Saugasse Travel Guide

The Saugasse, meaning "hog alley" in German, is a steep, gorge-like path located in the Berchtesgaden Alps. It's a notable section of the hiking trail that ascends from St. Bartholomä on the Königssee to the Kärlingerhaus, a mountain hut in the Steinerne Meer.The trail itself is characterized by 32 serpentine turns that climb through a steep ravine, gaining approximately 300 meters in elevation over a distance of about 600 meters. The path can be steep, with gradients reaching up to 40 degrees in some sections. The Saugasse is roughly halfway between the west shore of the Königssee and the Kärlingerhaus.The lower entrance to the Saugasse is located at approximately 980 meters above sea level, on the southwestern edge of the former Unterlahneralm grazing area. The trail ascends in a southwestern direction along the northwestern slope of the Simetsberg, flanked by the rocky slopes of the Graskopf and Gjaidkopf. At the upper end of the Saugasse, the trail leads into the former grazing area of the Oberlahneralm. A section known as Kleine Saugasse, or Little Saugasse, begins at around 1500 meters, with a more moderate climb.The Saugasse forms part of the Berchtesgaden National Park network. Hikers can find detailed route information on the Alpine Club map BY 21 and the topographic map sheet 8443 for the Königssee area.