Paradise for hikers & alpinists The Widderstein - an imposing guardian
It's hard to believe that this peak was once deep underwater – today the Widderstein rises into the sky as the highest point and tells the story of its exciting journey from the seabed to the Alps. The Großer Widderstein rises as a stone colossus above Baad. With its striking, pyramid-like shape, it is the highest peak in Kleinwalsertal and a paradise for hikers and alpinists. With challenging climbing routes and a normal route that also involves some scrambling, alpine experience is essential. How good that it is also possible to walk around the mountain on a less challenging but equally impressive tour. The Widderstein is not only a scenic masterpiece, it also has a lot to tell.
Outstanding: The Great Widderstein
It towers strikingly over Baad with steep walls and impressive rock formations. At 2,533 metres, the Großer Widderstein is the highest peak in Kleinwalsertal and towers imposingly into the air. It marks the natural border to the neighboring Bregenzerwald. There are panoramic views in all directions – from Lake Constance to the Allgäu and the Lechtal Alps to the main Alpine ridge.
The ascent begins in Baad and leads up through the Bärgunttal valley or in Bödmen through the Gemsteltal valley. In the upper section, the path becomes increasingly steeper and requires mountain experience and a head for heights. Alternatively, you can walk around the mountain – a less technical but more demanding hike. A real classic.
Geologically speaking, the Widderstein is an "African", as its rugged rock belongs to the limestone Alps, which originally came from the African plate. Millions of years ago, these rocks were formed in the sea off Africa as deposits in the Mesozoic era – around 250 to 100 million years ago. They were pushed onto the European continent like the front of a snowplough when the African plate moved.
The Alps in the Bärgunt, the Widdersteinhütte and the Alps in the Gemsteltal valley offer welcome refreshment stops – the icing on the cake of every tour around the Widderstein.
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Experience Alpine diversity Unspoilt and unique
The Großer Widderstein invites you to consciously experience nature – without the distraction of mountain cable cars or tourist facilities. What counts here is the tranquillity of the mountains and their natural beauty. The diversity of flora and fauna is particularly fascinating: the mountain is the territory of the only pair of golden eagles in Kleinwalsertal and is also home to a colony of ibex. At Hochalpsee, at 2,000 metres, rare plants such as feverfew and marsh fritillary grow. A rarity at this altitude. The alpine meadows, which are kept open by grazing animals or regular mowing, also promote biodiversity and provide a habitat for plants and animals. Stay on the marked trails and take care to protect this valuable habitat.