This circular hike is one of the most rewarding day walks in the Karwendel Alps. It offers an exceptional variety of landscapes within a single route, combining dramatic gorges, peaceful forests, panoramic mountain views and traditional alpine hospitality. While physically demanding due to its length and elevation gain, it requires no technical climbing skills and is ideal for hikers seeking a full-day mountain adventure in one of Austria's most beautiful protected landscapes.

The Gleirschklamm – Zäunlkopf – Oberbrunnalm Circular Hike is one of the most rewarding full-day hikes in the Karwendel Alps, combining dramatic scenery with peaceful mountain landscapes. Starting and finishing in Scharnitz, the route first follows easy forest paths and gravel tracks before entering the spectacular Gleirschklamm, where wooden bridges and narrow trails wind through a limestone gorge above rushing turquoise water, waterfalls and deep rock pools.

Leaving the gorge behind, the trail climbs steadily through quiet woodland to the summit of Zäunlkopf (1,749 m). The final ascent is steeper, but the effort is rewarded with outstanding panoramic views across the Karwendel Mountains and surrounding alpine valleys. The descent continues through forests and alpine meadows to Oberbrunnalm, a traditional mountain hut offering food and refreshments during the hiking season, before returning to Scharnitz on peaceful forest tracks.

This 18 km circular route takes around 6½–7 hours and involves approximately 900 metres of elevation gain. Although no technical climbing is required, good hiking boots, suitable mountain fitness and sure footing are essential, especially in the gorge where rocks and wooden bridges can become slippery after rain, and on the steeper summit trails with loose stones.