02^Sep Sun
06:20

The circumnavigation of Grosser Widderstein promises already a special experience. It is know also as the guardian of Kleinwalsertal for its position closing the valley or the big capricorn rock since you can easily meet steinbocks here. With a height of 2533 meters, the Grosser Widderstein is the mountain majesty in Kleinwalsertal. The well-formed Widderstein summit is visible from all sides. The area around Großer Widderstein moreover offers great views into the surrounding valleys and even a look over Bodensee to the west. In clear weather it is sometimes possible to see the German Black Forest in direction west-north-west from the very top. From Baad a circular path always leads slightly uphill through the Bärgunttal to Bärgunthütte. With the Sennalpe the way diminishes rather soon and increases clearly in slope. Through shrubbery and over alpine meadows you climb higher and higher up to the Hochalppass on historical ground. Coming up from the Hochtannberg in the 13th century, five families from the Swiss canton of Valais moved across this pass to the previously uninhabited valley of the Breitach, clearing the slopes and settling in the valley. the Hochalppass at 1938 meters altitude. From there, the mountain path continues to the Upper Bärguntalpe, where for the first time the view opens onto the summit panorama of the Allgäu main ridge. Shortly thereafter, at a branch, you have the opportunity to descend to the idyllic lake Hochalpsee in a few minutes.  Then it is not far to the summit route to the Grosser Widderstein. Back on the main path you hike in about twenty minutes to the Widderstein hut (2015 m). However, before the trail bends to the east towards the hut, old traces lead further north. Follow them until you get a nice view of the Leopoldshörnle. This summit, which was not mentioned in the maps or merely marked with a cross symbol, stands out conspicuously from the Widderstein massif. First you have to cross the saddle (at 2080 m), the connection to the massif, northwest of the summit (here a remarkable view!). From there you can see the path tracks that lead to the summit in the northwestern flank. Initially easy walking terrain, the terrain is steep, but the kicks in the Schrofenflanke remain generous till you reach a bit exposed path and finally the exit on the grassy, narrow Leopoldshörnle summit (2136 m).

Back on the main path you hike in about twenty minutes to the Widderstein hut (2015 m) and from there to the Gemstelpass (1972 m). Soon the track turns northeast and descends to the Upper Gemstelalpe (1694 m). From there it goes through a gorge (two secured passages) further down to the cultivated Hinter Gemstelalpe (1320 m). Now in a northerly direction always follow the course of Gemstelbach to Immerboden and on foot or by bus back to the starting point in Baad, about one and a half kilometers away