Verwallgruppe

Several peaks above the three-thousand-meter mark and some nature reserves in the Vorarlberg region paint a picture of the romantic originality that mountain enthusiasts appreciate so much.

It is not only hikers who are drawn to the region in Vorarlberg and Tyrol, between Bludenz and Landeck, but also climbers, mountain bikers, and even ski tourers in the frosty season. In addition to the Rätikon, the Silvretta, the Samnaun group, and the Lechtal Alps, the Lechquellengebirge also borders the Verwall group.

Several high-altitude trails crisscross the mountain range like a finely meshed network, where paths meet again and again and lead towards new adventures. On these partially quite challenging high-altitude hiking trails, the entire mountain range can be crossed without the need to descend into the valley. Nevertheless, you will find enough places to start the descent in case of an emergency.

The classic "Verwall Round" starts either in St. Christoph am Arlberg or in Pettneu am Arlberg - vice versa - and depending on the motivation and speed of the hikers, takes four to eight days. Glacier equipment is required in some parts. At the same time, some managed shelters and self-catering shelters offer a place for overnight rest. Here you will find a flyer with a checklist that describes the route in detail.

The Hohe Riffler (3,168 meters) is the highest of the Verwall group mountains and offers the widest view of the area. If the weather is good, the view extends to the Silvretta, the Samnaun mountains, the Ötztal Alps, and the Ortler group. Thanks to its not too demanding normal route, extraordinary climbing skills are not required for the summit storm, which makes the Hohe Riffler an easily manageable three-thousander - at least as far as the southern summit is concerned. However, alpine climbing skills are a prerequisite to reach the slightly higher northern summit from here.

The second place on the podium of the highest mountains in the Verwall group goes to the Kuchenspitze (3,148 meters) between Stanzer Tal and Paznaun. South of St. Anton am Arlberg, its glaciated cones rise steeply. Only a few dare to venture onto this mountain - steep, icy walls pose high demands on those who do dare and should have no problem with loneliness. From the Konstanzer Hütte, it goes through the Fasultal and over the Kuchenferner (pay attention to glacier crevasses here!) to the summit. Expect slippery rock surfaces, extremely steep passages, and brittle rock. This is later compensated by the wide panorama, as no higher mountain blocks the view.

The "beautiful valley" also declares itself a bird sanctuary, where almost half of all protected species native to Vorarlberg can be found. These include, in addition to the rock ptarmigan and capercaillie, the black woodpecker, golden eagle, eagle owl, red-backed shrike, peregrine falcon, and the Eurasian pygmy owl.

Mountain bikers are catered to with two Transalp long-distance cycling routes - the Joe Route, which leads from Oberstdorf in the German Upper Allgäu to Riva del Garda in the Italian Trentino, and the Albrecht Route from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Torbole on Lake Garda with a travel time of seven days.