The first spring sunrays and birdsong lure us back into the mountains! Although this weekend rather for wellness, but a small hike may not be missing. We start our short but beautiful hike at the parking lot Schafflerhof in Kössen. The private parking lot costs 3 euros (as of April 2023) per day and from here we can hike directly on the circular route.
Tour data
- Start and end point: Hikers’ parking lot Schafflerhof in Kössen
- Duration / pure walking time: approx. 1:50 h (there and back)
- Altitude: approx. 350 hm
- Distance: 3,4 km
- Difficulty: easy
- Refreshment stop: Taubenseehütte
The tour on Komoot
A signpost shows us that it is possible to get to the Taubenseehütte in two ways: 1 ½ h via trail 21a or 1 1/4 h via trail 21. We decide to take the shorter option on the way there and use the other side later for the way back. I’m always a fan of loop trails for more variety on the descent.
At the beginning, the climb is quite steep directly. We hike along wide forest roads. To the side of the path it is already spring and we see some colorful flowers blooming. This makes my heart jump a bit, as I’ve really had enough of the not-so-snowy, dreary winter now! The sun in the mountains immediately gives you a whole new feeling of life again and lets us breathe properly in the fresh, clear air. Isn’t it just wonderful to finally be outside again without a jacket!
Further the way leads us through the forest over small brooks. We reach some small private huts, which are not managed and lie very sleepy in the landscape.
A little further on, after a moderate ascent so far, the path from the other side of the mountain joins ours and unites to a now somewhat steeper ascending path up the mountain. Here we now meet some other hikers and leave old trees and rugged rock faces behind us.
Only a short time later, we have a wonderful view of the Chiemgau Alps to our left, which, in contrast to the valley in front, are still somewhat covered with snow. To our right, the Taubenseehütte already announces itself with waving flags and delicious Kaiserschmarrn smell, which is of course well attended on this sunny mountain day.
From the hut we have only 10 minutes walk over small snow fields to the Taubensee before us. The Taubensee is surrounded by the higher forest and thus somewhat hidden at the end of the narrow path and is still completely covered with snow. On the shore, however, its clear water can be seen in the thawed areas. Together with the large stones and the forest directly on the shore, the result is a beautiful natural picture. We take advantage of the peace and quiet on a small wooden jetty, which lies a little further back on the shore of the lake, and enjoy the sun and the spring-like chirping of birds.
Reading tip: Tour tip to two of the most beautiful lakes in Tyrol – Hike to the Seebensee and Drachensee lakes
After a short break, we make our way back and stop at the Taubenseehütte, where we enjoy the picturesque mountain view. We find the white stripes that stretch down the mountain on the other side of the valley somewhat disconcerting. We still have to get used to this image of artificial ski slopes.
Our way back finally leads us down at the junction left instead of right from where we came. It goes down the mountain first on narrow paths and then again on wide forest roads. What a beautiful, short spring hike! Lake Taubensee and the Taubensee hut are worth a detour in any case!
