Where is Bärenkopf?
Bärenkopf (Bears Head) is a perfect hiking destination in Europe located in Tyrol, Austria, just above the beautiful turquoise-blue Achensee, one of Austria’s largest and most scenic alpine lakes. The mountain rises to an elevation of 1,991 meters, offering hikers a panoramic view over the lake and surrounding peaks.
How to Get to Bärenkopf
The hiking trail typically starts from the Karwendel cable car station in Pertisau, a small village on the western shore of Achensee.
Getting There by Car:
- Drive to Pertisau via the A12 Inntal Autobahn, exit at Wiesing, and follow signs to Achensee.
- There’s a parking area near the Karwendel Bergbahn (cable car station) in Pertisau. Parking is available for a small fee.
Tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends or during summer months. The lot fills up quickly, and you’ll want time for the hike.
The Route: How to Hike Bärenkopf
There are two main options:
- Take the Karwendel cable car (Karwendelbahn) to reach the starting point of the hike.
- Hike up from Pertisau without the cable car, which adds significant elevation gain. This blog post won’t cover the full hike without cable car.
Most hikers opt to take the cable car to Zwölferkopf, saving time and energy for the more scenic (and difficult) upper section of the trail.
Trail Info:
- Distance: Approx. 7.5 km (round trip)
- Elevation Gain: ~600 meters
- Duration: 3–5 hours, depending on pace
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (due to steep inclines and some scrambling)
- Best time to visit: late June – late October (depending on snow conditions). Check out the weather forecast and webcam Bergfex Weather Achensee
I went in September and the weather was amazing, sunny and hot. The trail winds through pine forests and rocky outcrops. The final ascent includes narrow paths, loose gravel, and some exposed sections—but no technical climbing is needed.
Once arriving at the top with the cable car, follow the sign to Bärenkopf. It took me 2 hours and 43 minutes to get to the top. I’m not super fit, and I was able to do it with some stops.
Tips for a Safe and Rewarding Hike
Water and Snacks
There are no huts or water sources on the trail, so pack enough water (I like fresh water, so I use a thermal bottle to keep the water fresh) and energy-rich snacks like trail mix, granola bars, a sandwich or fruit.
Start Early
The trail is popular, especially during summer. Early mornings offer cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and the best lighting for photography. I went in September and the trail was empty, but I have started way too late.
Wear the Right Gear
- Hiking boots with good grip are essential due to the rocky, uneven terrain.
- Dress in layers, weather can change quickly at higher altitudes.
- A lightweight daypack is perfect for carrying your essentials.
Why It’s Worth the Climb
As you approach the summit, the trail opens up to breathtaking views of Achensee below, with the Karwendel Mountains stretching across the horizon. The 360-degree panorama from the top is one of the best in the region. It’s a perfect reward for the steep climb and an epic spot for drone footage or wide-angle landscape shots.
Photo and Video Tip:
Pack a compact drone like the DJI Mini 4 Pro or an action camera like the Insta360 X4 to capture immersive footage from the summit.
Using the Karwendelbahn Cable Car
The Karwendelbahn operates seasonally (typically May to October) and takes just a few minutes to ascend from Pertisau to the Zwölferkopf station.
- Round-trip ticket: Approx. €18–€22 (check the official site for updates)
- Opening hours: Usually 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Website: Karwendelbahn Achensee
The cable car saves about 400 meters of elevation gain, making the hike more accessible without sacrificing the main viewpoints.
- Important Note:
The cable car closes at 17pm so make sure to schedule enough time to go down the montain to take the cable car, otherwise you will need to go down the rest by foot. And after a tiring day you don’t really want that to happen because your legs will be tired. I alomst lost it, hence the tip.
Is Bärenkopf Family-Friendly?
Due to the steep and sometimes exposed sections, Bärenkopf is not recommended for small children or those uncomfortable with heights. Fit teens and experienced young hikers, however, may find it an exciting challenge.
