Mountain Hike |
4-day hut tour through the Kleinwalsertal
Photo: Kleinwalsertal Tourismus eGen
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Höhenprofil
4-day circular hike with hut overnight stays for enduring and experienced hikers through the Kleinwalsertal mountain world. Attention: Schwarzwasser hut closed until 2027!
This 4-day hut tour leads around and over the highest mountain peaks of the Kleinwalsertal. Overnight stays at the Fiderepass hut, Widderstein hut and Schwarzwasser hut.
The sections are characterized by varied, unique scenic highlights. The first two stages between Kanzelwand and Mindelheimer hut are marked by views of the majestic peaks of the Allgäu Alps and a high alpine environment. Between Gemsteltal and Bärgunttal, the highest peak of the Kleinwalsertal, the Große Widderstein, dominates the panorama. The section in the Dura valley, which is shaped by managed alpine meadows, is in contrast to the barren Gottesacker plateau, which together with the Hoher Ifen represents the highlight of the last stage.
Hut overnight stays at Fiderepass hut (DAV), Mindelheimer hut (DAV), Widderstein hut (private) and Schwarzwasser hut (DAV) must be reserved in advance. Especially during holiday seasons, the huts fill up quickly. If sleeping places on the huts are already fully booked or the length of the stages needs to be individually adjusted, the Mindelheimer hut (DAV) is an alternative base.
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: schwer Condition: Experience: Landscape: Altitude: Best season: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Safety instructions: Alpine experience as well as absolute sure-footedness and sure-handedness are required. Undertake the route only in good weather and good visibility.
EMERGENCY CALL:
144 Alpine emergencies Vorarlberg
112 European emergency call (works with any mobile phone/network)Important information for route planning: due to renovation work the Schwarzwasser hut is closed until summer 2027. Therefore, this 4-day hut tour through the Kleinwalsertal is currently only conditionally possible.
Equipment: Sturdy shoes and hiking poles. Sufficient drinking vessels and daily provisions for longer passages without refreshment stops. Rainproof clothing and head covering.
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
Day 1
The first stage is a moderate mountain hike leading from the Kanzelwand cable car to the Fiderepass hut. The initial ascent is comfortably overcome using the Kanzelwand cable car (paid). From the Kanzelwand cable car mountain station to the Kanzelwand summit (2058 m) and then over the German mountain flank with extensive descent and ascent to the Fiderepass hut (2070 m). Overnight stay at the Fiderepass hut.
Day 2
On the second stage, which is especially demanding in terms of stamina, a rocky path leads from the Fiderepass hut up to the Fiderepass col, where there are some secured ropes. Rocky, initially steep descent towards the Taufersbergalpe. Here on the Krumbach high trail below the via ferrata through rocky terrain to the Mindelheimer hut (2013 m), which requires only a moderate ascent. From the alpine club hut continue on the high trail over the Geißhornjoch (1982 m) and the Gemstel pass (1971 m). Notable ascent (200 m altitude difference) only below the Geißhorn. Then an easy run to the Widderstein hut (2009 m).
Day 3
After a short, partly very steep descent over the Hochalp pass down into the Bärgunttal valley. From the Bärgunt hut out to Baad (1244 m). In Baad, turn northwest into the Dura valley. The route first goes through shady forests, then rocky terrain over the Starzelalp (1678 m) up to the Starzeljoch and to the Ochsenhofer col (1850 m). From here descend to the Schwarzwasser hut (1620 m).
Attention: due to renovation work the Schwarzwasser hut is closed until summer 2027. Therefore, this 4-day hut tour through the Kleinwalsertal is only conditionally possible.
Day 4
On the Eugen Köhler path over the Ifersguntalpe to the Ifen plateau; this section leads over rock slabs with secured ropes. From the summit of the Hoher Ifen (2229 m), leave the plateau via the mountain hiking trail with rocky descent through the Ifen wall. Cross the scree slope below the rock falls of the Hoher Ifen towards Hahnenköpfle. Past the mountain station of the Ifen II cable car (2020 m) the path begins over the Gottesacker plateau – be sure to observe ground markings here and only cross with good visibility. Hike over the rugged rock slabs to the ruined Upper Gottesacker alp (1835 m). Turn right here towards Wälde/Hirschegg. Descent through the Gottesackerloch and the Kürenwald. In Wälde take the Walser bus to Riezlern or walk along the Schwarzwasser stream. In the area between Ifersguntalpe and Wälde there are no refreshment options or water points in the summer.
Start Riezlern
Coordinates:
Geogr. 47.3378 N 10.201394 EDestination Riezlern Waypoints
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Public transportation:
Starting point of the route: Walserbus line 1, Kanzelwand bus stop.
Approach:
Most routes coming from Germany meet in Ulm and continue on the A7. At the Allgäu motorway triangle via the A980 section to the Waltenhofen junction and on the four-lane B19 via Sonthofen and Oberstdorf into the Kleinwalsertal. From Austria (Vorarlberg) and Switzerland, you reach the 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 trip into the valley.
Route PlannerPark:
Paid parking at the Kanzelwand cable car parking lot.