Hinterau valley

The Hinterautal is a long, gently sloping valley that cuts through the Karwendel range from Scharnitz in the west to Rossloch in the east. The Isar river begins its official journey here, carving a path through the mountains. The valley is framed by steep ridges: the Northern Karwendel range and Hinterautal-Vomp chain to the north, and the Gleisch-Hall chain to the south. Only at Scharnitz does the valley briefly open to the Karwendel valley before narrowing again. The valley’s quiet roads and steady gradient make it a favourite for mountain bikers. The route from Scharnitz to the Kastenalm is a classic ride, while kayakers navigate the Isar’s clear waters. Mountaineers use the valley as a fast approach to peaks like the Birkkarspitze. Few huts lie along the valley floor—only Scharnizer Alm and Wiesenhof near the start, and Kastenalm further east. Beyond that, the Halleranger hut is the only one offering shelter. Visitors find a long, open valley with no roads, just a single path winding past farms and alpine meadows. The Isar’s course changes from a deep cut near Scharnitz to a gentler flow toward its source. At the far end, Rossloch opens into a high alpine bowl surrounded by peaks. The air is still, the slopes quiet, and the only sounds come from the river and the wind in the grass.