Walking in the Bavarian Alps. Grant Bourne

church that dates from 1463. Plenty of walks start in or near the town, and there is a nicely situated campsite only a few kilometres further south in the direction of Baad.

WALK 9

      Kanzelwandbahn to Fellhorn and Söllereck

Start	Riezlern
Distance	14km (8¾ miles)
Total ascent	290m (951ft)
Total descent	1100m (3609ft)
Grade	1–2
Time	5¼hr
Maps	Kleinwalsertal (Zumstein Verlag) 1:25,000; Kompass-Wanderkarte No 3: Allgäuer Alpen – Kleinwalsertal
Refreshments	Fellhorn Bergstation, Söller Alpe, Schrattenwang Alpe, Mittel Alpe
Transport	Walserbus Line1 Kleinwalsertal – Oberstdorf
Parking	Car park next to Kanzelwandbahn

      This popular ridge walk allows some magnificent views over the Kleinwalsertal and Allgäu Alps. The track, which runs directly along the German–Austrian border, offers virtually no shade so it is wise to bring a hat and plenty to drink.

      From the upper station of the Kanzelwand cable railway (1968m), walk a short distance in the direction of the Warmatsgundkopf then turn northeast and descend to the Gund Saddle (1800m). It is a steep climb from here up to the Fellhorn (2038m), but before reaching the summit the track passes the upper station of the Fellhornbahn and those in need of a drink and a rest can stop here.

      Unfortunately, this is also where the track starts getting really crowded, as just about everybody who rides up with the Fellhornbahn has the summit as their goal. Accompanied by dozens of fellow walkers, the cross at the top is soon reached. Once there the crowds and effort of the climb are quickly forgotten as the alpine panorama is revealed in all its splendour.

      The ridge walk is famed for the abundance of wildflowers

      The crowd thins out as you continue along the ridge over the Schlappoldkopf (1968m) to Schlappolteck, with excellent views in all directions the whole way.

      At Schlappolteck the path going downhill to the right leads to Schlappolt Alpe (refreshments) and the Schlappoltsee, a small lake just below the Fellhornbahn’s middle station (Station Schlappoltsee). This very easy path can be followed by those who wish to return to the upper station of the Kanzelwandbahn via the Gund Saddle – alternative to the direct route back along the ridge.

      The ridge walk continues downhill to the left in the direction of Söllereck (1706m) and the Söllereckbahn. The Söllereck cable car takes you down to the B19 road from where the Walserbus runs to Riezlern and Oberstdorf. The bus stop is near the Sölleckbahn car park. Shortly before reaching Söllereck the trail descends right to Söller Alpe (refreshments). From here an unpaved vehicle road brings you in a northerly direction to the cable car station and a couple of mountain inns (refreshments and accommodation). Before reaching the cable car, however, turn left just above Berghaus am Söller towards Schrattenwang Alpe. Now follow an easy path southwest via Amans Alpe and Mittel Alpe (1300m) to Riezlern.

      Shorter alternative with Fellhornbahn (3¾hr)

      Faistenoy and the Fellhornbahn can be quickly reached by car or with bus 9762 from Oberstdorf. The gondola lift is taken to its upper station, just below the Fellhorn summit. From here the walk is identical to that described above until shortly before reaching the vicinity of the Söllereckbahn. Near a curve in the road that continues down to Berghaus am Söller, a faded sign directs you downhill to the right along a simple track in the direction of Berggasthof Hochleite and the valley station of the Fellhornbahn.

      The track soon leads to a boardwalk across a patch of moor. Now follow the signs towards Hochleite and Schwand. The trail enters the woods and starts descending a steep gravel road which eventually meets up with a paved road in an area of meadows. Here a sign directs you left to Hochleite and a bit further on another set of signs to the right. The Gasthaus enjoys an idyllic situation amidst lush green meadows and serves good food on top.

      Berggasthof Hochleite

      After Berggasthof Hochleite continue downhill in the direction of the Fellhornbahn Talstation. The trail descends through a mixture of forest and meadow and on reaching a sealed road swings left down to Schwand. Pass Gasthof Schwand on your left and at the intersection go right towards the Fellhornbahn which is no more than ½hr from here. This easy section along a gently descending road through meadows is quite pretty in early summer when they are bright with wildflowers.

WALK 10