Plankenstein

Overview

The Plankenstein is a limestone reef amidst rounded wooded hills in the Bavarian Prealps (Bayerische Voralpen).
For more information on the Bavarian Prealps see Krottenkopf page.
The Plankenstein is situated in the part of the Bavarian Prealps which is called Tegernsee mountains (west and south of lake Tegernsee).
Togehter with its rounded neighbor Risserkogel, it is a remarkable sight in the Bavarian Prealps, easily recognizable from many viewpoints (see pictures).
It features a whole range of nice rock climbs (1-4 pitches) from easy to very difficult (UIAA III - X).

Remarks on the name of mountain:

Plankenstein and Blankenstein are in use.

The "blank" in Blankenstein is related to "blank" in english. The meaning is a little different, more like pure, sheer. So Blankenstein means sheer rock which is understandable because this is an important feature in comparison with the surrounding wooded hills.

"Planke" in German is the same as "plank" in english. There could be an explanation because wooden planks are used to build fences for the cows on the alpine meadows surrounding the mountain.

I have no idea which name is the original. The occurance of both variants is probably the result of an transfer error.

Getting There

By Car:

From Munich to Tegernsee lake, through Rottach-Egern and to the parking at Kistenwinterstube (toll road)

By train/bus

Train station Tegernsee (one hour from Munich), Bus to Kistenwinterstube / Hufnagelstube (Rottachtal) Bus time table

When To Climb

Summer season April / May to October
The south face routes on Plankenstein may be climbed in winter too. But be careful on the approach: there is a significant avalanche risk, esp. in the trough between Plankenstein and Risserkogel (Schneeböden in the maps)

Camping

Typical day trip from Munich, no camping necessary. The is a self service hut nearby, for booking see here:

Route Overview

From Kistenwinterstube (see getting there) take the forest road and marked pathes via Sieblialm to Riederecksattel and Plankensteinsattel.

Walking around the Plankenstein

The easiest route to the summit of Plankenstein requires level II scrambling. The rock is very slippery. For hikers it is more recommendable to surround the little mountain and enjoy the views from all directions (see pictures in Overview section).
Easy hike.

Kistenwinterstube -> Sieblialm -> Riederecksattel -> Risserkogel -> Grubereck - ridge to Wallberghaus -> Wallberg cable car base station (bus to Tegernsee)

Climbing routes:
1. Normal Route (II)
Through a couloir in the west side (I) to the ridge and a short chimney (II) to the summit. Very slippery rock because of lots of climbers. Not recommended for hikers

2. Direkter Ostgrat = direct east ridge (IV 2x, most parts easier)
4 pitches, 2 bolts and pitons, nice beginners climb

3. Westwand = west face (IV+)
2 pitches, nice crack, rappel down (40 m)

3. Vorgipfel-Südwand = south face (V+)
2 pitches, bolts, nice

4. Plankensteinnadel Westkante = Plankenstein needle west corner (VI +)
classic climb on the impressive needle

5. many more climbs VI - X (needle south face)

External Links

• Steinmandl.de
  Rock climbing on Plankenstein (in German), with picture
  

Images

View Plankenstein Image Gallery - 11 Images