Coburger Mountain Lodge: Climbing between Seebensee and Drachensee

Two lakes, a Rock Climbing Area just a ten-minute walk from the terrace – and alpine routes right on your doorstep.
Seebensee with a mountain backdrop above Ehrwald
Seebensee with a mountain backdrop above Ehrwald

Two lakes, plenty of climbing opportunities

The DAV Mountain Lodge/Hut above Ehrwald in the Tirolean Zugspitz Arena is by no means a hidden gem – on fine days, hordes of day-trippers make their way up there to see the much-praised picture-postcard setting for themselves.

And rightly so: first the Seebensee, with the Zugspitze behind it, then, a little below the Mountain Lodge/Hut, the emerald-green Drachensee. On one side, green meadows beckon you to take a dip; on the other, the terrain becomes rockier and the ridges gradually give way to towering cliffs.

Text: Susa Schreiner

Seebensee with a mountain backdrop above Ehrwald

The Hütten climbing area: ten minutes from the terrace

If you’ve already carried your kit up, you won’t have far to go: the Mountain Lodge/Hut’s climbing area is only about a ten-minute walk from the Mountain Lodge/Hut.

The access is straightforward and easy to find, the routes are well-secured, and the difficulty levels are low. It’s not for hardcore climbers, nor is it for those who usually prefer Grade 7 routes – but it’s an ideal Finishing Point for a relaxing day with this view.

Seebenwände: Easy Multi-Pitch Climbing and the Latschentango

Anyone wishing to climb an easy multi-pitch route should start at the Seebenwände. From the Valley station of the Ehrwalder Almbahn, it takes a good 30 minutes to reach the foot of the wall – the forest acts as a natural air-conditioning system along the way.

The ‘Latschentango’ route lives up to its name and, alongside the scrub that gives it its name, offers many metres of exceptionally beautiful climbing. You exit via the ledge – and then you’re practically standing on the terrace of the Seebenalm. A cool drink, then on to the Coburger Mountain Lodge/Hut.

From there, the alpine routes lead further up. Many of them were bolted by Christoph Hainz and promise magnificent lines.

On the way, the waterfall circular walk is also well worth a visit, featuring the Seebensee Waterfall, which is clearly visible even from the cable car.

The Coburger Mountain Lodge above Ehrwald
A female climber on the ‘Latschentango’ route on the Seebenwand

Good to know

  • Location: DAV Mountain Lodge above Ehrwald, Tirolean Zugspitz Arena
  • Lodge climbing area: around a 10-minute walk from the Mountain Lodge/Hut, easy access, well-secured routes at an easy level
  • Seebenwände: the base of the face is a good 30 minutes’ walk from the Valley station of the Ehrwalder Almbahn
  • Alpine routes: starting from the Mountain Lodge/Hut; many of these were bolted by Christoph Hainz
  • Accommodation: Anyone wishing to climb the alpine routes should stay at the Coburger Mountain Lodge/Hut
  • What to bring: a warm jacket – evenings on the terrace are chilly, but the play of colours makes every frosty spell worthwhile

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