Mountain route around the Elferkopf
Tour description
The route leads moderately ascending from the Mittelberg district Schwendle on an alpine path, past the managed Wiesalpen, into the Wildental. Below the Fluchtalpe, the mountain path leads to the right of the stream towards the waterfall up into a large cirque bounded by Elferkopf and the Schafalpenköpfe. From there it goes steeply ascending and demanding over a scree field towards the Kemptner Scharte. Surefootedness and a head for heights are required here. From the Kemptner Scharte, it goes down to the Mindelheimer Hut, which offers a short stop. From there it goes gently ascending in high alpine terrain shaped by rock and boulder landscape up to the saddle, from which the path branches off to the right to the summit of the Walser Geißhorn. The descent goes, again shaped by mountain meadows, past three managed alpine huts. After the Upper Gemstel Hut, the rocky hiking trail, briefly secured with wire ropes in a gorge, goes through a stone pine belt down to the Hintere Gemstelalp. From here it goes on a broader alpine path past Bernhards Gemstelalp and through the Gemsteltal out to the Mittelberg district Bödmen.
Mittelberg
Mittelberg
Route description
Mittelberg / Schwendle -Wiesalpen - Fluchtalpe - Hintere Wildenalpe - Kemptner Scharte - Mindelheimer Hut - Geißhornjoch - Upper Gemstel Hut - Hintere Gemstelalp - Bernhards Gemstelalp - Mittelberg / Bödmen
Recommended equipment
EMERGENCY CALL:144 Alpine emergencies Vorarlberg112 Euro emergency call (works with any mobile/network)
The hiking trails in Wildental are heavily used. For the sake of hikers, no cyclists ride into Wildental.
Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Hiking poles recommended.
Further info & links
Tips
With some luck, this route offers the chance to see ibexes.
Thanks to the possibility of overnight accommodation at the Mindelheimer Hut, the route can also be split into 2 stages. With overnight stay or for particularly strong hikers also a one-day option, the summit ascent to the Walser Geißhorn at 2366 meters above sea level is possible. However, the duration from Geißhornsattel to the summit should not be underestimated. Those who decide for the summit ascent will be rewarded with an impressive 360-degree view.
Further 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?
Nature experience map, scale 1:12,000. Available (for a fee) at the tourist information at the Walserhaus
Unlimited 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 at the Walserhaus
Alpine Club map Bavarian Alps, Kleinwalsertal BY2, scale 1:25,000