Riederstein & Galaun
By Christina Wechsel
Tegernsee, Germany
Christina has Swiss and German roots and inherited her wanderlust character from her parents. Even her serious car accident 17 years ago on a trip to Ayers Rock, Australia, couldn't stop her from traveling the world with an open heart. She continues to consciously spend every free minute in nature and finds adventure especially in hiking, climbing, skiing and surfing. She now lives between Munich and Cape Town.
Route
The hike begins at the parking lot next to the Schliessstädte inn in Tegernsee. It leads a bit up the asphalt road to a junction where you turn sharp left. A comfortable forest path through the forest leads to the Gasthof Galaun. The path passes the Gasthof Galaun, where you immediately turn left and follow the signs uphill to “Riederstein”. Over roots, stones and several steps you reached the Riederstein summit chapel, past rocks and on a very steep climb. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking view over Lake Tegernsee and the Alpine chain. The hike from the parking lot to Riederstein takes 1:5 hours. If you want to walk to the next summit, you can continue below the chapel to the Baumgartensteig (additional 1 hour). From the Riederstein Chapel, the circular route leads back to the parking lot after 1 hour.
Follow The Route On ALLTRAILS >
2.5 hour loop
Gentle. Elevation gain: 400 meters
Be sure to have a camera to take photos of the beautiful view, good shoes, sunglasses, water, snack, sunscreen, rain jacket
Hiking Key
The Look
It's the first hiking shoe that I've worn from day 1 and not gotten a single blister. The footbed is very soft and the sole provides good grip on challenging ground conditions. Finally a hiking shoe that also looks stylish.
Moab Speed 2
Field Notes:
I love this hike because it is so varied. One part leads through the forest, which has a completely different atmosphere than hiking past the “Galaun” alpine pasture. The more beautiful the view at the summit, the more motivated I am to do steeper hikes and this hike has a breathtaking view over the Alpine chain and Lake Tegernsee. In autumn the leaves turn all different shades of red, yellow and orange.
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Good To Know
The Gasthof “Galaun” makes the best Kaiserschmarn and on hot hiking days you can cool off in Lake Tegernsee.
"A flower does not compare itself with the one that grows next to it. She is blooming in her full potential. "
When To Visit
In spring, summer and autumn. In winter and early spring the snow can be meters deep.
Q&A:
Why do you love hiking?
Hiking connects me with nature. Nature reminds me that I am part of it and therefore it is also part of me. Hiking really grounds me, connects me with my true essence and gives me awareness.
How has hiking changed for you since your accident?
I no longer take the body and all its functions for granted. Especially after a hike, I am very proud of myself and grateful for all the sensations, impressions and adventures that I have been able to continue to experience since my accident.
What has been the best thing to happen from sharing your story?
Since I shared my story on Instagram, I have received such beautiful messages from people saying that they too have experienced difficult strokes of fate. They wrote to me that they no longer felt so alone and that I had inspired them to continue following their heart's path, no matter what happens in life. This is a very big gift for me.
Top 5 favourite places to hike in the world:
Dolomites, Italy. Eastern Switzerland. Rocky Mountains, Canada. Drakensberg and Western Cape in South Africa.
What words of encouragement do you have for someone looking to try hiking?
I believe that our performance-oriented, Western world and comparing ourselves with others, especially through social media, are big issues in our time. As soon as I'm out in nature, I can just BE. Nature does not judge, it lives in balance, harmony and growth. She doesn't hold on to unnecessary things because she knows that she can blossom again when the time comes. A flower does not compare itself with the one that grows next to it. She is blooming in her full potential.
What the one non-safety-essential always in your bag?
Because of my prosthesis, hiking poles, of course in black carbon, to match my leg 😊 and my sunglasses
HIKING TIPS
- Be safe and plan your route ahead
- Be weather wise, check the forecast
- Take the correct clothing and provisions
- Check if dogs/ camping/ BBQs etc are allowed
- Take your litter with you
- Leave gates as you find them
- Have fun!