Geierstein, Mountain peak in Bavaria, Germany
Geierstein is a mountain peak in Bavaria that rises to about 1,491 meters with sheer rock faces on its north and south sides. Limestone formations mark the summit area, while dense forests cover the lower slopes and define the mountain's character.
The name Geierstein ("Vulture Rock") appears in larger type than the variant Geigerstein ("Violinist Rock") on German Alpine Club maps and in its guidebook, which record both forms. A local legend tells of a violin-playing hermit on the mountain whose eye was scratched out by an eagle, linking the two names. The 1,491 m summit lies on an east–west ridge that drops steeply north and south and is cut to the east by the Sommersbachgraben at 1,261 m.
The peak appears on German Alpine Club maps and guidebooks under two spellings: Geierstein ("Vulture Rock") in larger type and Geigerstein ("Violinist Rock"). A local legend tells of a violin-playing hermit on the mountain whose eye was scratched out by an eagle, which is said to link the two names.
Two main hiking routes depart from Lenggries toward the summit, with the forested Reitenbach trail offering a more gradual ascent and the Markeck route climbing more steeply. Proper hiking boots and water are essential for both paths due to the significant elevation gain involved.
The ridge drops east of the summit to the Sommersbachgraben at 1,261 m before rising again to Fockenstein, the highest point of the chain. The German Alpine Club map and guidebook print both Geierstein and Geigerstein, with Geierstein in larger type; a legend tells of a violin-playing hermit whose eye was scratched out by an eagle.
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