Mountain Hike |
Mountain tour over the Hoher Ifen
Photo: Kleinwalsertal Tourismus eGen
Photo: Kleinwalsertal Tourismus eGen
Photo: Kleinwalsertal Tourismus eGen
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Höhenprofil
Demanding alpine circular route for experienced mountaineers over the Hoher Ifen, one of the best known Walser peaks.
Demanding alpine circular route for experienced mountaineers over the Hoher Ifen, one of the best-known Walser peaks. It is extremely varied and offers a unique view.
The start of the challenging, varied mountain route over the Hoher Ifen is at the valley station of the Ifen cable car. From here either take the cable car to the middle station and start the hike from the Ifen hut. Alternatively, hike about 300 meters of elevation from the valley station of the Ifen cable car on the natural hiking trail to the middle station. From there, a well-marked path leads toward the Ifen. Through the Ifen hollow and then steeply ascending, the mountain path leads over a coarse scree field and along the massive rock cliff to the summit plateau of the Ifen. Difficult sections on this part of the trail are secured with hand ropes in summer; here, sure-footedness and a head for heights are required. On the plateau, the path ascends only gently to the summit. At the summit cross, there is a unique view over the steep north drops of the Ifen onto the Gottesacker plateau and out to the Allgäu and Vorarlberg mountain landscapes. On the descent, the challenging hiking trail leads to the Ifersgun alp, where several longer rope-secured sections and scree fields must be crossed again. From the Ifersgun alp, the route leads to the Schwarzwasser hut. From there to the Melköde alp and through the Schwarzwasser valley back to the starting point of the route.
Best conditions for the tour are in autumn when the sun is not shining relentlessly onto the barren plateau.
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: schwer Condition: Experience: Landscape: Altitude: Best season: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Safety instructions: EMERGENCY CALL:
144 Alpine emergencies Vorarlberg
112 European emergency number (works with any mobile phone/network)Equipment: Sturdy shoes and hiking poles and sufficient water as there is no possibility for refilling or stop by between Ifenhütte und Ifersgunt alp. When necessary, 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
Valley station Ifen cable car – middle station Ifen cable car / Ifen hut – Ifen hollow – Ifen summit – Ifersgun alp – Schwarzwasser hut – Melköde alp – Schwarzwasser valley – valley station Ifen cable car
Start Hirschegg
Coordinates:
Geogr. 47.342603 N 10.137016 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 converge in Ulm and continue on the A7. At the Allgäu motorway junction via 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 the Kleinwalsertal via the Bregenzerwald (Hittisau) – Riedberg Pass – Fischen – Oberstdorf. From Tirol, the fastest way leads via the A7 to Kempten and then on the B19 towards Oberstdorf. No motorway vignette is needed to drive into the valley.
Route PlannerPark:
Pay parking at the Ifen parking lot