Saugasse, Mountain trail in Schönau am Königssee, Germany

Saugasse is a ravine-like steep gully in the Berchtesgaden Alps, about halfway between the west bank of the Königssee and the Kärlingerhaus. From an entry at roughly 980 metres by the former Unterlahneralm, the trail climbs about 300 metres over 600 metres in 32 switchbacks, with slopes up to 40 degrees, flanked by the Graskopf, Gjaidkopf and the Schneibers tooth.

The path developed as a traditional route connecting to Alpine pastures in higher elevations that herders and farmers used for generations. Over time the use of these areas changed, but the trail remained an important connection in the mountain region.

The name Saugasse refers to the gully itself, a narrow chute that hikers climb in 32 numbered switchbacks. At its foot lie the overgrown pastures of the abandoned Unterlahneralm, and at its top those of the Oberlahneralm, both former grazing grounds that show how high pastures were once worked here.

Hikers should bring sturdy footwear and sure-footedness as the trail is steep and sometimes exposed. Good navigation skills and proper gear for changing weather conditions are important for a safe ascent.

The Kleine Saugasse, starting at about 1,500 metres at the southern end of the abandoned Oberlahneralm pasture, is the gentler continuation: roughly 100 metres of ascent over half a kilometre, far less steep than the 40-degree Saugasse below.