The hiking trail follows the historical traces of the Wetzsteimakers through the Ammergau Alps to the Ester Mountains and connects the towns from Hohenschwangau to the Glentleiten open-air museum. There are information boards along the way that introduce the whetstone making process.
The towns of Schwangau, Halblech, Unterammergau, Schwaigen and Ohlstadt have a geological peculiarity and a unique selling point: between Forggensee and Ohlstadt, the so-called Ammergau layers occur close to the surface in the mountains. These layers of rock were the prerequisite for whetstone production in the villages, with sales across Europe.
In addition to the economic boom, the villages also had a close connection with each other. This special past is now to be processed through the project “The Heritage of the Whetstone Makers”. This will provide insights into the exciting but dangerous historical work.
The “Path of the Whetstone Makers” now connects all the places and their common history.
Good to know
Directions
The starting point is the gypsum mill near Hohenschwangau. However, the path can also be started from Ohlstadt or from the Glentleiten open-air museum.
You start the path in the direction of Tegelbergbahn and continue along the Schutzengelweg until you reach the Rohrkopfhütte. Then we continue to Buchenberg and then to Buching. Via the Halblechtal you reach the Trauchgau Höhenweg and follow the signs to Trauchgau.
The next stop is the Schwarzengabeweg and the Röthenbachtal.
As the path continues you will pass the watershed, the watershed hut and the Bayerbachsteeg.
Walk along the Mardersteig towards the Hubertus Chapel. From there we continue along the Nicklassteig to the Waldalm.
As you continue along the path you now have a great view over the Ammertal.
The next destination is Unterammergau. Here you can also discover more things about the whetstone makers, for example in the “Schneiderla's Grinding Mill”, which is open regularly.
You leave Unterammegau and head towards Stierkopf / Drei Marken and via the Geißleck on your way to Grafenaschau.
The path now runs through the Murnauer Moos nature reserve past the Langer Kochenel, a former hardstone quarry that is now an idyllic lake.
After you leave the Murnauer Moos, you reach Ohlstadt. Just above the town, in the direction of the Glentleiten open-air museum, there is a true-to-original replica of a whetstone grinding mill.
Finally you reach the Glentleiten open-air museum. In the extensive museum grounds, over 60 originally preserved buildings make the rural everyday life of the people of Upper Bavaria understandable. Here too, whetstone making plays a major role. Demonstrations of this old craft take place regularly in the original Unterammergau grinding mill.
Our recommendation:
Never get lost again - We recommend the free “Zugspitz Region” app with, among other things, GPX tracks for all tours in the region
safety instructions
Im Emergency Please contact the nearest rescue control center. Regardless of your location, you can reach them throughout Germany at Phone number112.
Facilities
Welcome to Teststubn Nature Park! With us you can extensively test hiking poles, daypacks, children's carriers and groceries from well-known manufacturers before you decide to buy. Let our team advise you on how to experience the best outdoor adventure possible. Our Teststubn Nature Park can be found in the tourist information Bad Bayersoien and Bad kohlgrub and in the Bike rental Lukas Spindler in Oberammergau.
Mehr Informationen: www.ammergauer-alpen.de/teststubn
Author's tip
But the "Schneiderla's grinding mill" in Unterammergau is open regularly and worth a visit! It was restored a few years ago and is now fully functional with all historical equipment. Here you can experience the production of whetstones up close. It is located at the end of the Schleifmühlklamm, an accessible gorge with small waterfalls and pools.
Public transportation
Starting point bus stop Hohenschwangau Neuschwanstein Castles (15 min. walk to the starting point)
9606 Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Oberammergau - Wieskirche - Füssen
Walking distance from the bus stop: You start your journey at the eastern end of the P3 car park. From there follow the path past the sports field through the forest. At the end of the path you will come to Pöllatweg and continue to follow it until you reach the Gips mill on the right. The path of the whetstone makers begins here.
Guests in the Ammergau Alps region travel free by bus and train with the electronic guest card or KönigsCard.
More information / links
author
Natural Park Ranger
Organization
