Let´s go for a very interesting tour crossing from Retterschwangertal to Illertal . We will be summiting 3 peaks along a very nice ridge that gives the chance to see many other famous Allgäu peaks from a different perspective.
The Retterschwanger Valley is an alpine valley in the Oberallgäu district, flowing through the Bsonderach, a tributary of the Ostrach. It joins the Ostrachtal valley near the Bad Hindelang district of Bruck. The valley is known for its tranquil atmosphere, traditional farms, and rich flora and fauna.
From the town, we follow the marked hiking trails leading eastward towards Retterschwang. The trail meanders through lush meadows, dense forests, and offers panoramic views of the Allgäu Alps always going straight in southern direction on a quite easy path where we will try to proceed with a good pace so to save time for the ridge later. On the way we have on one side the Sonnenköpfe, on the other the Breitenberg, Rotspitze, Heubatspitze, Hohe Gänge and at the end the Entschenkopf. Very beautiful views!
Soon after the Sennalpe Mitterhaus we turn right on a path that brings us till Südlisches Falchenjoch (1668m). From the Nebelhorn a ridge moves north towards Falchenjoch, which carries the Sonnenköpfe.
- Schnippenkopf (1833 m)
- Heidelbeerkopf (1767 m)
- Sonnenkopf (1712 m)
The crossing of these three peaks is a
very nice panoramic ridge tour. On the way, especially in early summer, we are delighted with the wonderful flower
wealth. We reach Schnippenkopf (1833m) first. Great views of Grünten, Hörnerkette, Daumengruppe, Entschenkopf and Nebelhorn are waiting for us!
From the Schnippenkopf we follow the marked hiking trail to the north.
We reach
the saddle and climb over the ridge
to the second summit of our tour, the Heidelbeerkopf (1767 m). From
here we follow the ridge further north to Sonnenkopf (1712 m), where we
sit down on the bench under the large summit cross and enjoy the
fantastic panoramic view of the Illertal.
It is said that Sonnenkopf was once a sacred mountain for regional tribes. According to legend, a mighty warrior once battled a dragon on its slopes. The dragon was defeated, but its fiery breath is believed to have carved the jagged rocks we see today. The mountain became sacred, and locals believe it's still inhabited by mystical creatures watching over the land.
After an extensive summit rest on this panoramic strip we set off on the descent to Sonnenklause first where we can stop for a quick break with drinks. We then descend west through beatiful Hinanger waterfalls till we reach Altstädten train station where we gonna catch the train back home.