The Obere Firstalm (1370 m) is one of the most popular mountain huts in the Schliersee-Spitzingsee area. Two routes will take you up to the Firstalm in less than an hour. The hut is open all year round making is perfect for hiking in summer and ski touring and sledging in winter. The typical Bavarian food served here is some of the best you’ll find in the Alps near Munich.
Details & Directions
| Start: | Spitzingsattel |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Distance: | 5 km |
| Duration: | 1 h |
| Altitude: | 270 m elevation |
| Buggy-friendly: | Yes, as far as Untere Firstalm |
| By Bus & Train: | BRB to Schliersee and further with RVO Bus 9562 to Spitzingsattel station |
| By Car: | Kurvenlift Car Park |
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Trail Description to Obere Firstalm
This easy hike starting just one hour south of Munich has two starting points to choose from. We recommend the route from the “Kurvenlift-Stüberl” car park west of Spitzingsee. The paved trail makes it a great choice for families and beginners. Follow the signs from the rear of the parking area into the trees. After a short stretch through the woods the path opens up to a fantastic panorama of the Mangfall mountains. The Firstalm is always in sight along the sunny path.
After about 45 minutes and 200 meters in altitude, you’ll reach the Untere Firstalm. Take the path to the right across the meadow to the Obere Firstalm about 50 meters above you.
The hike is suitable for children of all ages and is stroller-friendly until the Untere Firstalm. You can safely leave strollers here and walk the last 300 m up to the Obere Firstalm.
After refueling at the Obere Firstalm you can take the same route down or alternatively the trail along Trautweinweg, starting behind the hut down to Spitzingsattel. The paved route offers plenty of shade and the opportunity to walk around the lake taking you down from Spitzingsattel back to the car park. On very hot days, we recommend taking the shadier Trautweinweg trail in both directions.
Food at Obere Firstalm
There is hardly a mountain inn in the region with a similarly diverse menu. You can expect Schnitzel, snack platter, roast duck breast, beer goulash as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes, Alm burgers, snack platter, a children’s menu, a large selection of desserts and much more. The rustic interior is cosy on particularly cold or wet days. With vews like these, you’ll likely want to grab a spot on the terrace if you can though:
The south-facing terrace extends along the length of the Obere Firstalm offering plenty of space even for larger groups. Be sure to arrive early on the weekends if you want to grab one of the deckchairs at the far end.
During your meal you can expect to receive a visit from the chickens who live here on the Alm. They are usually to be found running around the terrace looking for scraps. Kids and adults alike will
Nearby
The Obere Firstalm is a fantastic hiking destination in itself. It is also a popular stopover along more challenging tours in the region, such as the Brecherspitz hike.
About 2 kilometers northeast of the Obere Firstalm you’ll find the Bodenschneidhaus. The 30 minute hike takes you up through the trees and then downhill to the hut.
The toboggan run (Rodelstrecke) from the Obere Firstalm
In winter, the Obere Firstalm is the starting point of a popular toboggan run. The route is about 2 kilometers long with a difference in altitude of 250 meters down to Spitzingsattel. The toboggan run is suitable for children under supervision, as it is closed to public traffic. Watch out in the curves! Sleds are offered for a rental fee. Check the website for late-night moonlight sledging!
Directions and Parking
By Car
The best car park for those arriving by car is the “Kurvenlift-Stüberl” car park west of Lake Spitzingsee. It is located right at the beginning of the hiking trail. If the car park is full, there are plenty of parking spaces available at the large Taubenstein car park on the opposite side of Spitzingsee. The car park at Spitzingsattel tends to fill up even earlier than spots at the Kurvenlift.
By Train & Bus
You can easily get to Spitzingsee using public transport. Take the Bavarian Regiobahn (BRB) leaving hourly from Munich to Schliersee. From here, the bus 9562 runs to the Spitzingsattel bus stop. You can start here taking the optional shady route along Trautweinweg or walk the kilometer west to the starting point at the Kurvenlift car park.
Summary
The Obere Firstalm is one of the most popular mountain huts in the Schliersee region – maybe even in the entire Bavarian Alps. All in all, a nice, short hike with a mountain panorama on Spitzingsee and a great stop.
Map
Directions from the car park “Kurvenlift-Stüberl”:
