Watzmannhaus

Watzmannhaus sits on a rocky ridge with stunning views on the north side of the Watzmann in Berchtesgaden National Park. It's one of the biggest huts in the Berchtesgaden Alps and the last stop before the Watzmann traverse. The Hocheck rises straight behind it, which is the shot most people want. Getting above the hut on the path toward the summit gives you an amazing view where you can stack the hut's roofs against the ridge. As you hike into the open meadow at the Falzalm it is worth pausing to capture the hut and mountain backdrop together. The terrace also has an amazing view as it looks out across the valley to the Hoher Göll. Ideally plan ahead so you can stay the night. Being up there at dawn is the most photogenic time to explore the area, plus autumn mornings often come with cloud filling the valley below you. The walk from the Wimbachbrücke in Ramsau isn't a complicated hike but it is steep and long. So you should plan for it to take most of a morning and start early if you can. Bus 846 runs from Berchtesgaden to the Wimbachbrücke stop if you'd rather not park. The hut only open during the summer season (open/close dates each year vary depending on the weather), so you will have to book a bunk in advance. Day visitors are welcome on the terrace too, if you prefer to hike up and back down in one day. (Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany)