Circular Hike to Wangspitze in the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve

Directions

The hike begins at the bus stop in Buchboden. Passing the Pension Jäger, the trail takes a sharp right past a farm and descends to the bridge over the Lutz mountain stream. The path winds uphill along paved and gravel roads, followed by a rocky, steep trail through the forest. The route continues along steep cliffs to the Rinderalpe, where a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains unfolds. A narrow hiking trail leads first into the forest and then across an open meadow. Here, too, a magnificent mountain panorama awaits, opening up more and more as you gain elevation.

The trail continues through blueberry bushes and heather to the mountain saddle. In autumn, this landscape transforms into a sea of reddish hues. With a bit of luck, you can still snack on a few blueberries along the way.

At the summit cross of the Wangspitze at 1,873 meters, a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains of the Großes Walsertal and the Lechquellengebirge rewards you for the steep ascent.

The descent takes you through the Gadental European Nature Reserve. In this so-called natural forest reserve, there is no human interference in the forest ecosystem. This habitat is home to numerous bird species, bats, insects, and invertebrates. The trail leads through a lush green mountain basin and a small raised bog area that shimmers in a wide variety of green, orange, and red hues in the fall. Passing the Madonaalpe, the trail continues downhill along a meadow path, and the final few kilometers follow a gravel and rocky path through the forest. Following the roaring Rotenbrunnenbach stream, the hike leads past a waterfall to the Bad Rothenbrunnen inn, which features an idyllic beer garden—the perfect spot to stop for a break. From there, the trail heads back to the bus stop in Buchboden.