Overview
Großer Zunderkopf
Großer Zunderkopf 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.
Großer Zunterkopf (1895 m) is a rather unknown and seldomly summited mountain in the U-shaped subrange. It is located between Brünstelkopf in the east and
Vorderer Felderkopf in the west. Nearly completely overgrown by dwarf pines there is only one trail traversing the summit. Thus Großer Zunterkopf is normally traversed during a more extended hike and not the exclusive target of a days hike.
Getting There
Großer Zunderkopf as seen from Windstierlkopf
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.
Dacylorhiza maculata | Aquilegia vulgaris | Centaurea montana |
Route & Trail Overview
Großer Zunderkopf as seen from Felderkopf
Summit route from Graswang
For Hikers
For Mountain Bikers
Western ascent
Eastern ascent
Summit Route from Pflegersee
Silene dioica | Anemone silvestris | Cypripedium calciolus |
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.
Panorama from Großer Zunderkopf |
External Links & Accomodations
The Kuhalmbach canyon, my favorite ascent to the whole sub range
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
Maps
The most detailed maps are:
Useful hiking map:
Guide Book