Schellschlicht is a moderately rugged Ammergau peak with a distinctive bowl between two ridges on its southern flanks. Marked trails on the two ridges allow for a nice loop hike to the summit and back. Views are extensive, especially of the Wetterstein walls to the south, looking across the Plansee to Reutte on the west, and a view north into the heart of the Ammergau range, dominated by the Geierköpfe and Kreuzspitze.

The hike is likely popular in late or early season because both trails are on southern slopes of meadow and latschen, where snow will not linger. At over 1200 meters elevation gain from the valley, it's good to get an early start if you come in high summer.

Getting There

The enjoyable Southwest Ridge.

From Garmisch, continue west about 10 minutes on the B23 to the little village of Griesen (elevation 816 meters). Park your car here at a gated forest road, signed for Schellschlicht and the Plansee. Hike up the road about 15 minutes, until signs for Schellschicht point up an abandoned side road on the right. Climb up from the valley floor on road then trail to reach a signed junction between the two trails to the summit.

Southwest Ridge

The left alternative crosses a gorge on a metal bridge, then heads up in many switchbacks through forest to reach a seasonal hut. Above this, the terrain opens up, and you travel on the ridge top, making slight descents at times to reach the summit. At one point there is a little metal ladder in the rock to scramble up (about 3 meters high).

Southeast Ridge

The right alternative also goes up through steep forest, then traverses a rugged hillside on a narrow path. A head for heights is required, as the way leads over loose rocks on a narrow ridge to the summit, where it ends abruptly.

North Ridge

A wilder route exists, going from the Neualmsattel (1666 meters) to the east and southeast, and climbing northern ridges and loose faces to the summit. A variant is to gain the ridge between Schellschlicht and its neighbor to the east, Kreuzspitzl, then follow the ridge west to the summit. On either of these you may find UIAA Grade I or II climbing and plenty of dirt :-).

Red Tape

Don't drive on the road.

Lodging

Lodging could be found in Garmisch. Camping is not allowed.

Summit views

Looking to the Geierköpfe, a great hike of its own.

Kreuzspitze in the background, the highest peak of this grouping.

The Wetterstein and Mieminger Kette from the summit.

Looking west to the Plansee (mostly hidden) and Reutte.

Images