Hiking | Hiking Trail
Hiking through the Schwarzwassertal via Melköde to the Schwarzwasserhütte
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Höhenprofil
Mountain hike from the Auenhütte to the Schwarzwasserhütte through the geologically and botanically unique Schwarzwassertal valley.
This hike leads from the Auenhütte via the Medlöde to the Schwarzwasserhütte. The Schwarzwassertal valley is a geologically and botanically highly interesting side valley of the Kleinwalsertal and a retreat area for many animal species. From the Auenhütte at the base station of the Ifen cable car, the hike passes the Herzsee lake, along a gently ascending hiking trail beside the Schwarzwasser stream, reaching the head of the Schwarzwassertal in about an hour. There is the Alpe Melköde, which is managed in the summer. From here, the somewhat steeper ascent follows to the Schwarzwasserhütte through a botanically interesting raised bog. Always in view are the Hohen Ifen to the north, the Steinmandl and Grünhorn to the west, and the Ochsenhofer Köpfe to the south. The return to the valley follows the same route.
Naturerlebnis Karte, M 1:12.000. Erhältlich (kostenpflichtig) in der Touristinformation im Walserhaus.
Grenzenlos Wandern im Kleinwalsertal. Wander- und Tourenkarte mit Wanderführer und Panorama, M 1:25.000. Erhältlich (kostenpflichtig) in der Touristinformation im Walserhaus.
Alpenvereinskarte Bayerische Alpen, Kleinwalsertal BY2, M 1:25.000.
Presented by: Kleinwalsertal Tourismus eGen
Author: Kleinwalsertal Tourismus eGen -
Difficulty: mittel Condition: Experience: Landscape: Altitude: Best season: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Safety instructions: EMERGENCY:
144 Alpine emergencies Vorarlberg
112 European emergency number (works with any mobile/ network)Equipment: Sturdy shoes and hiking poles for steep sections recommended.
More info & links: How do you consciously experience nature?
Nature is so much more than the backdrop for unforgettable mountain experiences. It is a habitat for animals and plants. It provides drinking water and supplies us with high quality food. Not only does it provide valuable raw materials such as wood, it also protects against avalanches and mudslides and regulates the climate. It is up to us to support nature in everything that it does for us. One thing is certain, together we can achieve more:
Smart in NATURE
CONSCIOUS together
EXPERIENCE foresight
Smart in NATURE
Take a deep breath and recharge your batteries, be outside and feel free. When we enjoy nature, we are guests in the living room of shy animals and rare plants. If you behave smart, they will be happy to share their living space with you in the future too.
Stay on paths and marked routes
If you follow the marked paths and routes, you are sure to come to new favorite places. In this way you also respect protected areas, because many animals and plants need special protection. Especially in winter, any disturbance unnecessarily costs the wild animals the strength they need to survive.
Avoiding twilight times
Standing on a mountain at sunrise is a special experience. The morning and evening hours are also the time when most wild animals are in search of food. If they are disturbed, they get stressed. If it cannot be avoided, please stay on the marked path, do not use a bright headlamp and enjoy the silence.
Stay clean & take rubbish with you
It goes without saying: You take rubbish with you again, on the mountain and in the valley. Please also organic waste, because it is composted much more slowly at altitude. You can dispose of the rubbish properly at home or in your accommodation – please remember that there are no rubbish bins in public spaces in Kleinwalsertal.
On the natural toilet
If you are looking for a quiet place, please be at least 50 m away from water. Bury excrement or cover it with a large stone. Use fallen leaves or recycled toilet paper and put the paper back in the trash bag.
On tour with a dog
Are you always in control of your four-legged partner, even if he gets his nose for marmots, deer or other wild animals? You are both on the safe side on a leash. Keep dogs on a short leash near grazing cattle. If an attack by a grazing animal is foreseeable: leash off immediately. There are numerous dog stations in the valley for the disposal of dog bags. The farmers and alpine farmers thank you because manure in meadows and fields contaminates the feed and makes grazing cattle sick.
CONSCIOUS to each other
Consideration for other athletes and those looking for relaxation
Everyone loves to enjoy a special piece of earth for themselves. But most of the time we are not traveling alone. No problem, because there is enough space. Allow time, open the way in an accommodating manner, provide support when someone needs help and always give a smile. So nothing stands in the way of friendly cooperation and relaxed enjoyment of nature.
Appreciating the preservation of the cultural landscape
Alpine landscapes are touching with their contrast: Imposing peaks and natural forests alternate with gentle valleys, well-tended meadows and pastures. In the Kleinwalsertal too, this delightful landscape at three altitudes is no coincidence, but the result of an interplay of natural and cultural landscapes. Behind this is the work of farmers, alpine and forestry as well as hunters. With their work, they ensure that the attractiveness of the recreation and leisure area and the diversity of species are preserved. We already say thank you if we stay on the marked trails and enjoy regional products.
EXPERIENCE farsighted
Safe on tour – for you and others
Whether on a ski or snowshoe tour in winter or on a mountain tour in summer, anyone who is out and about in alpine terrain has to be well prepared. This includes careful information and tour planning as well as the right equipment. Correctly assessing alpine dangers requires a lot of knowledge and experience. Why not learn from professionals and go on tour with one of the experienced guides?
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Directions
Base station Ifen, Auenhütte – Herzsee – Alpe Melköde – Schwarzwasserhütte – Alpe Melköde – Herzsee – Base station Ifen, Auenhütte
Start Hirschegg
Coordinates:
Geogr. 47.342768 N 10.136979 EDestination Hirschegg Waypoints
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Public transportation:
Starting point of the route: Walserbus line 5, bus stop Ifen
Approach:
Most arrival routes from Germany meet in Ulm and continue on the A7. At the Allgäu motorway junction, take the A980 section to the Waltenhofen exit, and on the four-lane B19 via Sonthofen and Oberstdorf into the Kleinwalsertal. From Austria (Vorarlberg) and Switzerland, you reach Kleinwalsertal via the Bregenzerwald (Hittisau) – Riedberg Pass – Fischen – Oberstdorf. Coming from Tyrol, the fastest route leads via the A7 to Kempten and further on the B19 towards Oberstdorf. You do not need a motorway vignette for the drive into the valley.
Route PlannerPark:
Paid parking at Ifen parking lot