Simetsberg

The Simetsberg stands at 1 840 m in the Estergebirge, a range in the Bavarian Pre-Alps. It is the easternmost peak of the Estergebirge and rises alone above the valleys. Several walk-in caves lie in the lower third of its east face. The summit can be reached by an easy hike from Wallgau village on marked trails. Geologists value the route up the so-called Schwarzen Graben for its rock layers and folds. The mountain draws hikers all year round. In winter it becomes a favourite with snowshoe walkers who follow the same tracks. A scenic traverse leads from the Simetsberg over the Wildsee lake down to the Wallgauer Alm alpine pasture. From Eschenlohe cyclists can ride as high as 1 470 m and then climb the final slopes on a faintly marked footpath. At the top a broad limestone crest gives wide views east over the Mangfallgebirge and south to the Zugspitze. The caves below contain flowstone terraces and small waterfalls fed by meltwater. The contrast between the open summit and the sheltered cave interiors makes the mountain unusual in the northern Alps.