The Adventure Series | Four elements

The Adventure Series

For those who want to get off the beaten track…

Do you dream of getting away from the crowds and deeper into wild alpine landscapes of the Bavarian Alps? Are you yearning for some adventure, a physical challenge and a taste of wild adventure?

Then the Adventure Series is for you!

Join us to explore and discover new lesser-trodden routes, wild and more isolated locations and wonderful hidden treasures beyond the beaten tracks.

The Adventure Series is for hikers with some previous experience looking for a bit of challenge and adventure - with a focus on exploring the wild rather than bagging peaks (although peaks and great views may well be included too).

Each guided tour will take you to into a different are within the Bavarian Pre-Alps.

Tour Highlights

Guided hiking tour off the beaten track with experienced and knowledgable guide, Ceri Temple
Learn more about the Alpine flora & fauna from an experienced guide and outdoor expert.
Extend your outdoor hiking skills to prepare for further outdoor adventures in the Alps.
Get further off the beaten track and experience isolated locations, that you otherwise would not access.
Sense of adventure and fun!

Activity level

All tours are of medium difficulty level. Most of the routes are along RED (Bavarian and Austrian Classification) paths. You should be prepared to walk between 6-9 hrs per day – with the longest days’ ascent being a 1200m climb. The walking pace will be around 350m/hr (ascent).

Not all tracks are well-maintained or marked. There are may be some short, exposed or secured sections which need a little scrambling. Sure-footedness and a good head for heights are needed for these tours, as well as good stamina due to the tour lengths. Hiking boots with solid sole and ankle support are a must. Hiking poles also recommended.

General Information

Guided day hikes in the Bavarian Pre-Alps.

Distance: approx. 15-18 km

Elevation gain: approx 1000-1300m per hike

Travelling to & from hikes: Meeting point will normally be at the trail head. Not all hikes can be reached by public transport and for longer days the timings are sometimes limited.

Timings: 08:00 – 17:00

Hike details: Communicated one week in advance in Whatsapp group with all details you need to know (hike location, meeting point & travel, packing list, details of lunch/ refreshment stops if applicable, weather forecast)

Tour 1: Kochel am See

Date: 21st June 2020

Step into the hidden trails, deep canyons and pools beyond the stomping ground of the well-known Jochberg, Herzogstand and Heimgarten trails. This is a tour into the wild ways with potential to spot some mountain wild-life as well as alpine vegetation. We still get to admire the familiar peaks, panoramas and lakes from different angles.

Distance: 17 km

Ascent: 1000 hm

Walking time: 6-7 hrs

Activity level description: Some lesser-trodden, rough grassy, narrow paths with steep drops- good head for heights needed. Long gradual ascents- good fitness and stamina needed. Hiking boots with solid sole and ankle support a must. Hiking poles recommended.

Meeting point: 08:15am Kochel Train Station (travel by train recommended) – we will put participants in touch to coordinate group train tickets.

Tour 2: Ammergau Mountains

Date: 26th July 2020

A journey into the wild valley trails of the Ammergau. This tour combines an enchanting climb through a canyon, fairy-tale like forests, panoramic ridge traverses with mountain flowers in abundance and majestic mountain views.

Distance: 18 km

Ascent: 1200 hm

Walking time: 8-9 hrs

Activity level description: Some lesser-trodden, rough, stony narrow paths with some steep and exposed sections. Sure-footedness and a good head for heights needed, as well as good stamina for the length of the tour. A bit of scrambling involved in a few places. Hiking boots with solid sole and ankle support a must. Hiking poles recommended.

Meeting point: 08:00 am Ettal/ Graswang- exact meeting point will be communicated via email. No public transportation possibility for this tour.

Tour 3: Estergebirge Mountains

Date: 13th September 2020

A steady climb above Eschenlohe takes us on a wild ridge walk, through ancient forests and over meadows, for snapshots of valleys, peaks and lakes between the Estergebirge and beyond. This is a point to point hike, so public transportation is recommended.

Distance: 16 km

Ascent: 1100 hm

Walking time: 8 hrs

Activity level description: A range of well-maintained and lesser trodden trails. Mainly narrow with some steeper sections. Sure-footedness is necessary. Hiking boots with solid sole and ankle support a must. Hiking poles recommended.

Meeting point: 08:45am Eschenlohe Train Station

Each day hike includes:

Guiding by certified Mountain Hiking Guide
Resources (Equipment lists, maps etc) for hikes
Access to group facebook, whatsapp group and tour photo albums.

Not included

Not included (please ask if you need any advice):

Lunches, drinks, snacks on tours (There are no huts on any of these routes so you must bring your own lunch and enough water and snacks)
Personal insurance (travel cancellation insurance and personal accident insurance for mountain activities)
Travel to/from tour start/end points