As Wurmkopf, Schöneck is a minor summit within the ridge crest of Steinernes Meer / Berchtesgadener Alps between Schönfeldspitze and Breithorn.

Schöneck, as the name says, is indeed a beautiful corner, a flat summit plateau with a cross and a summit register and nice views and even nicer meadows for an afternoon nap in the sun, far away from noisy Riemannhaus.

Schöneck can be an afternoon trip from Riemannhaus and can be combined with Sommerstein, Wurmkopf or Schönfeldspitze or with all of them.

Getting There

Sommerstein and Breithorn as seen from Schöneck ascent

The main valley trailhead for Schöneck is Maria Alm on the south side of Steinernes Meer.

You reach Maria Alm from

Kufstein / Inntal valley using road number 173 and 164

Traunstein or Berchtesgaden region in Germany by driving to Lofer on road number 178 and by going on on road number 311 to Saalfelden

Salzburg and Salzach valley by using highway A 8 (Tauernautobahn) to the exit Bischofshofen or Knoten Pongau and following road number 164 to Saalfelden

Zell am See and the southern regions by using road number 311 from Zell am See

You reach Saalfelden near Maria Alm by train, too, from Kufstein - Wörgl - Kitzbühel or from Salzburg - Bischofshofen.
For the schedules please refer to the ÖBB homepage.

For the Maria Alm trailhead follow the road leading from the village into Griesbachwinkl and Sandten valley. After some kilometers the road changes into a dirt road which climbs up steeply to the parking area at about 1.200 m. After the parking area the road is closed for public traffic.

Red Tape

Schöneck is not part of the Nationalpark Berchtesgaden.

There are no special restrictions as far as I know.

Routes Overview

From the parking area follow the dirt road / trail number 425 up to the supply cableway valley station for Riemannhaus. A trail starts there leading up the steep, chute – like valley called Schaflöcher under the impressive Sommerstein southface. After some rock scramble and impressive views you reach Ramseider Scharte and Riemannhaus.

From Riemannhaus follow the trail in the direction to Sommerstein. Halfway up a trail branches off to the left. Follow this trail up to the east – west running ridge between Sommerstein and Schönfeldspitze. Arriving at the ridge, the summit of Schöneck can be reached in three minutes to the west (right).

You can continue on the ridge to Wurmkopf and Schönfeldspitze. Or return to Riemannhaus and climb Sommerstein. Or summit Breithorn. There are many options !

Accomodations

Schönfeldspitze, Wurmkopf and (right) Schöneck, Sommerstein (below) as seen from Breithorn

Accomodations of all kind - hotels, bed & breakfast, campgrounds - can be found in all major villages around Steinernes Meer:

The following adjacent mountain huts offer overnight stays:

Riemannhaus

Peter - Wiechenthaler Hütte

Kärlinger Haus

Ingolstädter Haus

Wasseralm ( only overnight facilities, not a guarded hut)

Gear & Mountain Conditions

Schöneck as seen from Wurmkopf summit

Mountain Conditions

Schöneck is mainly a summer and autumn summit. I think it can be summated with skies, too, but there are some more interesting ski aims in the surroundings.

Gear

Schöneck is an easy hike. You need normal hiking gear with good boots.

Bring enough to drink in autumn when nearby Riemanhaus is closed. A a karst plateau, Steinernes Meer nearly has no water for resupply.

Maps

The following topo maps are recommended:

Alpenvereinskarte scale 1 : 25.000
Blatt 10/1, Steinernes Meer, 2006

Topografische Karte von Österreich, scale 1 : 50.000
Blatt 124