Stunning tightrope walk along the Nagelfluhkette in the Allgäu Alps.
Where the Alps begin, the Lake Constance is close and a special rock shapes the landscape, there lies the Nature Park Nagelfluhkette. At the interface between the Allgäu and the Bregenz Forest, a great cultural landscape has developed in the Allgäu Alps over many centuries.
Today I want to tell you about my tightrope walk along the snow and ice covered Nagelfluhkette.
Starting point was the Gunzesrieder valley near Sonthofen.
From the parking lot at the Gunzesrieder-Säge I went through the beautiful forest to the first summit of the tour, the Stuiben at 1749m altitude, which has its name from the snow, which is blown by the strong west wind from the mountain and is visible from afar.
(View from the first peak, the Stuiben)
After a short snack break on the summit, I continued along the ridge to the next summit, the Steineberg at 1683m altitude, which can be reached via a high ladder (17m).
(View to the Sedererstuiben on the right side)
(View to the Steineberg, my next destination)
The narrow paths along the ridge were very icy and slippery. I was glad that I had my light crampons with me.
There were many hikers on the mountain that day, but only a few had the right equipment and footwear for these weather conditions. Many slipped and fortunately, I was able to hold one hiker as he slid down the ice to the slope.
Going on an icy tightrope with normal sneakers is not a good idea.
Please don't do this!!
(Icy tightrope)
(The Steineberg, my last peak today)
Arrived on the Steineberg, there was again a small break before I went to the descent.
On the way back, the setting sun has lit up the Alpine panorama in beautiful shades.
(The 17-meter long ladder on the Steineberg)
(Beautiful alpine panorama of the Allgäu Alps)
All in all a breathtaking but also a demanding tightrope walk on the Nagelfluhkette in the Allgäu Alps.
And please, when you go up the mountain, look how the weather conditions are and adjust your gear and your footwear accordingly. Unfortunately, many hikers have accidents every year, because they are hiking on icy mountains with the wrong shoes and missing equipment.
So, take care and enjoy the unique, wild nature... :-)
All photographs in this blog post ware made with my Olympus TG-4