- Brief description
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A natural bridge and a moor, sunny places for rest and panoramic views of the snowy mountain slopes from Nebelhorn to Widderstein and Ifen – this winter hike has a lot more to offer than just trails along the Schwarzwasserbach.
- Difficulty
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medium
- Rating
-
- Starting point
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Hirschegg
- Route
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Schwende3.8 kmGasthof Sonnenburg3.9 km
- Best season
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AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul
- Description
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The creek Schwarzwasserbach is the "golden thread" of this winter hike from Hirschegg to Walserschanz. Your first encounter with its waters happens at the fabled natural bridge, then you see his pure energy at a rushing waterfall and finally you follow its twisty flow to the confluence with the Breitach. Occasionally you leave its stream to draw your attention to the snow-covered morrs and mountains around. It is also very likely to meet cross-country skiers and fox tracks in the snow. You will walk along the waters of the Schwarzwasserbach all the way to the entrance to Breitachklamm directly beneath the Walserschanz. Refreshments halfway between the route at the Genussgasthof Sonnenburg and Gasthof Bergblick (Schwende).
- Directions
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At the starting point at the sports ground of Au the winter hiking trail crosses the cross-country ski run Küren-Wäldele towards the natural bridge. The trail forks at a wooden hut; turn left here into the forest and down to the creek Schwarzwasserbach. Follow the signs to the natural bridge (Naturbrücke) and cross the bridge. At the next fork turn left onto the Karolinenweg direction Schwende/Mahdtalhaus. After passing a waterfall and a toboggan lift, there is a short piece of path through the forest, until the open moor of Höfle is reached. Turn left at the sign and cross the bridge of Höfle. After the bridge, follow the Schwarzwasserbachweg along the creek for ½ h. At the old Schwendebrücke, keep left and follow the bends under the car bridge to Außerschwende. To do so, you need to cross the road and re-enter the prepared winter hiking path towards Hörnlepass-Straussberg at the Genussgasthof Sonnenburg. For a few meters, follow the cross-country ski trail. Then turn right onto the Straussberg trail (driveway) towards Breitach Waldhaus. At the Straussberghof the highest point is reached. From here prepare for a partly steep descent to the Breitachweg via Schmalzloche, Fuchsloch and Fuchslochalpe through the woods. At the junction, you can shorten the hike by ½ h by turning right and walking via the inn Waldhaus to bus stop Waldhaus. For this tour, turn left towards Walserschanz and follow the course of the Breitach to the entrance to the Breitachklamm (gorge). From here to the Walserschanz there is a steep uphill trail; above the bus takes you back to the villages of Kleinwalsertal.
- Highest point
- 1,100 m
- Endpoint
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Riezlern
- Height profile
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- Equipment
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Sturdy shoes and hiking poles for steep sections recommended.
- Safety instructions
- Tips
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Next time bring your cross-country skis and test the trails along the hiking trail.
- Additional information
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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?
- Directions
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Most routes from Germany lead to Ulm before carrying on along the A7. Take the Allgäu junction over a section of the A980 to the Waltenhofen junction, then take the 4- lane B19 via Sonthofen and Oberstdorf to Kleinwalsertal. From Austria (Vorarlberg) and Switzerland you reach the Kleinwalsertal via the Bregenzerwald (Hittisau) – Riedbergpass – Fischen – Oberstdorf. From Tyrol the fastest route is over the A7 to Kempten carrying on along the B19 direction Oberstdorf. A motorway vignette is not required to reach the valley.
- Public transportation
- Parking
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Paid parking spaces are located near the starting point. Parking along the main road is not permitted.
- Author
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The tour Schwarzwasserbach is used by outdooractive.com provided.
