Hochstaufen (1771 m) is one of the most striking peaks of the Chiemgau Alps, a bold rocky landmark rising above Bad Reichenhall, Piding and Anger. It is not the highest summit of the Staufen massif - the Zwiesel is slightly taller - but its steep, rugged silhouette makes it the most eye-catching one, visible from far across the region.

From the summit you get a wide panoramic view, especially of the Berchtesgaden Alps, and on clear days you can even spot Salzburg with its airport, easily recognizable at night thanks to its lights. Just below the top, on the south side, stands the Reichenhaller Haus, the highest-situated hut in the entire Chiemgau Alps, a great spot to watch the sunset over Lake Chiemsee. The upper part of the mountain is rocky and demanding, so this is a proper alpine hike rather than an easy stroll.

• Bad Reichenhall (Padinger Alm) via Bartlmahd and Reichenhaller Haus - the normal route, easy
• Piding (Urwies or Mauthausen) via Mairalm and the Pidinger Klettersteig - very demanding via ferrata, one of the hardest in Germany

• The Reichenhaller Haus (Deutscher Alpenverein) is staffed in summer, offering meals and overnight stays
• The Pidinger Klettersteig reopened in 2003 and requires full via ferrata equipment and experience
• The mountain is known for earthquake swarms, monitored by seismometer stations placed around it

A local legend tells of the Steinerne Jäger - two hunters turned to stone for mocking churchgoers, whose story is tied to one of the popular routes leading up the mountain.