Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch
16.4miLength
4,022ftElevation gain
9–9.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
This route follows stage 5 of the Maximiliansweg, a long-distance trail through Germany and Austria, beginning in Gunzesried and ending in Unterjoch. The path descends from Gunzesried into the town of Sonthofen, where hikers can view the historic St. Michael Church, St. Leonhard Chapel, and the old market hall. From Sonthofen, the trail climbs back into the high Alps toward Bad Hindelang, passing through the elevated mountain village of Oberjoch before reaching the quiet valley settlement of Unterjoch. Overnight stays are accommodated in local guesthouses, hotels, and pensions in Sonthofen, Oberjoch, or Unterjoch; wild camping is strictly prohibited along this section. Hikers must pack a reliable water filter to treat surface water from natural springs between towns. Both trailheads are accessible via regional public transit networks, including local bus lines at Gunzesried and Unterjoch, with route schedules available at https://www.bayerische-oberlandbahn.de. The Maximiliansweg is a long-distance trail from Lindau to Berchtesgaden, which is typically completed in 22 stages.
This text has been translated.
Part of a multi-day route
Maximiliansweg
Top sights
Ostrach valley
Valley
Gunzesried valley
Valley
Illertal
Valley
Gunzesrieder Ach
River
Spieser
Peak
Vilstal
Valley
Ruine Fluhenstein
Castle
Hirschberg
Peak
Ornach
Peak
Jochschrofen
Peak
Loba
Hut
Wassertretanlage Tiefenbach
Attraction
Rauhenbichel
Peak
Tiefenbacher Eck
Peak
Boaleskopf
Peak
Horse's head
Peak
Kräutergarten
Garden
Top sights
Ostrach valley
Valley
Gunzesried valley
Valley
Illertal
Valley
Gunzesrieder Ach
River
Spieser
Peak
Vilstal
Valley
Ruine Fluhenstein
Castle
Hirschberg
Peak
Ornach
Peak
Jochschrofen
Peak
Loba
Hut
Wassertretanlage Tiefenbach
Attraction
Rauhenbichel
Peak
Tiefenbacher Eck
Peak
Boaleskopf
Peak
Horse's head
Peak
Kräutergarten
Garden
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
Beat the crowds with weekly and monthly trail activity data from our communityTop trails nearby
Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Enjoy this 16.4-mile point-to-point trail near Blaichach, Bavaria. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 37 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are June through October.
What is the expected weather this week for Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch?
Expected weather for Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch for the next 5 days is:
- Tue, September 22 - 56 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 55 degrees/clear
- Thu, September 24 - 55 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 61 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 66 degrees/clear
Where is Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch located?
Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch is a trail located in Nagelfluhkette Nature Park.
How hard is Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch?
Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch is considered a hard hike that covers 16.4 mi, with an elevation gain of 4,022 ft. It takes about 9–9.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch?
Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch is considered a hard hike that covers 16.4 mi, with an elevation gain of 4,022 ft. It takes about 9–9.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch a point to point trail?
Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch is a point to point trail that covers 16.4 mi, with an elevation gain of 4,022 ft. It takes about 9–9.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch?
Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch is a point to point trail that covers 16.4 mi, with an elevation gain of 4,022 ft. It takes about 9–9.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch?
Dogs may be allowed on Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch?
June to October is the most popular time of year to visit Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch.
How busy is Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch?
According to trailgoers, Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch is usually somewhat busy. June to October is the most popular time of year to visit Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch.
Are there rivers at Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch?
Yes, Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch is near Gunzesrieder Ach.
Is backpacking allowed at Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch?
Backpacking is allowed on Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch is partially paved.
Are there forests at Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch?
Yes, Maximiliansweg Stage 5: Gunzesried - Unterjoch is a forest trail in Nagelfluhkette Nature Park.
Last updated on September 21, 2026 at 1:54 am GMT+0