Moorland hike at the Hörnlepass in the Kleinwalsertal

Directions

The tour starts at the “Riezlern Bellevue” bus stop. With views of the Höfats and Hochvogel mountains, the route initially heads toward the Hörnlepass. Soon after, you’ll cross the German-Austrian border. Here, you can admire sycamore maple trees over 600 years old, which display their most beautiful colors in the fall. From the Hörnlepass, a stunning mountain panorama unfolds over the peaks of the Kleinwalsertal. The route leads through the Hörnlepass Moor, which, together with the Außerwald Moor and the Schwende area, forms a very special moorland complex of international significance. Numerous rare animal and plant species call this area home. It is important to stay only on designated paths throughout all moorland areas. The moss-covered areas are extremely sensitive to damage from foot traffic, and a moor grows only 1 mm per year. A footprint 5 cm deep thus destroys 50 years of growth in this very special habitat. In autumn, the moor glows with radiant red hues as the berry bushes and mosses change color. 

Back on Austrian soil, the return route follows the Breitach River, which, with its rapids and rock formations, offers a true natural spectacle. Finally, another highlight awaits on the suspension path below the Schwendebrücke. Between rock and water, the trail winds through the gorge back to the bus stop.