Chiemgauer Familientour

Chiemgauer Familientour is one of the shortest and most accessible multi-day routes in the entire Chiemgau Alps. This 18-kilometer circuit begins and ends in the village of Aschau im Chiemgau on the Bavarian side of the border and offers a typical picture of the local foothills — green meadows, ridge trails, and views toward Lake Chiemsee. The trek is conceived as a family route, so there are no demanding technical passages or exposed areas, and anyone can manage it, even without extensive experience hiking in the mountains for multiple days.

The terrain corresponds to an easy classification. The route does not require a via ferrata set or any other climbing equipment, as it stays on tourist trails throughout without rope protection. Most of the journey consists of well-marked mountain paths and ridge sections with gradual ascents and descents — an ideal combination for families with children or for anyone wanting to try staying at an alpine hut for the first time without having to worry about technical terrain difficulty.

The first stage leads by ascent to the summit of Hochries — either by cable car or on foot — to the Hochrieshütte, from which a panorama opens across Lake Chiemsee and the entire alpine foothills. The hut sits directly below the peak, so evening and morning views are among the main reasons to include this stage. The second day continues along the ridge trail to Priener Hütte beneath the Geigelstein massif — the path crosses alpine meadows full of orchids and ends with a descent back down into the valley. Because the trek is planned for 2 to 3 days, the second stage can be split as needed and the pace adjusted to the group's ability before the circuit closes back in Aschau im Chiemgau.

Due to its low difficulty, short length, and absence of via ferrata, Chiemgauer Familientour is primarily suitable for families with children, beginners in mountain hiking, and everyone looking for a first multi-day trek with hut accommodation without the risk of technically demanding terrain. It will serve equally well as a warm-up hike before tackling more challenging Alpine treks with via ferrata or longer stages.

The Hochrieshütte and Priener Hütte are booked, like the vast majority of alpine huts, through the official Alpenverein reservation system, where you select a specific date and bed type according to current availability. Given the lower elevation and non-demanding profile, the route is feasible throughout the entire summer season; those wanting to avoid crowds at the huts would do well to schedule their visit outside the main holiday weeks.