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