Baumgartenschneid, Mountain summit in Bavaria, Germany
Baumgartenschneid is a mountain summit in the Bavarian Prealps, sitting east of Lake Tegernsee. A wooden summit cross marks the top, and the surrounding slopes are covered with mixed forest and alpine meadows that open up near the ridge.
The slopes around this summit were used by farmers and herdsmen who moved livestock between the Tegernsee valley and the higher alpine pastures. As hiking became popular in the late 19th century, local clubs began marking the routes that visitors still follow today.
The name "Baumgartenschneid" refers to an old term for a ridge bordering an orchard or garden area, a naming habit common in the Bavarian Alps. Hikers who stop at the summit cross can read the name carved into the wood, which connects them to this old local tradition.
The most common starting point is the Alpbachtal, with the trail passing through Baumgartenalm before reaching the ridge; the upper section can be rocky and calls for solid footwear. Weather in this part of the Prealps can shift quickly, so carrying a light jacket is a good idea even on clear mornings.
The writer Ludwig Thoma, known for his sharp portrayals of Bavarian rural life, walked these slopes regularly and wove the surrounding landscape into his writing. Readers who know his work sometimes recognize the fields and forests around the summit from his descriptions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
