Watzmann-Hochkönig South-Loop: Stage 4: Hintersee - Maria Alm

We either start in Ramsau where we cycle back up to Hintersee (see previous stage) or directly start on the West shore of the Hintersee, and cycle to the Southern end of the lake and branch off by the junction, with its roofed bus stop, to the right and continue to the National Park Berchtesgaden Info site (barriers with the signs stating that cycling throughout the Klausbachtal is allowed only on the paved road). The road through the Klausbachtal, rises only moderately at the beginning, while up to the Gasthof Hirschbichl (Inn), the road gradually becomes steeper and serpentine-like. Shortly after the Gasthof Hirschbichl, one can change at the junction to the Litzlalm, to the right side onto the Northern loop of the Watzmann-Hochkönig circuit. The Southern loop however continues down just about 485 metres from Hirschbichl, out on the paved trail Valley Road, to Weißbach bei Lofer, the first section of the road is very steep (good brakes are required). Further along the Tauern Cycle Path, we reach the settlements of Wiesing and then Bachwinkl. Here, we turn right onto the main street and after about 1 km turn left again onto the cycle path. Immediately after the junction, there is a nice resting place. Our route now joins again the main road. Now, we climb the Lichtenbergstrasse on the left, partially on structurally separated bike paths, for the time being on the right side, then on the left side of the road (Caution: parked cars). At the training centre, the bike path leads the way into the forest, where the paved road ends. The following forest road leads into the Kalmbachgraben, steadily rising up to the saddle (1,195 m). A new forest road was built here. We keep however to the left, where we soon reach the highest point of the route at 1,350m above sea level. Now we continue South, past a water source, where we are able to again leave the forest approx. 4 km above Hochreith (small rest area). The forest road is now wider and after a further 2 km, we reach the Gasthof Kronreit, which invites us for a “Refuel”. After a well-deserved rest, the route continues downhill on a paved road all the way to Maria Alm. Those who want, can bike into the village where there are a number of restaurants.