Grenzgänger - Hochalpiner Etappenwandersteig im Allgäu
Information & interesting facts
The “Grenzgänger” is a multi-day tour set in the heart of the Allgäu Alps. Its defining feature is the continuous crossing of the Austrian–German border between the Tannheim Valley, the Hinterstein Valley, and the Lech Valley. The circuit around the Hochvogel as well as a visit to the famous Schrecksee are just two of the highlights. Several of Germany’s highest waterfalls (stages 5 and 6) await hikers, along with a dark north face (stage 2), a mountain that splits apart (stage 5), as well as expansive flower meadows and magnificent panoramic views.
Recommended season:
- June
- July
- August
- September
- Multi-stage route
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Cultural/historical value
- Geological highlights
- Botanical highlights
- Summit route
Description:
Challenging hut-to-hut tour
The tour is classified as demanding and repeatedly leads across extensive scree fields, along exposed ridges, and through steep slopes. In total, just under 85 kilometers and 7,000 meters of elevation gain are covered over six days. Wherever the route does not run directly along the border, it crosses it time and again—on the Grenzgänger, you switch between Austria and Germany at least once a day, often significantly more frequently.
Overnight stays are in mountain huts above the tree line in the Allgäu Alps nature reserve, or in the small valley villages of Schattwald (Tannheim Valley), Hinterhornbach (Lech Valley), and Hinterstein (Hinterstein Valley).
A collaborative project
The “Grenzgänger” is a joint project by the tourism authorities of the Tannheim Valley, the Lech Valley, and Bad Hindelang, together with the German Alpine Club (Allgäu-Immenstadt section). The initiative was also supported by the European Union as part of the Interreg program.
Directions:
Schattwald - Untere Stuibenalpe - Bschießer - Ponten - Zirleseck - Willersalpe - Gaiseckjoch - Schrecksee - Landsberger Hut - Jubiläumsweg - Bockkarscharte - Prinz-Luitpold-Haus - Himmelecksattel - Hornbachjoch - Kanzberg - Hinterhornbach - Schwabegghütte - Fuchsensattel - Kalter Winkel - Balkenscharte - Prinz-Luitpold-Haus - Bärgündelealpe - Giebelhaus - Busfahrt nach Hinterstein - Hinterstein - Zipfelsfälle - Zipfelsalpe - Iseler - Kühgundkopf - Wiedhag - Bergstation Wannenjochbahn - Schattwald
Tip:
Please plan and book your overnight stays in DAV huts, alpine lodges, and guesthouses well in advance!
Safety guidelines:
Along the entire Grenzgänger route, sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential. These are alpine trails and paths!
Equipment:
Alpine hiking gear, good footwear, and possibly trekking poles.
Additional information:
www.grenzgaenger-wandern.com
Getting there
By car to Schattwald, starting at the Wannenjochbahn cable car
Public Transit
By bus to Schattwald
Parking
Parking at the Wannenjochbahn; multi-day parking at the fire station
Grenzgänger - Hochalpiner Etappenwandersteig im Allgäu
Informationsbüro Tannheim
Vilsalpseestraße 1
6675 Tannheim