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WALK 5

Edmund-Probst-Haus to the Oytal

Start	Oberstdorf
Distance	20.5km (13 miles)
Total ascent	580m (1903ft)
Total descent	1684m (5525ft)
Grade	2–3
Time	7hr
Maps	Kompass-Wanderkarte No 3: Allgäuer Alpen – Kleinwalsertal
Refreshments	Käser Alpe, Untere Guten Alpe, Oytal Haus, Café Jägerstand
Transport	Local bus (Ortsbus) to bus stop Nebelhornbahn
Parking	Car park (parking fee) next to Nebelhornbahn
Accommodation	Edmund-Probst-Haus
Note	At the valley station ask for a ticket to the Bergstation, not the Gipfelstation which is at the very top.

This is one of the most scenically rewarding routes in the entire Allgäu Alps. Although there are a few very narrow and somewhat exposed sections of track, where sure-footedness is a prerequisite, it requires above all stamina. Apart from a few steep climbs, and the long descent into the Oytal, it is mostly relatively easy walking along a fairly level, clearly defined alpine trail. In spite of this, the route should not be attempted in unstable weather conditions.

Considering the length of this route it is best to go up with one of the first gondolas (0900 before, and 0830 after, 1 July). If there are enough people queuing the cable railway might even start ½hr or so earlier. The trip up takes around 20min and brings you to the Höfatsblick restaurant, situated below the Nebelhorn summit at an altitude of 1929m.

Because the excursion to the summit of the Nebelhorn (2224m) itself involves a rather lengthy detour, it is best to leave the ascent for another day and to continue south past Edmund-Probst-Haus towards the saddle between the Hüttenkopf and the Zeiger (the route is signposted ‘Laufbacher Eck/Himmeleck/Oytal’), a mere 15min away. Directly below the saddle, nestled at the foot of the Seeköpfel like a glistening blue gem, is the pretty Seealpsee.

Autumn tones at Seealpsee

A steep track goes down past the Seealpsee and would bring you in roughly 2hr directly to Oytal Haus. However, the section of the trail known as the Gleitweg is exposed in places and should be avoided in wet conditions. On no account attempt to walk directly down from the tarn! Slippery grass slopes lead to an abrupt drop over the cliffs of the Seewände.

The route continues along path 428, past the two Seeköpfe to the point where the track curves around the Schochen (2100m). It is often possible to observe chamois grazing on the steep grass slopes near here; anyone equipped with a telephoto lens (at the very least 200mm) might get a few nice portraits. To the south the Höfats and Großer Wilder rise high above the Oytal, dwarfing the tiny Käser Alpe hut, which is located on the basin between. Behind them are lofty peaks belonging to the main Allgäu chain: the three Trettachspitze, the Mädelegabel and the Kratzer.

Turning sharply east, the trail (marked on the map as Laufbacheckweg) now heads towards the Laufbacher-Eck. Before reaching it, however, it is first necessary to cross a steep rock face below the Lachenkopf. This very short section of track does not present any real problems (a wire rope is provided), but the rock is very smooth and some care is necessary if it is wet. After successfully navigating this obstacle it is not long before you begin the steep ascent up to the saddle just below the Laufbacher Eck (2179m). The summit is quickly reached from here.

The tremendous panorama is dominated, to the north, by the chain of mountains stretching from the Nebelhorn to the Breitenberg (the route of the famous Hindelanger Klettersteig or via ferrata). To the northeast is the Rauhhorn and neighbouring peaks, while southeast it is the mighty rock pyramid of the Hochvogel that claims attention.

From the saddle, descend quite steeply down a slippery, pebble-strewn path towards (but not right down to) a mountain rescue hut (Bergwachthütte on map). This stretch usually coincides with the midday heat, but before climbing up to the Himmeleck there is a good spot where you can pause for lunch below the Schneck, a distinctive rock pinnacle which, when observed from a position further south, takes on the appearance of an immense snail crawling downhill. At the Himmeleck Saddle (2001m) you can stop for another breather; this spot is known among botanists because of the edelweiss that grows here. These rare flowers are protected and picking them is strictly forbidden. A short detour to the right goes up a grass slope to the Himmeleck summit (2151m).

Instead of continuing on from below the Schneck to Himmeleck, this route can be extended into a multi-day tour by continuing along path 428 to Prinz-Luitpold Haus. Shortly after passing Schönberg Hut the trail crosses the Stierbach stream and goes past the track (to the left) down to Giebel Haus in the Bärgündeletal. From here Prinz-Luitpold-Haus is soon reached on a good trail – 1hr from Schneck. Spend the night at the hut, then continue next day to Landsberger Hut in Austria (see Walk 6).

The rest of the route back to Oberstdorf is all downhill. Already on the way to Wildenfeld Hut the trail loses about 300m in altitude. The stretch of track that passes below the scree-covered slopes of the Großer and Kleiner Wilder is quite badly eroded in places and can be extremely slippery if wet. Chamois are often seen in the vicinity. At the small hut turn right; the trail now zigzags steeply down to Käser Alpe. Surrounded by craggy peaks, the hut has a magnificent situation (refreshments available for walkers from July–late October).

For the final leg of the walk, continue downhill along a gravel road into the Oytal. An attraction en route is the impressive Stuibenfall waterfall, only 10min or so further on from the hut. After descending to Untere Guten Alpe (1048m) the road is quite flat and easy to walk. Continue along it past Oytal Haus, but then turn left along Dr. Hohenadlweg (signposted). In summer, Bergroller (scooters) can be hired at Oytal Haus for the stretch along the road back to Oberstdorf.

The picturesque trail runs directly along the Oybach stream as far as a bridge. From here the River Trettach is followed north towards Café Jägerstand. Cross another bridge below the café, and then follow the west bank of the river back to Oberstdorf. This track brings you back to the Nebelhornbahn and car park in around 20min.