Wendelstein

The Wendelstein reaches 1,838 metres at the northern edge of the Alps, so it stands clear of the ranges behind and gives a panorama over the Bavarian foothills to the north and the Alps to the south. A rack railway opened in 1912 from Brannenburg and still runs, one of the oldest in Germany, with a cable car from the other side added later. On the summit are a chapel of 1890, the highest church in Germany, a solar observatory operated by Munich university, a weather station and a transmission tower. A show cave, one of the highest in Germany, is entered from the ridge.

What you actually see

• The rack railway - a 1912 line still climbing from Brannenburg.
• The summit chapel - the highest church building in Germany.
• The solar observatory - a university facility on the peak.
• The summit cave - a show cave entered from the ridge path.

When to go

May to October for the cave and ridge paths; the railway and cable car run year-round with weather closures. Winter brings a small ski area.

Honest expectations

The summit is built up with technical installations rather than wild. Lifts close in high wind and thunderstorms. The cave has its own opening season.

Nearby

Bayrischzell lies south; the Chiemsee is east.