Sonntagshorn is the highest peak of the Chiemgau Alps, rising right on the border between Germany and Austria. Its striking summit pyramid and the sharp contrast between the gentle southern slopes and the steep, rocky north face make it one of the most distinctive mountains in the region.

The mountain has two very different personalities. The southern side offers easy, gentle meadows and dwarf pine scrub, perfect for a relaxed summer walk. The northern side is steep, rocky and rugged, with old snowfields lingering well into summer. From the summit, marked by a cross, you get sweeping views of the Hoher Göll, the Watzmann massif, Hochkalter, Reiter Alm, the Loferer and Leoganger Steinberge, the Kaisergebirge and the Chiemgau Alps with Lake Chiemsee. On clear days you can even spot the Hohe Tauern with the Grossglockner and the Olperer. In winter, the peak is a popular destination for ski tourers.

How to reach the summit

• Melleck (east side) — standard route through the Steinbachgraben and alpine pastures up to the summit
• Heutal on the Austrian side (south) — a comparatively easy ascent via the road to Angerertal, then following the Lahnersbach stream towards the Trostberger Hütte, over the Hochalm and the Perchthöhe (1667 m), finishing with switchbacks to the top
• Schwarzachenalm (German side, north) — a more demanding but spectacular route through the untouched wilderness of the Hinterer Kraxenbach valley, partly across scree and old snowfields

Practical information

• The ascent via the Mittlerer Kraxenbach requires some scrambling (grade II) and is exposed to rockfall
• Near the summit, on the Austrian side at 1940 m, lies the entrance to the 750-metre-long Sonntagshornhöhle cave
• The German north side of the mountain lies within the Östliche Chiemgauer Alpen protected area

The mountain's name likely derives from a 'Sunday pasture' — a protected grazing area where livestock could graze unattended even on Sundays.