Notkarspitze

The Notkarspitze stands at the north-eastern edge of the Kramergruppe in the Ammergauer Alps, rising to 1,888 metres. It sits south of the Ammertal valley, about four kilometres south-west of Ettal, within the Ettaler Forst. The summit is the highest point of a ridge that stretches more than three kilometres eastwards, with notable subsidiary peaks such as the Ziegelspitz and the wooded Ochsensitz. The Notkar, a glacial hollow between the east and north ridges, gives the mountain its name and is the source of the Großkargraben stream, which flows north into the Ammer. The mountain is reached by demanding alpine routes along its three main ridges. One route starts at the Ettaler Mühle, climbing steeply through the Notkar and up the north ridge in about three hours. Another follows the east ridge from Ettal or the Ettaler Sattel, while a third uses the south ridge from the Gießenbachsattel. The Gießenbachsattel itself can be approached from several directions, including from Oberau station through the Gießenbachtal or from Farchant via the Reschberg. From the top, walkers are rewarded with wide views across the Allgäuer Alps and the Zugspitzmassiv. On clear days the Ammersee and Starnberger See are visible, and in the far distance Munich can be seen. The ridge continues westwards to the Vorderer Felderkopf and other summits, allowing long ridge traverses for experienced hikers. The grassy slopes and scattered patches of scrub contrast with the rugged rock sections, while the surrounding forests and alpine meadows add to the mountain’s varied landscape.