Coburger Hütte — Seebensee & Drachensee

This is one of the most celebrated hikes in Tyrol, connecting two distinct alpine basins. Starting from the Ehrwalder Alm, a broad forest path leads to the Seebensee (1,657m), a turquoise lake that perfectly reflects the Zugspitze (2,962m) on clear days. The adventure continues with a steep, serpentine ascent of another 300 meters to the Coburger Hütte and the moody Drachensee (Dragon Lake). The hut sits on a high rock rib, overlooking both lakes and providing one of the most dramatic mountain vistas in the Mieminger Gebirge.

Mount Damavand (5,610m) is the highest peak in Iran and a major Asian stratovolcano within the Alborz range. The hiking route described here is the standard South Route, originating from the town of Polour. The ascent traverses volcanic pumice and loose scree, eventually reaching active sulfuric fumaroles near the summit crater. While the climb requires no technical mountaineering tools (ropes/axes) during the peak summer window, persistent snow fields can be present. The combination of extreme altitude, steep verticality, and atmospheric sulfur requires rigorous physical preparation and systematic acclimatization.