06/08/2009: Krün 875m - Fischbachalm, 1402m - Lakaiensteig - Soiernhaus, 1616m
After an absence of six years (see story of the unforgettable crossing "intoxicated" in the Karwendel 2003), it was time to make another visit to this part of the Alps so dear to me. Yet I had my doubts! This year it, my first week off in small mountain fell too early for my liking: in June, many shelters are still closed and there are still lots of snow now. Maybe some would be downright inaccessible summits?
The trip to Bavaria is long and tedious (14h train). With relief, I went down to Mittenwald and wait for the local bus Krün. Fascinated, as if for the first time, I watch the jagged peaks of the Karwendel and Wettersteingebirge. Certainly, there are still lots of snow, but it did not look so bad.
The bus drops me off at Krün. It is noon, the village looks dead, no shop open, nobody in the street. I'm off soon and put myself out for the Soiernhaus, the first stop of my trek.
Road passable ("Forststrasse"), closed to traffic, rising gradually. I met almost no one. From time to time, I can enjoy beautiful views of the foothills of the Karwendel.
After half past one, I get to Fischbachalm. Pleasant pasture located in a remote location, it already feels a bit at the end of the world here. 
two options then: the "royal road" and the "path of pages" or Lakaiensteig. A little explanation is needed: the Soiernhaus was one of the places where King Ludwig II liked to spend his holidays dedicated to hunting. The king went on horseback by the royal road, and pages, which were essential to achieve Soiernhaus before the king, passed by the Lakaiensteig. As Lakaiensteig is deemed to be dramatic, the choice is not difficult to me. 
I'm not disappointed: I love this landscape! At bottom left, Soiernspitze, 2257m, is impressive. From a distance I can see the Soiernhaus. A spectacular waterfall completes the scene. I remain speechless before this natural splendor. 
Soiernspitze the left of the peaks of Gumpenkarspitze, and Krapfenkarspitze 2010M, 2110M, have a very opposite Alpine Despite their modest height.
Lakaiensteig In the end (not to be taken light, a false step can not be forgiven), we arrive at the lakes Soiern with the north side of Soiernspitze as decoration. 
After 3 hours of road, I arrive at Soiernhaus . Friendly shelter run by a babysitter a little rustic and authoritarian. 
I spent the rest of the day lazing around and contemplate the landscape that surrounds me. The north face of Soiernspitze fascinated by its structure: horizontal strata present number!
I am the first to get up today as a big day waiting for me: crossing traditional chain Soiern ("Soiernumrahmung). Breakfast in a hurry, and I am already on the way to my first goal, Schöttlkarspitz (background).
Soon I find myself at the top of the two lakes Soiern, in which floats a bit of snow. Suddenly I see falling rocks. I look at where it came from: a herd of chamois traverses the slopes above the road!
Landscape foothills but spectacular Soiernspitze, and Reissende Lahnspitze 2257m, 2207m.
After an hour's climb, I'm already at the top of Schöttlkarspitz. Ah, that's the great peaks of the Nördliche Karwendelkette: Tiefkarspitze, 2431m, Larchetfleckspitze, 2363m and Westliche Karwendelspitze, 2385m.
More right, the Hochkarspitze, 2484m and Wörner, 2476m. Carefully studying the route of ascent of the latter: there is not much snow but the corridor you borrow up to the summit ridge is still blocked.
Mittenwald extends down into the valley. The two horns of the Arnspitze, 2196m dominate the Leutasch Valley. Behind, winter still reigns in the central Alps of the Stubai.
Viewed eagle on the lakes and Soiern Soiernhaus left.
It's very gray and cloudy but the views are excellent: the pre-Alps and the Bavarian Rofangebirge.
After a short pause, I continued my journey towards Feldernkreuz, 2048m, I will reach that amount in a small hallway. The Schöttlkarspitz shows us a face more serious here, but we notice the questionable quality of the rock.
After Feldernkreuz, the peak continues until nicely Feldernkopf, 2071m. View of the Feldernkreuz and Schöttlkarspitz.
Soiern Both lakes and overhung by Gumpenkar-Krapfenkarspitze.
In high season and weekends, this crossing is deemed very popular with Munich. I, for cons, I have the edge for me alone.
The weather seems to be stable and it is with relief that I can start the sequence of the highest peaks of the crossing, and the Reissende Lahnspitze Soiernspitze.
In front of me, the highest peaks Karwendel, which are still very snowy: Birkkarspitze, and three Ödkarspitze 2749m, 2738m, 2745m and 2712m. At right, the climb to the Seekarscharte, 2455m, halfway between Karwendelhaus and Pleisenhütte.
Focus on Wörner and Wörnersattel, bottom right.
After bypassing the Reissende Lahnspitze, j'atteinds the top of it by its edge is. Behind Westliche Karwendelspitze, Arnspitze, Hohe Munde and Hochblassen.
The highlight of the voyage, the Soiernspitze, 2257m, will offer me no view.
rapid descent of 800m to the pastures of sympathetic Vereineralm, 1400, which is located next to the refuge Unguarded "Krinner-Kofler-Hütte" in the DAV. I take a break and consider my options: spend the night here, and join the Karwendelhaus tomorrow or continue my path towards Wörnersattel and Hochlandhütte. Proponents of Vereinalm assure me that the path to the Karwendelhaus is still impassable because of snow. So I decide to go to Hochlandhütte today.
A small epic follows: after crossing the Seinsbach, I lose the path and instead of turning back, I continued obstinately River upwards. Then I decided to cross the slope to the right and hope of getting the right path. Billion, how wrong decision: those little trees are an incredible fever, I take risks by climbing small cliffs, and finally, I went down the whole arm by a dry river, before I was finally on the right road. In all, I lose an hour and I wonder what I have done especially in times of distress.
Some 500 meters higher, the landscape becomes hostile. M'englobent clouds and I have to climb a steep snow slope before coming to Wörnersattel.
no question of trying the Worner now it's late, I'm tired and it starts pleuviner. After eight hours away (not bad for a first full day), I come to the Hochlandhütte obviously familiar to me. The shelter is almost deserted long ago, I am the only client before a strange German arrived there late.
I am terribly hungry and order a good local drink and a plate of raw ham.
Between two showers, great sight, which are the rays of sun through the thick clouds.
The Worner, given the Hochlandhütte.
clouds rise, and I make a decision: despite the advice of the keeper of the shelter, I'll try to reach Brunnsteinhütte through several summits Nördliche Karwendelkette. I look after my car: I have to cross large scree slopes and rock below the Tiefkarspitze Predigtstul before arriving at the right.
last look at the Hochlandhütte.
The road is exposed but I have no problem. Behind you can see the Reissende Lahnspitze and Soiernspitze and the Wörnersattel.
The north-east of the massif is Westliche Karwendelspitze mega-spectacular. Rightmost, the Kreuzwand, 2132m, and Viererspitze, 2053m.
I'm supposed to take a small path that makes me cross from left to right, the scree below the Larchetfleckspitzen.
reached the summit of Predigtstuhl, tiny little summit 1921m at the foot of the northwest ridge, normal route difficult Tiefkarspitze (III +), I pause briefly and admire this majestic landscape. The Hochlandhütte is already well behind me.
What a sight! In the foreground, the Viererspitze presents a great challenge for climbers. But it's solid behind me the important thing: the Wettersteingebirge (Schneefernerkopf, 2874m, Hochblassen, 2703m, Alpspitze, 2628m). I am very glad I do not ventured into these waters then the snow is still pervasive in height.
Predigtstuhl Cross on top of Mittenwald and the small ski area in the Hoher Kranzberg. Behind the Ammergebirge.
After Predigtstuhl, the road descends into the scree above the Dammkarhütte. Then, a large rise through the Dammkar, which are still a lot of snow.
Finally, after 600m of ascent, I turn Obere Dammkarscharte, where I have a really big eagle on Mittenwald.
After crossing a small snow a bit shocking, I come over the top station of the Karwendelbahn. It's quite touristy here is filled with people wearing little shoes (heels, sneakers etc..) clothes and not adapted to relatively low temperatures. On the left, the last "pull" questionable, the Karwendelrohr (remember, the Karwendel nature reserve is a protected).
I hesitate a bit here: I really want to browse the mythical "Mittenwalder Höhenweg" via ferrata easy far above the valley and Scharnitz Mittenwald. But the weather is unstable, find themselves atop a ridge in full storm does not tempt me. Well, I may still, we try everything to everything. I choose not to climb Westliche Karwendelspitze and drove to the top of the via ferrata.
panels signaling the start of Mittenwalder Klettersteig. Here is the end for walkers (although many will likely still further without hardware).
Passage typical Mittenwalder Klettersteig: all this is not very difficult but very exposed and it is better to be attached with a via ferrata set.
Between Nördliche and Mittlere Linderspitze.
The Südliche Linderspitze and Sulzleklammspitze. Although I can not enjoy the view, subject of much praise, I am still impressed by this landscape.
A series of ladders leads me to Südliche Linderspitze.
Looking back towards the Westliche Karwendelspitze and Larchetfleckspitzen.
start key passage of the via ferrata, the ascent of Sulzleklammspitze. Small cabin for use in inclement weather.
A crossing a steep snow slope leads me to the foot of a ladder that seems unreliable.
That said snow slope. Hikers behind me decided to turn back.
The Karwendeltal in all its splendor.
The huge north-west flank of Pleisenspitze, Larchetkarspitze, Big Riedlkarspitze and Breitgriesskarspitze.
The Sulzleklammspitze, 2321m.
The last obstacle Mittenwalder Klettersteig the Kirchlspitze, 2301m. It's really easy now, even if at the end, it has taken a bit long. We can see the laces rise towards the tiny Tiroler Hütte (more guarded in recent years) and the pair Rotwandlspitze / Brunnsteinspitze. Behind the whole chain of Erlspitze (Erlspitze, Kuhljochspitze, and Freiungentürme Reitherspitze).
start of the descent towards Brunnsteinhütte. I no longer want to do the last two summits of the ridge, I feel a little tired. More ...
... (It is the Austro-German here! Live the Schengen Treaty)
... a storm swept the nearby Wettersteingebirge ! Whew, good thing I do find myself more on the ridge.
descended in all speed and reached the Brunnsteinhütte , 1523m, after 45min (600m elevation). In total, the day lasted 7:30.
I just tie these slopes there. West face of Kirchlspitze.
To my great joy, the storm, though it was close, unable to cross the valley that separates us from Wettersteingebirge.
09/06/2009: Silk rnhaus - Schöttelkarspitze, 2050m - Feldernkreuz, 2048m - Feldernkopf, 2071m - Reissende Lahnspitze, 2209m - Soiernspitze, 2257m - Verein Alm, 1410m - Wörnersattel, 1989m - Hochlandhütte, 1623m
I am the first to get up today as a big day waiting for me: crossing traditional chain Soiern ("Soiernumrahmung). Breakfast in a hurry, and I am already on the way to my first goal, Schöttlkarspitz (background). 
Soon I find myself at the top of the two lakes Soiern, in which floats a bit of snow. Suddenly I see falling rocks. I look at where it came from: a herd of chamois traverses the slopes above the road! 
Landscape foothills but spectacular Soiernspitze, and Reissende Lahnspitze 2257m, 2207m. 
After an hour's climb, I'm already at the top of Schöttlkarspitz. Ah, that's the great peaks of the Nördliche Karwendelkette: Tiefkarspitze, 2431m, Larchetfleckspitze, 2363m and Westliche Karwendelspitze, 2385m. 
More right, the Hochkarspitze, 2484m and Wörner, 2476m. Carefully studying the route of ascent of the latter: there is not much snow but the corridor you borrow up to the summit ridge is still blocked. 
Mittenwald extends down into the valley. The two horns of the Arnspitze, 2196m dominate the Leutasch Valley. Behind, winter still reigns in the central Alps of the Stubai. 
Viewed eagle on the lakes and Soiern Soiernhaus left. The 
Walchensee and Starnberger See (back) seem to be confused with the gray.
Walchensee and Starnberger See (back) seem to be confused with the gray. 
It's very gray and cloudy but the views are excellent: the pre-Alps and the Bavarian Rofangebirge. 
After a short pause, I continued my journey towards Feldernkreuz, 2048m, I will reach that amount in a small hallway. The Schöttlkarspitz shows us a face more serious here, but we notice the questionable quality of the rock. 
After Feldernkreuz, the peak continues until nicely Feldernkopf, 2071m. View of the Feldernkreuz and Schöttlkarspitz. 
Soiern Both lakes and overhung by Gumpenkar-Krapfenkarspitze. 
In high season and weekends, this crossing is deemed very popular with Munich. I, for cons, I have the edge for me alone. 
The weather seems to be stable and it is with relief that I can start the sequence of the highest peaks of the crossing, and the Reissende Lahnspitze Soiernspitze. 
In front of me, the highest peaks Karwendel, which are still very snowy: Birkkarspitze, and three Ödkarspitze 2749m, 2738m, 2745m and 2712m. At right, the climb to the Seekarscharte, 2455m, halfway between Karwendelhaus and Pleisenhütte. 
Focus on Wörner and Wörnersattel, bottom right. 
After bypassing the Reissende Lahnspitze, j'atteinds the top of it by its edge is. Behind Westliche Karwendelspitze, Arnspitze, Hohe Munde and Hochblassen. the weather deteriorates, the clouds are rising rapidly. Before me, the valley of Seinsbach and the opposite side which leads to the Wörnersattel.
The highlight of the voyage, the Soiernspitze, 2257m, will offer me no view. 
rapid descent of 800m to the pastures of sympathetic Vereineralm, 1400, which is located next to the refuge Unguarded "Krinner-Kofler-Hütte" in the DAV. I take a break and consider my options: spend the night here, and join the Karwendelhaus tomorrow or continue my path towards Wörnersattel and Hochlandhütte. Proponents of Vereinalm assure me that the path to the Karwendelhaus is still impassable because of snow. So I decide to go to Hochlandhütte today. 
A small epic follows: after crossing the Seinsbach, I lose the path and instead of turning back, I continued obstinately River upwards. Then I decided to cross the slope to the right and hope of getting the right path. Billion, how wrong decision: those little trees are an incredible fever, I take risks by climbing small cliffs, and finally, I went down the whole arm by a dry river, before I was finally on the right road. In all, I lose an hour and I wonder what I have done especially in times of distress. 
Some 500 meters higher, the landscape becomes hostile. M'englobent clouds and I have to climb a steep snow slope before coming to Wörnersattel. 
no question of trying the Worner now it's late, I'm tired and it starts pleuviner. After eight hours away (not bad for a first full day), I come to the Hochlandhütte obviously familiar to me. The shelter is almost deserted long ago, I am the only client before a strange German arrived there late. 
I am terribly hungry and order a good local drink and a plate of raw ham. 
Between two showers, great sight, which are the rays of sun through the thick clouds. last look at the Ammergebirge before ascending to Matratzenlager.
10/06/2009: Hochlandhütte - Predigtstuhl, 1921m - Dammkar - Obere Dammkarscharte, 2300 - Karwendelgrube - Nördliche Linderspitze, 2374m - Mittlere Linderspitze, 2239m - Südliche Linderspitze, 2305m - Sulzleklammspitze, 2321m - Kirchlspitze, 2301m - Brunnsteinhütte, 1560m
the morning of the third day began with rain but fortunately it stops soon. The Tiefkarspitze is truly a spectacular mountain.
The Worner, given the Hochlandhütte. 
clouds rise, and I make a decision: despite the advice of the keeper of the shelter, I'll try to reach Brunnsteinhütte through several summits Nördliche Karwendelkette. I look after my car: I have to cross large scree slopes and rock below the Tiefkarspitze Predigtstul before arriving at the right. 
last look at the Hochlandhütte. 
The road is exposed but I have no problem. Behind you can see the Reissende Lahnspitze and Soiernspitze and the Wörnersattel. 
The north-east of the massif is Westliche Karwendelspitze mega-spectacular. Rightmost, the Kreuzwand, 2132m, and Viererspitze, 2053m. 
I'm supposed to take a small path that makes me cross from left to right, the scree below the Larchetfleckspitzen. Signs in Predigtstuhl.
reached the summit of Predigtstuhl, tiny little summit 1921m at the foot of the northwest ridge, normal route difficult Tiefkarspitze (III +), I pause briefly and admire this majestic landscape. The Hochlandhütte is already well behind me. 
What a sight! In the foreground, the Viererspitze presents a great challenge for climbers. But it's solid behind me the important thing: the Wettersteingebirge (Schneefernerkopf, 2874m, Hochblassen, 2703m, Alpspitze, 2628m). I am very glad I do not ventured into these waters then the snow is still pervasive in height. 
Predigtstuhl Cross on top of Mittenwald and the small ski area in the Hoher Kranzberg. Behind the Ammergebirge. 
After Predigtstuhl, the road descends into the scree above the Dammkarhütte. Then, a large rise through the Dammkar, which are still a lot of snow. 
Finally, after 600m of ascent, I turn Obere Dammkarscharte, where I have a really big eagle on Mittenwald. 
After crossing a small snow a bit shocking, I come over the top station of the Karwendelbahn. It's quite touristy here is filled with people wearing little shoes (heels, sneakers etc..) clothes and not adapted to relatively low temperatures. On the left, the last "pull" questionable, the Karwendelrohr (remember, the Karwendel nature reserve is a protected). 
I hesitate a bit here: I really want to browse the mythical "Mittenwalder Höhenweg" via ferrata easy far above the valley and Scharnitz Mittenwald. But the weather is unstable, find themselves atop a ridge in full storm does not tempt me. Well, I may still, we try everything to everything. I choose not to climb Westliche Karwendelspitze and drove to the top of the via ferrata. 
panels signaling the start of Mittenwalder Klettersteig. Here is the end for walkers (although many will likely still further without hardware). 
Passage typical Mittenwalder Klettersteig: all this is not very difficult but very exposed and it is better to be attached with a via ferrata set. 
Between Nördliche and Mittlere Linderspitze. 
The Südliche Linderspitze and Sulzleklammspitze. Although I can not enjoy the view, subject of much praise, I am still impressed by this landscape. 
A series of ladders leads me to Südliche Linderspitze. 
Looking back towards the Westliche Karwendelspitze and Larchetfleckspitzen. 
start key passage of the via ferrata, the ascent of Sulzleklammspitze. Small cabin for use in inclement weather. 
A crossing a steep snow slope leads me to the foot of a ladder that seems unreliable. 
That said snow slope. Hikers behind me decided to turn back. 
The Karwendeltal in all its splendor. 
The huge north-west flank of Pleisenspitze, Larchetkarspitze, Big Riedlkarspitze and Breitgriesskarspitze. 
The Sulzleklammspitze, 2321m. 
The last obstacle Mittenwalder Klettersteig the Kirchlspitze, 2301m. It's really easy now, even if at the end, it has taken a bit long. We can see the laces rise towards the tiny Tiroler Hütte (more guarded in recent years) and the pair Rotwandlspitze / Brunnsteinspitze. Behind the whole chain of Erlspitze (Erlspitze, Kuhljochspitze, and Freiungentürme Reitherspitze). 
start of the descent towards Brunnsteinhütte. I no longer want to do the last two summits of the ridge, I feel a little tired. More ... 
... (It is the Austro-German here! Live the Schengen Treaty) 
... a storm swept the nearby Wettersteingebirge ! Whew, good thing I do find myself more on the ridge. 
descended in all speed and reached the Brunnsteinhütte , 1523m, after 45min (600m elevation). In total, the day lasted 7:30. 
I just tie these slopes there. West face of Kirchlspitze. 
To my great joy, the storm, though it was close, unable to cross the valley that separates us from Wettersteingebirge. I spend a great end afternoon and evening in this pleasant refuge from afar, this is the best and most user-friendly shelters visited during my trek.
The next day begins with a descent through beautiful forest into the valley of the Isar. Come down, he began "Drache". I cross the border when I went next to the road.
I returned to Austria.
Fortunately, around Scharnitz, the rain stops. Breathtaking views of the ridge I traveled the night before Gerberkreuz, Linderspitzen, Sulzleklammspitze, Kirchlspitze, Brunnsteinspitze. Scharnitz past, I have four more road kilometers uninteresting to me, before returning to the wild valley Giessenbach I'll go to the bottom.
After half past one, the valley widens and, wonderfully, the sky opens. It's like being in the Dolomites: beautiful valley floor formed by the Kuhljochspitze and Freiungentürme.
The idyllic Eppzirler Alm, 1459m, crushed by the north face of the Erlspitze, 2404m. I'm a little break.
But long pauses in the mountains are nothing to me. Very quickly, I'm leaving, and began confidently 650m vertical drop of parting Eppzirler Scharte, 2102m.
Alas, the sky is covered again. I lose my way (again, too), and comes with difficulty to find it. Then, the climb is nice, certainly, but the snow still omnipresent does not facilitate orientation.
Above, the clouds obscure the surrounding landscape. Fortunately, the path becomes steeper and there are even signs.
Before me, the huge massif Solstein Grosser, 2541m.
After six hours of walking, I get to Solsteinhaus , 1805m, located at the entrance to the protected area of Karwendel.
The Solsteinhaus is a great refuge from the FVO (40 beds, 60 Lager), impeccably run by the family Fankhauser. Everything is there: pleasant dining room, a large number of small dorms, wall climbing on the outside, a room for seminars with beamer and flip chart, etc.. It is quite understandable that this refuge is a favorite place for alpine schools (basic climbing etc..). However, shelters like Brunnsteinhütte have still more charming ...
The weather is beautiful once more: I take this opportunity to take a short walk in the vicinity of the refuge. The Karwendel shows me his hand and gray austere Katzenkopf, 2531m, Jägerkarspitze, 2631m, Hinterödlkopf, 2453m, Jägerkarlspitze, 2470m.
is peaceful and it is nice: Praxmarerkarspitze, 2638m, and Kaskarspitze, 2580m. Right, the Kumpfkarspitze, 2375m.
Last day of my journey: I get up again soon enough and can witness this beautiful morning atmosphere.
Grand Solsteinhaus.
The Erlalm and Erlspitze.
I intend to bind the two Solsteins. By halfway, I stop and look back to this photo that shows part of the path and the peak Freiungen. After four days of walking, I feel that my fitness is at the top!
Erlspitze, Eppzirler Scharte and Kuhljochspitze.
An hour and a half after the start, I already crowd the broad summit of the Grosser Solstein, 2541m.
It was very easy, certainly, but the views are no less present.
Brrr, it's arch-cold on the summit, the wind blows constantly.
Two thousand feet below, the valley of the Inn.
Ah, this is the big brother of the Grosser Solstein on ... uh ... Kleiner Solstein, 2637m, look more difficult and interesting.
Small photo (to prove I was there :-)) and I continue my path towards Kleiner Solstein.
Alas, it becomes risky. The passages are quite tricky to rock but nothing comparable to the huge snowfields that I'm supposed to go through then.
But someone already beat me (I will see it later on the summit), but I do not feel a false step and the slide is the flight with two hundred meters lower guaranteed.
bad, but it is still too early in the season to really take advantage of the rise of Kleiner Solstein.
I decided to turn back and back across (from foot unsafe because impressed by the frame) a steep snowfield.
The four girls followed me also stop rising.
Solstein Col between the two. Behind the summit of the Grosser Bénet Solstein.
His "big" brother is really very impressive.
Valley Inn and Grosser Solstein.
Once I left the pass, the wind stops blowing and the weather becomes pleasant. I admire what beautiful Tyrolean scenery that is so dear.
Kleiner Solstein and Hohe Warte, 2596m. From here we have a beautiful view of the steepness and extent of the snowfields to cross.
Viewed eagle on the Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck.
The solo climber that I saw on the summit of Kleiner Solstein, returns on his steps. He seems to have very sure footing, and it is better for him!
I choose the descent by Höttinger Schützensteig. I am fortunate to see this small herd of chamois.
Land typical Höttinger Schützensteig that slips beneath high walls.
sign above the door.
I pause and decided to eat a Kaiserschmarrn, famous Austrian dish, a thick pancake, cut into strips, covered with icing sugar and accompanied by delicious "Preiselbeeren. But even for lovers like me, the dish presented to me by the friendly guardian, is extraordinary: after half an hour and a full stomach, I ate a third of the crepe, and it is with shame that I must tell the babysitter that I have enough.
descent to the station through the Hochzirl Zirl Mahdi series of beautiful prairie stretching on the west side of Hechenberg.
06/11/2009: Brunnsteinhütte - Scharnitz, 964m - Giessenbach - Eppzirler Alm, 1459m - Eppzirler Scharte, 2091m - Solsteinhaus, 1805m
The next day begins with a descent through beautiful forest into the valley of the Isar. Come down, he began "Drache". I cross the border when I went next to the road. 
I returned to Austria. 
Fortunately, around Scharnitz, the rain stops. Breathtaking views of the ridge I traveled the night before Gerberkreuz, Linderspitzen, Sulzleklammspitze, Kirchlspitze, Brunnsteinspitze. Scharnitz past, I have four more road kilometers uninteresting to me, before returning to the wild valley Giessenbach I'll go to the bottom. 
After half past one, the valley widens and, wonderfully, the sky opens. It's like being in the Dolomites: beautiful valley floor formed by the Kuhljochspitze and Freiungentürme. 
The idyllic Eppzirler Alm, 1459m, crushed by the north face of the Erlspitze, 2404m. I'm a little break. 
But long pauses in the mountains are nothing to me. Very quickly, I'm leaving, and began confidently 650m vertical drop of parting Eppzirler Scharte, 2102m. 
Alas, the sky is covered again. I lose my way (again, too), and comes with difficulty to find it. Then, the climb is nice, certainly, but the snow still omnipresent does not facilitate orientation. 
Above, the clouds obscure the surrounding landscape. Fortunately, the path becomes steeper and there are even signs. View of Eppzirler Scharte to Solsteinhaus. That would have really tried to make the via ferrata Erlspitze but just at that moment it starts raining. The descent into the steep scree slopes composed of sand and small stones is done very quickly, get into a field like would be a little less pleasant.
Before me, the huge massif Solstein Grosser, 2541m. 
After six hours of walking, I get to Solsteinhaus , 1805m, located at the entrance to the protected area of Karwendel. 
The Solsteinhaus is a great refuge from the FVO (40 beds, 60 Lager), impeccably run by the family Fankhauser. Everything is there: pleasant dining room, a large number of small dorms, wall climbing on the outside, a room for seminars with beamer and flip chart, etc.. It is quite understandable that this refuge is a favorite place for alpine schools (basic climbing etc..). However, shelters like Brunnsteinhütte have still more charming ... 
The weather is beautiful once more: I take this opportunity to take a short walk in the vicinity of the refuge. The Karwendel shows me his hand and gray austere Katzenkopf, 2531m, Jägerkarspitze, 2631m, Hinterödlkopf, 2453m, Jägerkarlspitze, 2470m. 
is peaceful and it is nice: Praxmarerkarspitze, 2638m, and Kaskarspitze, 2580m. Right, the Kumpfkarspitze, 2375m. On the other side of the Inn Valley, the Stubai Alps still very snowy.
12/06/2009: Solsteinhaus - Solstein Grosser, 2541m - Höttinger Schützensteig - Neue Magdeburger Hütte, 1633m - Hochzirl, 926m
Last day of my journey: I get up again soon enough and can witness this beautiful morning atmosphere. 
Grand Solsteinhaus. 
The Erlalm and Erlspitze. 
I intend to bind the two Solsteins. By halfway, I stop and look back to this photo that shows part of the path and the peak Freiungen. After four days of walking, I feel that my fitness is at the top! 
Erlspitze, Eppzirler Scharte and Kuhljochspitze. 
An hour and a half after the start, I already crowd the broad summit of the Grosser Solstein, 2541m. 
It was very easy, certainly, but the views are no less present. 
Brrr, it's arch-cold on the summit, the wind blows constantly. 
Two thousand feet below, the valley of the Inn. 
Ah, this is the big brother of the Grosser Solstein on ... uh ... Kleiner Solstein, 2637m, look more difficult and interesting. 
Small photo (to prove I was there :-)) and I continue my path towards Kleiner Solstein. 
Alas, it becomes risky. The passages are quite tricky to rock but nothing comparable to the huge snowfields that I'm supposed to go through then. 
But someone already beat me (I will see it later on the summit), but I do not feel a false step and the slide is the flight with two hundred meters lower guaranteed. 
bad, but it is still too early in the season to really take advantage of the rise of Kleiner Solstein. 
I decided to turn back and back across (from foot unsafe because impressed by the frame) a steep snowfield. 
The four girls followed me also stop rising. 
Solstein Col between the two. Behind the summit of the Grosser Bénet Solstein. 
His "big" brother is really very impressive. 
Valley Inn and Grosser Solstein. 
Once I left the pass, the wind stops blowing and the weather becomes pleasant. I admire what beautiful Tyrolean scenery that is so dear. 
Kleiner Solstein and Hohe Warte, 2596m. From here we have a beautiful view of the steepness and extent of the snowfields to cross. 
Viewed eagle on the Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck. 
The solo climber that I saw on the summit of Kleiner Solstein, returns on his steps. He seems to have very sure footing, and it is better for him! 
I choose the descent by Höttinger Schützensteig. I am fortunate to see this small herd of chamois. 
Land typical Höttinger Schützensteig that slips beneath high walls. 
sign above the door. 
I pause and decided to eat a Kaiserschmarrn, famous Austrian dish, a thick pancake, cut into strips, covered with icing sugar and accompanied by delicious "Preiselbeeren. But even for lovers like me, the dish presented to me by the friendly guardian, is extraordinary: after half an hour and a full stomach, I ate a third of the crepe, and it is with shame that I must tell the babysitter that I have enough. 
descent to the station through the Hochzirl Zirl Mahdi series of beautiful prairie stretching on the west side of Hechenberg. 
The beauty of this place makes me dream ... we are in full spring, flowers grow everywhere, I will remain happy for hours doing nothing, look at the sky and thank life and my sense of adventure that makes me an ideal.
