The Kofel, Oberammergau, Germany

• 5-star hike
• 3 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 470m (1,530ft)
• Oberammergau, Germany | Bavaria
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The image shows a scenic view of a mountainous landscape. The foreground is filled with dense, green coniferous trees, while the background features a prominent, rocky peak covered with trees. The sky is clear and blue with a few scattered clouds.

The distinctive spire looks different from every direction.

The Kofel is a distinctive mountain peak in the Bavarian Alps, some ninety kilometers south of Munich. It towers over the popular destination of Oberammergau, a picturesque town known for its once-a-decade Passion Plays and the intricate frescoes painted on the exteriors of many buildings. Visitors will find much to enjoy in the town, including the cafes, restaurants and stores showcasing and selling woodcarvings made by talented local craftspeople.

One of the largest woodcarvings in the area can only be examined closely with a three mile hike up The Kofel, as planted atop the mountain is a life-size carving of Jesus nailed to an even larger wooden cross. Even if you're not one for religious iconography, we can heartily recommend this hike for its unique trail terrain and excellent panoramic views around the Bavarian Prealps.

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⬤ 5★ The Kofel 3.5 mi out & back, moderate, gain 470m (1,530 ft)
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We chose the shortest out-and-back route to the Kofel up the shaded woodland switchbacks of the Königssteig trail. We've marked the trailhead as the car parking area closest to the trail, though we started in the town of Oberammergau which added an additional half-mile stroll each way, mostly along the banks of the Ammer River.

Early in the hike you'll pass through a grassy meadow that affords you with a different profile of The Kofel from that visible in Oberammergau. The spire of The Kofel stands out beyond the bulk of the mountains and presents different appearances from all sides. From this vantage point in particular, you'll be able to see that your route to the summit will require some scrambling.

The image shows a person walking on a grassy path in a lush, green meadow surrounded by tall trees. In the background, there are forested mountains under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

An early meadowland ramble towards the wooded Königssteig trail.

The final section of The Kofel is hiked with the help of steel fixtures and cables solidly anchored to the rock. Though technically on the cusp of being described as a via ferrata route, no technical expertise or equipment is required to reach the summit. Expect to encounter only modest scrambles that remain suitable for a family friendly hike. Our only word of warning is not to tackle this peak during or after wet weather, as the polished limestone rock becomes slippery when wet.

We heartily recommend this area of Southern Germany for the breadth of its attractions. Oberammergau stands alone as a destination even without strapping on a pair of hiking boots, yet the area is not so popular that attracts crowds of sightseers and lines of tour buses. We also enjoyed a summer chairlift journey at nearby Kolbensattel, where we captured the photograph of The Kofel shown at the top of this article before descending on their fun mountain coaster.

The image shows a scenic mountain landscape with a clear blue sky. In the foreground, there is a steep, grassy slope with a few trees, including a tall, slender tree standing prominently near the edge of the slope. The background features a valley with lush green fields and a dense forest covering the surrounding hills and mountains. The distant mountains are partially obscured by a light mist or haze, adding depth to the scene.

Views into the Ettal Valley from the Königssteig trail.

The image shows a scenic view from a high vantage point, likely from a mountain or a high hill. In the foreground, there is a person climbing up a rocky path using a rope for support. The background reveals a vast landscape with a valley, small towns, and villages surrounded by green fields and forests. The valley is flanked by rolling hills and mountains, and the sky is partly cloudy with blue patches.

Cables make the final ascent much easier.

The image shows two people sitting on a rocky outcrop at the top of a mountain, overlooking a vast and scenic valley below. The valley is lush and green, with a winding road and scattered buildings visible. The surrounding mountains are covered in dense forests, and the sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue.

Enjoying the views from the summit.

The image shows a person hiking in a forested area. The person is wearing a bright green shirt, dark shorts, and a backpack, and is using hiking poles to navigate the rocky and root-covered terrain. The forest is dense with tall trees, and the ground is covered with moss, rocks, and roots. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a mix of light and shadow on the forest floor.

Only occasional rocks and roots on this trail.

The image is a combination of two photographs. The left photograph shows a steep, forested mountain with a rocky peak. In the foreground, there is a church with a pointed steeple topped with a cross. The sky is partly cloudy. The right photograph depicts a person climbing a rocky slope using a metal cable for support. The person is wearing outdoor clothing and a backpack. The slope is rugged with patches of grass and small trees. The sun is shining brightly, partially obscured by the rocks and trees.

Two different spires. | Rocky ramble to the summit.

Tangents:
• AllTrails Public: The Kofel
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us
• Trailspotting Nearby: 4★ Neuschwanstein Castle (3-4 mi)