Hiking through the Schwarzwassertal via Melköde to the Schwarzwasserhütte
Tour description
This hike leads from the Auenhütte via the Medlöde to the Schwarzwasserhütte. The Schwarzwassertal valley is a geologically and botanically highly interesting side valley of the Kleinwalsertal and a retreat area for many animal species. From the Auenhütte at the base station of the Ifen cable car, the hike passes the Herzsee lake, along a gently ascending hiking trail beside the Schwarzwasser stream, reaching the head of the Schwarzwassertal in about an hour. There is the Alpe Melköde, which is managed in the summer. From here, the somewhat steeper ascent follows to the Schwarzwasserhütte through a botanically interesting raised bog. Always in view are the Hohen Ifen to the north, the Steinmandl and Grünhorn to the west, and the Ochsenhofer Köpfe to the south. The return to the valley follows the same route.
Hirschegg, base station Ifen cable car
Hirschegg, base station Ifen cable car
Route description
Base station Ifen, Auenhütte - Herzsee - Alpe Melköde - Schwarzwasserhütte - Alpe Melköde - Herzsee - Base station Ifen, Auenhütte
Recommended equipment
EMERGENCY:144 Alpine emergencies Vorarlberg 112 European emergency number (works with any mobile/ network)
Sturdy footwear. Hiking poles recommended for steeper sections.
Further info & links
Further links
The high plateau of Melköde in the Schwarzwassertal was formed by a post-Ice Age rockslide. The massive boulders lying on both sides of the path in the Schwarzwassertal are witnesses of this huge rockslide that occurred centuries ago.
Nature experience map, scale 1:12,000. Available (for a fee) at the tourist information in the Walserhaus.
Boundless hiking in the Kleinwalsertal. Hiking and route map with hiking guide and panorama, scale 1:25,000. Available (for a fee) at the tourist information in the Walserhaus.
Alpine Club Map Bavarian Alps, Kleinwalsertal BY2, scale 1:25,000.
