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Tiefblick von der Kaltenberghütte ins Klostertal. © Peter Freiberger / Vorarlberg Tourismus
Recommendations from Peter Freiberger

Six panoramic hikes

Why do people go into the mountains? To be sure, everyone has their own personal reasons for lacing up their hiking boots and ascending to picturesque places.

Peter Freiberger talks about panoramic hikes: For me, hiking is a form of meditation. Step by step, I become more relaxed as I immerse myself in another world and enjoy the freedom.

The mountains of Vorarlberg are associated with fantastic panoramic views. However, one need not reach the peak in order to truly appreciate the scenery. For example, mountain huts are often easier to reach. They offer spectacular vantage points from which to enjoy panoramic views. Over and over from atop a mountain, I enjoy watching people try to name each peak and valley in every direction. They are fascinated by the wide-ranging views.
I feel exactly the same.

Im Anschluss an die Furklaalpe präsentiert sich ein wunderbarer Blick über den Walgau ins Rheintal © Peter Freiberger / Vorarlberg Tourismus
Kaltenberghütte, Lechquellengebirge, Panoramawandern, panoramic hikes © Peter Freiberger / Vorarlberg Tourismus

Author Peter Freiberger has selected six panoramic hikes - tips with wonderful panoramic views located throughout Vorarlberg!

I have selected six panoramic hikes for you that are at the top of my personal list. I really enjoy the Mondspitze and the Schillerkopf for their gentle and rugged landscapes as well as the Alpine character of these tours during different segments. I have never gotten closer to ibex than on the Kanisfluh massif, which also features incredible downward views. Sitting in the rustic atmosphere of the Saarbrücker Hütte mountain hut, I feel a true sense of security and peace, especially as I look to the mighty glacier below the Großes Seehorn. Next to the Kaltenberghütte mountain hut, one can practically bathe in the scenery reflected in the small mountain lake. As a Tyrolean, I enjoy the contrast between the mountains and Lake Constance from the Pfänder. Finally, the view from the ridge of the Fellhorn mountain over the expanse of the Kleinwalsertal is an unforgettable experience (Attention: this hike is not possible in summer 2020 – Söllereck cable car is not operating!).

For me, hiking is a form of meditation. Step by step, I become more relaxed as I immerse myself in another world and enjoy the freedom.

Author Peter Freiberger
Die Flanke hinauf zur Saarbrücker Hütte präsentiert sich im Hochsommer in sattem Grün © Peter Freiberger / Vorarlberg Tourismus
Wie ein begrüntes Hausdach präsentiert sich der Grat am Fellhorn in diesem Abschnitt, Panoramawandern © Peter Freiberger / Vorarlberg Tourismus
Kaltenberghütte, Lechquellengebirge, Panoramawandern, panoramic hikes © Peter Freiberger / Vorarlberg Tourismus
Nordwestlich unterhalb der Kanisfluh breitet sich Mellau aus, erster Schnee, Panoramawandern © Peter Freiberger / Vorarlberg Tourismus
Am Gipfel der Mondspitze Rund 1.400 Meter unterhalb breitet sich die Alpenstadt Bludenz aus, das Klostertal schlängelt sich Richtung Arlbergpass. © Peter Freiberger / Vorarlberg Tourismus
Pfänder - Wiesen und Höfe bzw. kleine Siedlungen prägen weite Teile der Wanderung am Pfänderrücken © Peter Freiberger / Vorarlberg Tourismus

The flank extending up to the Saarbrücker Hütte mountain hut is a carpet of lush green in high summer

The ridge of the Fellhorn looks like the green roof of a house in this section

The Kaltenberghütte mountain hut against the backdrop of the Lechquellen range

Mellau opens up to the northwest below the Kanisfluh massif

The peak of the Mondspitze at nearly 1,400 meters. Below the Alpenstadt Bludenz, and the Klostertal winds towards the Arlberg Pass

Pfänder - Meadows, farms and small settlements are characteristic of many sections of the hike on the Pfänder ridge

The huts, Alpine pastures and peaks around Schoppernau were my first connection to the Vorarlberg mountain world. These days, I feel particularly at home in the Rätikon near Lake Lünersee and the Schesaplana and Mottakopf mountains. East of the Arlberg, I can’t hide my preference for the Pitztal and Ötztal valleys. In summer 2017, I can’t wait to ascend my local mountain, the Hohe Munde by Telfs, once more.

I can’t help but visit the Jeitner family at the Schweinfurter Hütte mountain hut in Ötztal. I also can’t wait to finally visit the close-by Mannheimer Hütte mountain hut or to ascend the Piz Buin for another feather in my cap.

When I’m on panoramic hikes, I can enjoy Vorarlberg from above.

Six recommended hiking trails from Peter Freiberger

Panoramic hikes

    • Herbststimmung am Pfänder – im Hintergrund Gipfel im Bregenzerwald.

      Panoramic tour along the ridge of the Pfänder above…

      A panoramic view over the contrasts in the border triangle

      Hilly and flat countryside,…

      • 6.95 km

      • 2.5 h

      • leicht

      Difficulty: leicht
      Distance: 6.95 km
      Ascent: 135 m
      Descent: 135 m
      Duration: 2.5 h
      Deepest point: 896 m
      Highest point: 1028 m
      Condition:

      Experience:

      Landscape:

      Panoramic tour along the ridge of the Pfänder above Bregenz

      A panoramic view over the contrasts in the border triangle

      Hilly and flat countryside, gentle…

      Start of tour

      Bregenz, summit station of Pfänder

      End of tour

      Bregenz, summit station of Pfänder

      Description

      A panoramic view over the contrasts in the border triangle

      Hilly and flat countryside, gentle mountains, rugged summits, the densely inhabited Rhine valley and the Lake Constance – the panorama which accompanies us along the circular hiking trail in the border triangle of Austria, Germany and Switzerland on the Pfänder is both diverse and rich in contrast.

      Best season
      JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
      JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
      All route info
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Hiking in Vorarlberg