Winter Hiking
Winter hike along the Schwarzwasserbach to Walserschanz
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Höhenprofil
Scenically varied winter hike from Hirschegg along the Schwarzwasserbach to Walserschanz.
This winter hike leads from Hirschegg along the Schwarzwasserbach to Walserschanz. The natural bridge, the Hochmoor Höfle, as well as panoramic views from Nebelhorn to Widderstein make this winter hike particularly varied.
From the starting point at Sportplatz Au, the prepared winter hiking trail leads downstream to the Schwarzwasserbach. This is crossed via the natural bridge, a naturally formed rock bridge covered with fir trees. Along the Karolinenweg, you pass a waterfall through the forest until reaching the Hochmoor Höfle. Over the Höfle bridge, the route continues on the Schwarzwasserbach path along the Schwarzwasserbach through the Jägerwinkel, where the Schwarzwasserbach flows into the Breitach. After some bends, the trail goes under the Schwendebrücke into Außerschwende. From Hotel Sonnenburg, a prepared winter trail continues towards Straußberg, where the highest point of the route is reached. Passing Schmalzloch, Fuchsloch, and Fuchsloch-Alpe, the trail steeply descends through the forest to the Breitach. Further towards Walserschanz, following the course of the Breitach to the entrance of the Breitachklamm. From here to Walserschanz, the path climbs steeply to the main road. From there, the Walserbus returns to the valley towns or the starting point of the route.
The winter hike can be shortened by about half an hour by hiking from the Breitachweg via the Waldhaus to the Waldhaus bus stop.
Close to the hiking trail runs the challenging Schwarzwasser cross-country ski trail and the panoramic Schwendel trail. A must for cross-country skiers to try one of the two trails during their winter vacation. About halfway along the route, there are places to stop for refreshments at Hotel Sonnenburg and at the Bergblick inn.
Natur Erlebnis Karte, M 1:12.000; Tourenkarte Kleinwalsertal (mit Wanderführer), M 1:25.000; DAV-Wanderkarte, M 1:25.000; die jeweiligen Karten sind kostenpflichtig im Walserhaus Hirschegg erhältlich.
Presented by: Kleinwalsertal Tourismus eGen
Author: Array -
Difficulty: mittel Technique: 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 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
Hirschegg / Wäldele, Sportplatz Au – Kesselschwand – Hochmoor Höfle – Jägerwinkel – Außerschwende – Straußbergweg – Schmalzloch – Fuchsloch – Breitach Trail – (alternative exit via Waldhaus) – Walserschanz
Start Hirschegg
Coordinates:
Geogr. 47.355277 N 10.165063 EDestination Riezlern Waypoints
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Public transportation:
Starting point of the route: Walserbus line 3, Sportplatz Au bus stop
Return from Walserbus line 1, Walserschanz bus stop
Approach:
Most routes from Germany meet in Ulm and continue on the A7. At the Allgäu motorway interchange, take the A980 section to the Waltenhofen junction and then the four-lane B19 via Sonthofen and Oberstdorf into the Kleinwalsertal. From Austria (Vorarlberg) and Switzerland, the Kleinwalsertal is reached via the Bregenzerwald (Hittisau) – Riedberg Pass – Fischen – Oberstdorf. From Tyrol, the fastest way is via the A7 to Kempten and then on the B19 towards Oberstdorf. No motorway vignette is required for driving into the valley.
Route PlannerPark:
Paid parking at Sportplatz Au