Barenkopf day hike with Achensee views (Austria)

This blog post will share how to hike the Bärenkopf day hike, which route to hike and where to take the best photos of the Achensee!

Quick facts Bärenkopf hike (Austria)

Gondola: Karwendel Bergbahn departing from the village Pertisau
Opening hours gondola: 08:30-17:00
Costs gondola: 18,50€ pp return (including parking)

Hiking guide: the route to Bärenkopf

Part 1: Top of the Karwendel gondola - Bärenbad Alm (20 min)

At the top of the Karwendel-Berghbahn you will reach the Zwölferkopf Bergstation (1500 m). There is a restaurant here called Alpengasthaus Karwendel. From there it’s a 20min flat walk to Bärenbad Alm (1457 m). Here you can also stop for coffee or food. After Bärenbad Alm there are two options to continue to the top.

Option 1: Bärenbad Alm to Bärenkopf 1h 30min (one way, uphill)

This is the option most people take, because it’s quickest. This path is quite steep, so it’s most logical to do this on the way up. Especially downhill this path can get slippery.

Option 2: Bärenbad Alm to Bärenkopf via forest 2h (one way, uphill)

The second option is a much less walked path, however the walk through the forest is absolutely beautiful! I recommend taking the hiking route through the forest at least once (either on your way up or down).

Part 2: Hiking back from Bärenkopf

You can hike back via route Option 1 or Option 2 mentioned above. Then backtrack from Bärenbad Alm to the gondola.

The viewpoint at Bärenkopf: where to take the best photos

Where most people take photos (and it's busy)

What if I told you most people actually miss the best photo spot with the prettiest views at Bärenkopf? Most hikers stop hiking at the cross on the summit of Bärenkopf, not knowing the epic views are only a few extra steps ahead. Sure, the view is nice. However, you’d be missing out of the best part!

Where you should take photos (away from the crowds!)

So here’s the secret. Once you reach the cross at the summit of Bärenkopf, keeping walking and continue past the cross. When the path seems to end, scramble down. There is the best viewpoint! From here you will also be able to see the entire lake, including the south east edge, where the water is bluest.