After setting off from the Hanauer Hütte early in the morning, I already experienced a breathtaking mountain panorama on the way to the Bittrichscharte from the summit of the Kogelseespitze, which rises strikingly here on the left in the middle ground, and with Gufelsee and Bittrichsee, two splashes of turquoise and green in a wildly romantic landscape of rocks and alpine meadows. Read more
After descending from the summit of the Kogelseespitze, Lake Gufelsee awaits in the sheltered basin below the Gufelseejoch – another highlight and a wonderful spot for a lunch break. I’m lying in the grass in the sun, watching a group of ibex on the western slopes of the Parzinnspitze, seen here on the left of the picture. To reach today’s destination, the Württemberger Haus, I’ll descend to the Hintere and Vordere Gufelalpe, before heading over the Bittrichscharte into the Obermedriol. Read more
The Kogelseespitze (2,647 m) is an excellent vantage point, offering panoramic views of the main ridge of the Lechtal Alps, including the Parseierspitze, Leiterspitze, Bittrichkopf, the nearby Parzinn and Dremelspitze, as well as the Allgäu Alps to the north, behind the deeply incised Lechtal valley. The image above shows approximately 180 degrees from southwest to northeast. The summit of the Kogelseespitze lies about 270 metres above the Gufelseejoch, a pass from the Hanauer Hütte to Gramais or the Württemberger Haus, and is easily accessible via the southeast flank for sure-footed hikers. Read more
With its battlements and towers, the Dremelspitze (2733 m) looks like a formidable rock fortress and, like the entire Parzinn group, is reminiscent of the Dolomites. The sharp peaks in the warm light of the low-lying evening sun cast long, dark shadows, emphasising the harsh rock lines. I sit alone at the heli-pad next to the hut, while almost all other hikers have already disappeared inside, and experience atmospheric moments. Read more
The Hanauer Hut is majestically situated in a commanding position on a steep slope in the upper Angerletal valley. The short two-hour stage from the starting point Boden am Hahntennjoch left me enough time to thoroughly explore the area around the hut in the afternoon. Walking in nature quickly allowed me to leave everyday life completely behind. This summer day in the mountains – lush and fragrant meadows and pines, a refreshing Radler after a strenuous climb, and the gentle excitement in anticipation of new encounters, experiences, and challenges – felt wonderful. Read more
Many years ago, I got to know the wild, pristine and quiet Lechtal Alps on a spring tour from the Ansbacher Hütte to the Memminger Hütte, and had to descend there due to a cold front with snowfall without being able to catch a glimpse of the surrounding mountain peaks and lakes. Since then, I’ve carried the wish to continue the multi-day hike along the main ridge.
Since Ascension Day fell on a Monday, it was a long weekend for Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Austria. The weather forecast predicted a stable high-pressure area – a rarity in the summer here. So, at short notice, I took the Friday off – aware that I would be sharing this pleasure with many other mountain lovers. I decided to follow the main ridge from the Hahntennjoch towards the west, i.e. in the first part climbing from Boden to the Hanauer Hütte, then reaching the Württemberger Haus in a second stage and finally descending back into the Lechtal via the Memminger Hütte.
Towards the end of summer 2011, a season many will recall as rainy and changeable, a persistent high-pressure system delivered the last warm late summer days, stretching into October. As this period of good weather drew to a close, I spent what were likely the last two summer days on a business trip to Italy. After departing from Stuttgart, I witnessed a cloudless sunrise over the Alps and the Swabian Jura. Read more
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