Kampenwand

The Kampenwand (1669m) can be found south of Bavaria's largest lake, the Chiemsee. The best way to enjoy this lake is by taking a round-trip with one of the ships that regularly travel it during summertime. Which is also the only way to reach Herrenchiemsee, an island on which King Ludwig II. built another one of his castles.

Though the Kampenwand can be climbed with a cable railway, it's possible to reach the summit on a beautiful path without being disturbed by too many people. The path starts as a gravel road in Rottau, later continues as a track across alpine pastures and finally meets the common way uphill. (Better leave your corned beef sandwiches at home since these pastures are inhabited by watchful cows.) The picture above was taken shortly before reaching the base of the Kampenwand, which extends further to the right.

On the way up to the biggest summit cross found in Bavaria, I had to climb over some rocks, dangle from a wire rope and balance over a narrow bridge. But I was rewarded for this by a cloudless sky and a good view of the Chiemsee.