Читать книгу Walking in the Bavarian Alps - Grant Bourne - Страница 19
ОглавлениеWALK 7
Gerstruben
| Start | Oberstdorf |
| Distance | 12.2km (7½ miles) |
| Total ascent | 399m (1309ft) |
| Total descent | 399m (1309ft) |
| Grade | 1 |
| Time | 3½hr |
| Maps | Kompass-Wanderkarte No 3: Allgäuer Alpen – Kleinwalsertal |
| Refreshments | Gasthof Gerstruben, Café Jägerstand |
| Transport | Local bus (Ortsbus) to bus stop Nebelhornbahn |
| Parking | Car park (parking fee) next to Nebelhornbahn |
The tiny settlement of Gerstruben was founded centuries ago by Valaisian migrants from Switzerland. Its picturesque farmhouses are reminiscent of those that can still be found in the Valais to this day. The small church with the Höfats in the background is a popular photo motif. Light refreshments and meals are available at Gasthof Gerstruben.
Start at the bridge over the Trettach, a short distance south of the Nebelhorn cable railway. Do not cross the river, but keep it on your left, and follow a track through woods which climbs up and away from the river – signposted Moorweiher. A bit further on, at a fork, take the trail signposted Moorschwimmbad – Moorweiher. Pass through meadows then, at the Moorschwimmbad (Moor Baths), continue on the signposted route to the Moorweiher. In about 5min you will reach this pond, situated idyllically on the edge of an upland moor.
The onward trail to Gerstruben leads through woods, along the edge of Oberstdorf’s golf course, to a small asphalt road. Turn left and follow the road uphill to a fork. Here take the road branching left to a bridge (Zwingbrücke) over the Trettach. On the other side the trail going left runs back to Oberstdorf in 1hr. The route continues right towards Gerstruben and soon reaches another fork. It is now easiest to follow the paved road that climbs directly to Gerstruben on your left, but the more interesting alternative is to continue right along the trail to the picturesque Hölltobel (Hell Gully).
What was at first a paved road soon deteriorates to gravel as it threads its way through pastures with a wonderful view to the mountains further south. After some 15min a narrow trail turns sharp left off the road and brings you to the wooded slopes concealing the Hölltobel.
Accompanied by the sound of rushing water, as the Dietersbach stream squeezes its way through a narrow corset of rock, you climb steeply alongside the gorge. At several places platforms allow a bird’s-eye view over the narrow chasm, and a little higher, you can clamber over a rock to view an impressive waterfall. After ½hr climbing the track reaches the asphalt road again and it is only a few minutes’ walk to Gerstruben.
Historic farmhouse at Gerstruben
This walk can be extended by continuing over the Hahnenkopf to the Oytal (see Walk 8). A shorter alternative would be to continue along the Dietersbachtal (Gerstrubental) to Gerstrubner Alpe (20min) or further to Dietersbach Alpe (1hr).
In Gerstruben, walk towards the church, then turn right along a signposted trail to Christlessee. After crossing pastures the trail starts to descend more steeply, and the Dietersbach stream is crossed on a small wooden bridge. The steep descent to the Dietersbach stream is aided by wire ropes. Extra care is required in wet conditions.
The trail now enters open forest on its way down to the valley. At the bottom go right, pass the turn-offs to Christlessee (a lake) and the Hölltobel, to reach the Zwingbrücke over the Trettach. Instead of returning the same way over the bridge, follow the trail along the right bank of the river. Oberstdorf is reached after 1hr walk with Café Jägerstand offering refreshments on the way.
