Mühlau: Trails, Alpine Pastures and Chapels

Several hikes start in Mühlau, while other trails pass through this district of Schleching or connect it with destinations such as Lake Zellersee. The options range from summit hikes and paths along streams and springs to alpine pastures with a history of their own. You can tailor your stay to whether you want to explore a summit, an alpine pasture or a route with special stops along the way.

Hiking trails with different destinations

In the Hochplatte area, the “7-Flüsse-Steig” trail runs between Mühlau and Lake Zellersee. The section to Lake Zellersee crosses numerous small streams and springs. Another trail leads from Mühlau to “Schöne Aussicht” (“Beautiful View”). The two destinations offer different highlights: one route follows waterways, while the other leads to a viewpoint.

Several summit hikes also start in Mühlau. The hike to the Hochplatte summits begins at the Dalsenalm car park. The Kampenwand summit hike starts at the Dalsen hiking car park and initially heads towards Steinberg-Alm. To reach Weitlahnerkopf, start at the Mühlau hiking car park and pass the small “Floderer” waterfall on the way to the Vorderen and Hinteren Dalsenalmen.

For a different choice of routes, consider the circular and themed trails described here. The Nordic walking route runs from Schleching through Mühlau and Mettenham to Lake Zellersee and the Achendamm; around Mühlberg, it follows a narrow, shady path. The Ramsen circular trail has a signposted detour to “Vogelschau”, with views over the Schleching Valley. If you are planning a winter walk, you can reach the Schleching winter hiking trail by public transport via the Abzweigung Mühlau bus stop. Check the current timetable for your trip.

Alpine pastures: walking times, history and regional specialities

The alpine pastures can also be compared by the walking times given for each. From the Mühlau car park in Schleching, it takes about 45 minutes on foot to reach Oberauerbrunstalm. It lies at 967 metres on the southern slope of the Chiemgau Hochplatte. At the start of the alpine summer in May, stemless gentians bloom there, turning the alpine meadows blue; fresh Almnussen are among the local culinary specialities.

Vordere Dalsen-Alm lies at 920 metres between Kampenwand and Weitlahnerkopf and can be reached on foot from the Dalsen car park in Mühlau in about 1¼ hours. At weekends, hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy hearty bacon and cheese sandwiches at the Huber-Kaser hut on the alpine pasture. Hofbauern-Alm can be reached on foot from the Dalsen car park in Mühlau in about 2½ hours. Its history goes back further than the present hut: the alpine pasture was first mentioned in the mid-16th century, while the current alpine hut dates back to the 1920s. With a little luck, you may spot marmots in the grazing area.

The walking times given range from about 45 minutes to Oberauerbrunstalm, to around 1¼ hours to Vordere Dalsen-Alm and about 2½ hours to Hofbauern-Alm. They refer to the specified destinations and starting points and help you compare different timeframes when planning your day. The hike from Mühlau via Dalsenalm to Sachrang also passes notable landmarks: it goes by the 15-metre-high “Ochsensprung” waterfall and the 49-metre-high “Floderer” waterfall before reaching the Dalsenalmen.

Chapels as cultural stops

Alongside summits and alpine pastures, the area also offers small cultural discoveries. Near Gasteigweg in Schleching is a Catholic local chapel, dated 1827 and featuring interior fittings. The Mühlau youth chapel is also highlighted as a special feature on the Mühlberg circular trail. Hikers who like to include such stops in their walks will find a different focus here than on the summit routes.

For the broader travel overview: Schleching.