The Blühnbachtal is a roughly 10-kilometer valley tucked between two impressive mountain massifs in the Berchtesgaden Alps - the Hagengebirge to the north and the Hochkönig to the south. It's a place where dramatic alpine scenery meets a rich, layered history, making it a rewarding destination for hikers seeking both nature and a story.

The valley offers a striking mix of dense forest, rocky slopes and open meadows, with the surrounding peaks providing a dramatic backdrop throughout the year. In summer, it's a peaceful escape for those wanting to hike away from the crowds, while autumn brings rich colors to the hillsides and winter blankets the valley in deep snow. Near the western end of the valley, just before the trail comes to a close, you'll find the Eckberthütte, a mountain hut run by the Austrian Alpine Club - a welcome stop for rest and refreshment.

How to get there

• Tenneck (part of Werfen) — a road leads into the valley toward Schloss Blühnbach, continuing on foot toward the Eckberthütte, hiking time depends on fitness level, difficulty: moderate

Good to know

• At the entrance to the valley stands the Tenneck branch church, built in 1953/54
• Shortly after, you'll pass a small hydroelectric plant operated by the Austrian Federal Forests
• Until 2025, a high-voltage power line crossing the Hagengebirge was a visually dominant feature in the valley's western section

Interestingly, from 1908 to 1914 the valley served as a hunting ground for Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and it was later leased and eventually sold to the German industrialist Krupp family, adding a fascinating layer of history to this scenic corner of the Alps.