The Heilbronner Weg: Germany's highest mountain trail inspires hikers!

The Heilbronner Weg: Germany's highest mountain trail inspires hikers!

The Heilbronner Weg in the Allgäu Alps is not only one of the oldest, but also the highest high-altitude route in Germany open to tourists. It holds two German records: With a continuous altitude of over 2,400 meters, which varies between 2,432 and 2,615 meters, it is the most demanding hiking route in the country. Every year the route attracts numerous mountaineers who are carried away by the spectacular views and the unique nature. This information reported Mercury.

The hike starts in Oberstdorf, specifically at the Renksteg car park, and the entire trekking tour stretches over 4.24 kilometers. The path leads from the Rappenseehütte, which is at an altitude of 2,091 meters, over the Bockkarscharte to the Hoher Licht, the highest point of the Heilbronner Weg. The walking time from the start to the Kemptner Hut is around 5 to 6 hours, although good endurance, sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential.

Unique challenges and dream views

The fascinating route partly resembles a via ferrata and has some technical passages secured by steel rope insurance, ladders and an aluminum bridge. The Heilbronner Weg is considered high alpine terrain. The “Heilbronner Törle”, a narrow rock crevice that serves as an ideal photo opportunity, is particularly popular. Due to the snow conditions, the best time for an ascent is from the beginning of July to the end of September, when the old snow fields on the north side are usually cleared out. Planning is recommended for weekdays, as the huts are particularly busy on weekends during the holiday season Mountain time highlights.

The mountain trail itself lasts a total of two to three days. The route leads over calcareous alpine ceilings of the Allgäu Main Dolomite, the only representative of the oldest rock layers in the Allgäu Alps. There are also some ranze peaks that are ideal for detours, including the Rappenseekopf (2,469 m), the Mädelegabel (2,645 m) and the Großer Krottenkopf (2,656 m). These challenges make the Heilbronner Weg attractive not only for experienced mountaineers, but also for those who travel with a mountain guide to expand their alpine experience.

Interesting facts and historical review

The Heilbronner Weg was inaugurated in 1899, making it one of the most traditional high-altitude trails in the Allgäu. What many people don't know is that the construction costs rose from the original 4,500 to 8,500 marks, partly due to complex rock blasting. The route itself has remained largely unchanged to this day and has only been maintained through annual maintenance work. During the Second World War, access was temporarily prohibited. A lightning strike in 1985, which destroyed the steel cable insurance on the ridge of the Steinschartenkopf, also made a general overhaul necessary. Ultimately, the path was repaired again in the summer of 2000, as shown on the website Oberstdorf can be read.

Whether for experienced hikers or curious newcomers, the Heilbronner Weg offers an incomparable experience amidst alpine beauty and should be at the top of every mountaineering list!