Hiking Kleine Reibn: An Amazing Full-Day Trek in Berchtesgaden, Germany
An airport strike in Lisbon stranded us in Munich, Germany instead of the Azore Islands — without an itinerary or reservations. After exploring Munich + enjoying Mike’s Bike Tour (which we also did about 20 years ago!), we decided to drive about two hours to Salzburg, Austria. This was all fun, but we needed something big. Something epic. Adventurous. And that is how we ended up in Berchtesgaden, Germany and hiking the Kleine Reibn.
So, if you are looking for an amazing full day hike in Berchtesgaden, explore beyond the well-visited tourist spots of the historic Eagles Next and beautiful Konigssee, and head out to Jennerbahn’s moderate Kleine Reibn hike. This journey delivers breathtaking views while you explore the natural wonders that define the Bavarian Alps.
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Kleine Reibn planning and logistics
The full loop hike that I am going to lay out here is a full-day activity. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. You can shorten this excursion by 1) taking the Jennerbahn cable car to the top and only hike to the peak or 2) turn around after the summit of Schneibstein mountain.
WHERE TO BEGIN: Start at the big lot for Jennerbahn and Konigssee Lake and be sure to pay the parking fee. We had a discount card from our hotel for reduced parking and cable car tickets. The Family Pass also saves a little money. The cable car tickets are expensive but I think it was worth it even if you just go up for the short hike to the peak. Alternative to cable car: park at Hinterbrand and hike from there, but it adds a couple of hours of hiking.
1) Take the Jennerbahn Cable Car to the top
Be sure to take the cable car all of the way to the top. Do not get out at the mid-station, however note that is where you will head back down.
FITZ BITS TIP: Watch your time. We missed the cable car ride back down from the mid-station!
2) Head up to Jennerbahn Peak
Take the time to climb up to Jennerbahn’s summit for breathtaking views of Königsee Lake. Continue up to the cross after the first landing. In total, this detour adds about 20-30-minutes, but it’s so worth it.
3) Kleine Reibn Hike Part 1: Schneibstein Peak
Follow the signs to Schneibsteinhaus, a mountain hut, and on to the peak of Schneibstein. This trail starts to the left of the gondola exit. Follow the red and white rock trail markers to stay on route. The terrain gets steep and rocky towards the top but you will be rewarded with the most magnificent panoramic views. Stop at the top for a break and a picnic to soak it all in! Warning: this is only about 1/3 of your hiking day.
4) Kleine Reibn Hike Part 2: Seeleinsee Lake
Continue on, possibly through fields of snow, to the serene Seeleinsee Lake. We saw more alpine ibex than hikers for this part of our journey.
Kleine Reibn Hike Part 3: Preisbergalm
The trek on to Priesbergalm, a small mountain hut, is mostly downhill but still pretty strenuous. We were surprised by a field of cows grazing over the hiking trail! The mountain hut was welcoming and inviting after a long day of hiking — but beware of the time if you sit down for a beer. We started chatting with other hikers and missed the last cable car back to the parking lot.
The End: Jenner Mittelstation
The station closed at 6 PM when we visited. We missed it by about 15-minutes. I find that the times on the hiking signs were very true to scale, don’t fool yourself unless you are trail running! Luckily we grabbed a ride down with hikers we met at Preisberglam. Otherwise your hike becomes a bit longer. All part of the adventure!
Visited in July 2021
