Mountain route to the Hahnenköpfle
Tour description
From the starting point of the route at the valley station of the Ifenbahn, a nature-oriented hiking path leads through the forest to the middle station of the Ifenbahn / Ifenhütte. Alternatively, use the Ifenbahn to this point. From there, a wide hiking path ascends in switchbacks on a moderately steep trail into the Ifenmulde. The landscape here is shaped by the imposing, steeply falling walls of the Ifen. The hiking path then leads to the right to the summit cross of the Hahnenköpfle. From here, the marked hiking path descends over the summit of the Hahnenköpfle down to the Gottesacker plateau. In a loop over the wildly rugged karst landscape of the Gottesacker to the top station of the Ifenbahn. This section of the Ifenbahn is only in operation in winter, therefore descent by the already known hiking path to the middle station of the Ifenbahn and if necessary with rail support back to the Schwarzwassertal.
Hirschegg, valley station Ifenbahn
Hirschegg, valley station Ifenbahn
Route description
Valley station Ifenbahn - middle station of the Ifenbahn / Ifenhütte - Ifenmulde - Hahnenköpfle - Gottesacker plateau - top station Ifenbahn (only in operation in winter) middle station of the Ifenbahn / Ifenhütte - valley station Ifenbahn
Recommended equipment
EMERGENCY CALL:144 Alpine emergencies Vorarlberg112 European emergency number (works with any mobile/net)
The Gottesacker plateau should only be crossed with clear visibility as it is very easy to lose orientation in fog!
Sturdy footwear. Hiking poles recommended. Rain protection or headgear if necessary.
Further info & links
Tips
A longer alternative for fit and sure-footed hikers is the mountain route across the Gottesacker plateau
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 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