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WALK 4

The Rubihorn

Start	Oberstdorf
Distance	13.4km (8 miles)
Total ascent	777m (2549ft)
Total descent	1226m (4022ft)
Grade	3
Time	5hr
Maps	Kompass-Wanderkarte No 3: Allgäuer Alpen – Kleinwalsertal
Refreshments	See Alpe, Gais Alpe, Café Breitenberg
Transport	Local bus (Ortsbus) to bus stop Nebelhornbahn
Parking	Car park next to cable railway (Nebelhornbahn)

As the paths along this route are often very steep and narrow, and require in some places at least sure-footedness, they are best left to the more experienced. However, those who would like to visit the lovely Gaisalpsee, and avoid the exposed stretch around the Rubihorn, could do so by starting out in Reichenbach (north of Oberstdorf) and then following the Tobelweg to Gais Alpe. From there continue on the track up to the Gaisalpsee. Return the same way.

The Nebelhorn cable railway is taken as far as Vordere See Alpe (1274m), the first stop, thus saving 1hr uphill walking. From here first walk a short distance downhill, then follow the sign ‘Rubihorn’ in a northwesterly direction through pastureland towards the Roßbichl (1466m). The path now curves its way sharply uphill, offering little shade on the way, to the narrow Niedereck Saddle between the Gaisalphorn on the right and the Rubihorn on the left. From here a narrow trail, with wire ropes securing exposed sections, passes the route down to Gaisalpsee on its way to the Rubihorn summit.

For the descent, return to the turn-off passed on the way to the summit and follow the zigzagging path down the mountain’s steep eastern slopes to the Unterer Gaisalpsee (Lower Gaisalpsee). Note that the route down to the lake runs through some rough terrain and involves losing roughly 400m in altitude over a very short distance. With the Rubihorn as a backdrop, the lake and Älpele Hut form a very picturesque ensemble, and a better place for a mountain picnic can scarcely be imagined. Once you have finally managed to drag yourself away from this idyllic setting, continue in a northwesterly direction, first along the steep wooded slopes of the Entschenkopf and then through fields to Gais Alpe. If you did not take advantage of the picnic possibilities by the lake, then food and drink are available at the restaurant here.

Go downhill from the alm along an asphalted road, pass a turn-off on the right to Reichenbach via the Tobelweg, then near a roadside chapel veer left along the Wallrafweg (Gaisalpweg) back to Oberstdorf. For the most part this easy path runs through woods. Just before town you pass Café Breitenberg, then the trail joins the road linking Oberstdorf to Vordere See Alpe.