Blauberge Ridge Loop
I got the hike route from Mikuláš, who did it solo in winter, finding and helping a fellow solo hiker on the way. I and David weren't crazy enough to do it in a cold season, so we trained and waited until now to get it off our bucket list.
We started off passing quite a few hikers and bikers on the way to the waterfall, assuming the hike would be pretty easy. The waterfall was a nice sight, although it was raining a bit.
As we kept going, we reached the point near another waterfall where the climbing section started. A big group of young guys as well as an adult couple passed by while we were taking photos, so we knew the section was quite doable. We started climbing up the rocks, using the cables for support. It was very fun, but the section was soon over.
After finishing the climbing section, we reached the first summit, Predigtstuhl (1562 m) (what's up with the super common name?), which had a nice meadow and a great view of the surrounding mountains, including our way up.
As we passed by the Blaubergalm (1540 m), we realized that most of the hikers were only going to the hut and then downhill, not following us on the Blauberge. Moreover, the rain completely stopped and the sun came out, making it humid and hot. The flies came out in full force on every flat surface and on mountaintops, staying there until the end of the hike.
On the way from the hut upwards we encountered an "Achtung! Lebensgefahr" sign, but to be honest, the trail was pretty easy and safe, with no real danger. If you decide to go on this hike, make sure you're prepared for a long one, as there are no shortcuts between Predigtstuhl (1562 m) and Karspitz (1801 m).
Wichtlplatte (1765 m) and Blaubergkopf (1787 m) were uneventful, we passed by a group of 3 hikers and a family with two kids going to the hut on the way, otherwise we were alone. The view was nice though, with the sun shining and the clouds flying around pushed by the wind. We could see all the way to Hochiss (2299 m), with Guffert (2194 m) in the front. Also, in the other direction towards Wallberg (1722 m), we could see Tegernsee quite clearly.
After taking a longer break on Halserspitze (1863 m), also guarded by an "Achtung! Lebensgefahr" sign, we started the descent across the Austrian border back to Tegernsee.
After coming to Bayerische Wildalm (1450 m), we saw a few more people enjoing a drink and a snack, but we were too far away to interact with them. We kept going down along Lohgartengraben, crossing the river streams multipel times for quite a while, until we reached the flat dirt road leading to Wildbad Kreuth.
When we reached Wildbad, we found out that the last bus to Tegernsee left at 17 o'clock, and it was already past 20:00, so there was no chance. We went onto the parking lot nearby and found two ladies making a toilet break after a hike. We agreed to approach them and ask for a ride. The problem though was that we were already tired, so instead of pleasantries, I directly asked them if they had a car without any explanations or introductions. While it startled them, we quickly explained the situation, and they agreed to help us get to the Tegernsee train station, since they were travelling to Gmund. We were very grateful to have such a nice encounter.
For prospective hikers, I would recommend this hike only if you plan the route back in advance, e.g. come by car. It is also possible to leave a bike on the parking place, since the hike is essentially a loop. Overall, it was a great experience with a nice climbing section, although not quite a via ferrata.