Winter hike through the Schwarzwasser valley to the Schwarzwasser hut
Tour description
The winter hike leads from the base station Ifen past Herzsee along a gently ascending path along the Schwarzwasser stream to the end of the Schwarzwasser valley to the Alpe Melköde. From here, a somewhat steeper ascent to the Schwarzwasser hut follows, always with a magnificent view of the Hoher Ifen to the north, Steinmandl, Grünhorn to the west, and the Ochsenhofer Köpfe to the south. The return path to the valley follows the same route.
Hirschegg, Ifenbahn base station
Hirschegg, Ifenbahn base station
Route description
Base station Ifen - Herzsee - Melköde - Schwarzwasser hut (operated in winter) - Melköde - Herzsee - Base station Ifen
Recommended equipment
Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. Hiking poles recommended for steeper sections.
Further info & links
Tips
The Schwarzwasser hut is operated in winter; a stop at the Schwarzwasser hut for a delicious Kaiserschmarrn is recommended.
Further links
The Schwarzwasser valley is an important refuge area for endangered animal species such as the capercaillie, black grouse, and hazel grouse, as well as bird species such as the sparrowhawk, rock ptarmigan, golden eagle, and eagle owl.
Nature Experience Map, scale 1:12,000; Kleinwalsertal route map (with hiking guide), scale 1:25,000; DAV hiking map, scale 1:25,000; the respective maps are available for purchase at the Walserhaus Hirschegg.