From Marquartstein, the trail leads over the towns of Piesenhausen and Niedernfels to the valley station of the lift to the Hochplatte plateau. This runs from 9am onwards. A trip up is especially recommended if you also wish to tackle the next stage, A48, to the Priener Hut on the same day. Walk to the left above the mountain station (at the public toilets) along the roadway towards the South West and follow the signposting on to the Kampenwand. The roadway leads past the Hochplattenalm meadow, turns to the West and after crossing a little pass reaches the Piesenhausener Hochalm meadow after approx. 3h (without taking the cable car). Via Alpina follows the lovely, open ridge trail, which stretches along past the Grassauer Haus refuge, passing below the Hochalpenkopf to the South and the rocky Raffen peak. Continue northwards then to the eastern foothills of the Kammpenwand. Via Alpina leads along a rocky track – two areas are secured with cables – into the little wind gap between the highest and outermost outlying eastern summit with the Chiemgau summit cross, and heads to the North West once on the other side down to the Steinlingalm meadow (1,550m). For the descent from the summit through the so-called “Kaisersäle” (imperial rooms), you must be sure of foot and free of vertigo. It would be better to stash your hiking sticks in your rucksack, as in parts you will need your hands to help you. The Steinlingalm meadow has catering facilities during the summer months but does not offer accommodation. Once on the promenade, walk along the northern side of the Kampenwand to the “Berggasthof Sonnenalm” mountain inn (reservation for overnight accommodation is advised).
(Michael Kleider, Christina Schwann, OeAV)
 

The history of Marquartstein begins with the story of the castle. It was built in the 2nd half of the 11th century by Count Marquart II., and restored in 1857 so as to give an idea of the medieval fortress. Over the centuries, the castle has often changed hands. At the moment, it is in private possession and cannot be visited. According to legend, the architect Marquart died from after being wounded by arrow when he was out poaching on the hunting ground. An expiatory chapel called the Schnappenkirche was erected at the place where he was found. Marquartstein gained renown due to the fact that Richard Strauss composed his most important works here between 1890 and 1908 and wed Pauline de Ahna in 1894 in the castle church. A commemorative plaque in the St. Veit castle church serves as a reminder. Is there a Bavarian who does not know the saying “I gang so gern auf d´Kampenwand, wann i mit meiner Wamp´n kannt”? The Kampenwand peak clearly gives the image of the Chiemgau mountains its character. In Bavaria, a ridge is referred to as a “Kampel”, which is why the jagged ridge rising over the Chiemsee lake is called the Kampenwand. The perpendicular sheer southern precipices of Wetterstein limestone tower steeply out of the roundish, already weathered Flysch mountains and offer outstanding climbing opportunities. Most of the rocks are therefore also reserved for climbers, while the other eastern summit and its 12-metre high Chiemgau cross, which is reached on this stage, left for mountain hikers. However, expect it to be very crowded on good days, when entire armies of people ramble around on the summit. At places secured with cables, there can even be waiting times. Nevertheless, this mountain with its charming paths, meadows and rock faces is well worth the climb, especially as you will quickly find peace and quiet again away from the “Kampenwand mountain station – Steinlingalm meadow – eastern peak” trail.
(Michael Kleider)