Overview
Geißspüngkopf and Kineckspitze (right)
Geißsprüngkopf is a summit within the
Notkarspitze – subgroup of Ammergau Alps.
This subrange, located in the eastern part of
Ammergau Alps, is, with the exception of Notkarspitze itself – which is a quite popular hike from Garmisch-Partenkirchen or Ettal, a rather lonely and remote region.
The highest point of this subgroup is not
Notkarspitze but
Kienjoch (1953 m) in the western part of the subrange.
Especially in spring and early summer the region is full of innumerable wildflowers and a paradise for those who love them.
Geißsprüngkopf is a secondary summit near
Kienjoch, which is located northwest of it. Nevertheless it has its proper name in the topographic map of Bavaria. It is a meadow summit with steep, rocky slopes in all directions. Connected to Kienjoch with a short meadow ridge and separated from
Windstierlkopf in the southeast by a longer ridge and a 150 m lower col, Geißsprüngkopf must be traversed during the ascent to Kienjoch. Consequently there is only one traverse trail leading over the summit.
Seen from Windstierlkopf it is a quite high and impressive summit, blocking the somewhat higher Kienjoch out of sight. Seen from Kienjoch, the highest point of the Notkarspitze subgroup, Geißsprüngkopf is not very prominent.
Getting There
There are two main trailheads in the valleys:
Graswang in the Graswang / Ammer valley
Use highway
A 95 from Munich to its end and follow the road
B 2 to
Oberau. At Oberau take
B 23 to
Ettal. After Ettal follow road
St 2060 direction Graswang /
Linderhof until you reach the eastern part of the little village of
Graswang.
There is a little chapel on the right. On the left there is a small parking area in front of the bridge over the creek Linder.
This is the trailhead. Leave your car there.
If the parking area is complete cross the village and follow the signposts to "Wanderparkplatz" (hikers parking area) at the opposite end of the villages (parking fee required). Walk back to the trailhead.
Pflegersee / Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Use highway
A 95 from Munich to its end and follow the road
B 2 / 23 to
Garmisch. It is the right hand road branching off after the Farchant road tunnel.
After the eye-catching Grandhotel Sonnenbichl at the entrance of Garmisch turn right (Thomas-Knorr-Straße) and then right again (Pflegerseestraße). Pflegersee should be signposted. Follow Pflegerseestraße up to the parking area at Pflegersee.
Cypripedium calciolus | Wildflower meadow near Kuhbach Alm | Rhododendron hirsutum |
Route & Trail Overview
Geißsprüngkopf as seen from Kienjoch
Summit route from Graswang
For Hikers
For Mountain Bikers
Western ascent
Eastern ascent
Ascent via Kieneckspitze
Geißsprüngkopf
Summit Route from Pflegersee
Red Tape
The German part of Ammergau Alps is a protected area (
Naturschutzgebiet Ammergauer Alpen). I did not find an official web site of this NP. If you know one, let me know about it.
There are no entrance fees or permissions required.
It is forbidden
Ammergau Alps contain many rare plant species, please respect them. Take nice pictures and let them grow.
Geranium sylvaticum | Silene diocia | Aquilegia vulgaris |
External Links & Accomodations
Geißsprüngkopf as seen from Kuhbachtal ascent
To find accommodations, try the following homepages:
Ammergauer Alpen
Ammergauer Alpen
Gemeinde Ettal
A good overview and more hiking tips can be found on:
Ammergauer Alpen
Check the current weather conditions
here
Maps & Guide Books
Geißsprüngkop and Kienjoch
Maps
The most detailed maps are:
Useful hiking map:
Guide Book