Hoher Göll via Mannl ridge
Hoher Göll is one of the highest peaks of Berchtesgadener Alps and is marking the limits of this range lying on Austrian-German border. It can be reached from two directions using tourist paths. This post describes the trail from Kehlstein house via interesting Mannlgrat.
Starting point is located on the Kehlstein parking lot that can be reached taking the bus. More demanding version of this trip would be to get to the Kehlsteinhouse from the Obersalzberg area using a combination of forest roads and Kehlriedsteig trail but that will add another 750 meters of ascent. From the parking lot we could either take the tunnel lift or climb couple of flights of stairs. Kehlstein house offers some history insight but also drinks and snacks. Following the trail we reach the Kehlstein peak (1881 meters)
Peak of Kehlstein marks the start of Mannlgrat. It takes around 2 hours to complete. The terrain starts to be challenging from here. Surefootedness and caution is required. Although rated C this via-ferrata seems to be barely demanding for that grade, there is some exposition but key moments are secured. Ferrata name points to the ridge whereas it doesn't go along it exactly, rather fluctuates from on side to the other taking the most approachable variants. At some point ferrata leaves the ridge crest and after descent we find ourselves in front of 200 meter steep ascent.
From the culmination of Göllleiten the trip becomes really pleasant, there is no steepness and terrain allows to enjoy the views while walking. The peak of Hoher Göll is reached within approximate of 30 minutes. It offers quite spectacular views in almost every direction.
The descent takes advantage of short via-ferrata (Schustersteig) in the direction of Purtschellerhaus. We need to head back to the culmination of Göllleiten and either take the first turn right (B/C difficulty, mostly chimneys) or the second one (A/B difficulty, some slabs). Once on the ridge a mix of secured and unsecured passages will await us, overall difficulty does not exceed A for secured sections and grade I for unsecured ones. This stretch proves to be quite tiring as the path tends to meander up and down a bit. Purtschellerhaus is reached in abour 1h and 30 mins.
From Purtschellerhaus the terrain gets greenier and eases off with diffculties, now it's just a walk through meadows and forests down to the parking lot.
Sunny and extremely hot.
From the start in Kehlstein house till the parking lot in the valley the trail is well marked. Via ferrata part was in good condition. Terrain is rather difficult to walk in the upper sections where rock is dominant.
Camping Mühlleiten in the valley or Purtschellerhaus directly on the route.
Car driven to parking lot near Kehlstein bus stop, from here a short walk to the bus stop. Catching the bus up the mountain and then after finishing the trip descending back to the parking lot.
Links:Kehlstein bus timetableParking lot near Kehlstein bus stop
Because of easy access to the Kehlstein house the ferrata part can get jammed during vacation and long weekends.
I used the ferrata belay maybe once. For people who feel comfortable with grades starting from D may share the same observation. Passed tourists without any form of protection.
Falling stones from above, exposed sections.
20L rucksack, trekking poles, ferrata set, helmet
