Marquartstein – Mountain scenery, trails and local history

Marquartstein lies on the gravel banks of the Tiroler Ache and is surrounded by the peaks of the Chiemgau Alps. Hochplatte is the village’s local mountain and a starting point for hikes to alpine pastures. If you’re looking for a hotel in Marquartstein, you can start planning your trip by choosing a focus: mountain trails, seasonal activities or local history. The attractions in the area offer different points of interest for each.

Hochplatte and mountain trails

The Hochplattenbahn double chairlift takes visitors from Marquartstein to an altitude of 1,040 metres. The easy, four-kilometre Staffen Mountain Forest Adventure Trail, a circular route, starts at the top station. In summer, a variety of well-marked hiking trails also lead from there to the Piesenhauser Hochalm.

The routes differ in how they are described: the Staffen Mountain Forest Adventure Trail is a circular route of a set length, while the summer hiking trails lead to the Piesenhauser Hochalm. This lets you choose between a circular route and trails to a named destination when planning your trip. Marquartstein also has a network of cycling and hiking trails. Hochplatte and its trails therefore make a clear focus for a stay centred on the mountain landscape.

Winter trails and seasonal activities

In winter, the natural toboggan run, around 3.5 kilometres long, starts at the Hochplattenbahn top station at an altitude of 1,040 metres. It descends through the snow-covered mountain forest to the bottom station. Unlike the circular Staffen trail, it is described as a downhill run into the valley. Snow conditions and operating conditions may vary; take them into account when planning your trip. The Hochplattenbahn’s operating hours may also vary by season.

Another attraction is Märchen-Erlebnispark Marquartstein, with its summer toboggan run. It also has a petting zoo with goats and a wildlife enclosure with red and fallow deer. The park complements the mountain and trail activities with a different kind of outing. As opening periods may change, it’s worth checking them before your visit.

Churches and local history

The Catholic parish church Zum kostbaren Blut stands in the village centre and was built in 1936. Its interior features paintings by artist Werner Schön, who was born in the district of Piesenhausen. The church’s construction date and connection to the artist make it a specific point of interest if you’d like to include local history as well as scenery in your trip plans.

The Schnappenkirche is also within the municipal area. It was built between 1637 and 1640, commissioned by the provosts of Herrenchiemsee Abbey and based on plans by Traunstein city architect Wolfgang König. From there, the view stretches across the Chiemgau Alps to Lake Chiemsee. This site combines a clearly dated period of construction with far-reaching views.

Another connection to local history is the wedding of Richard Strauss and singer Pauline de Ahna, which took place on 10 September 1894 in Burgkirche St. Veit. Together with the parish church and the Schnappenkirche, this forms a cultural focus distinct from the trails and seasonal activities.

Discover more destinations: Staudach-Egerndach, Trostberg An Der Alz, Tacherting, Surberg, Schleching, Kirchanschöring, Ruhpolding, Bergen.

For the broader travel overview: Traunstein.