From the Kristberg to the Lobspitze

Starting Point

Kristbergbahn Upper Station

Directions

From the Kristbergbahn mountain station, follow the trail into the valley toward Lobsteg and Wildried. The first section winds steadily up and down through forests and open countryside, offering frequent views of the upper Silbertal.

After a while, you’ll reach Wildried, one of the high-altitude moorlands in the Verwall. From there, the trail descends slightly before the actual long ascent begins. You’ll climb up to the Gretschalpe on a wider gravel path.

Just past the alp, the trail becomes significantly steeper. You continue following the mountain trail uphill and eventually reach Gretschsee, which lies nestled in the increasingly barren mountain landscape.

From the lake, the trail leads you further up to the Lobspitze at 2,561 meters. As you gain altitude, the view opens up further and further across the rear Silbertal valley and the peaks of the Verwall.

After a rest at the summit, you’ll descend via the same route. Passing by the Gretschsee and the Gretschalpe, you’ll return to Wildried and finally, via the Lobsteg, back to the Kristbergbahn mountain station.

End Point

Kristbergbahn Mountain Station

The starting point for this tour is the Kristbergbahn mountain station. Please note the operating hours.

By public transportation:
The Montafon Landbus and the Montafonerbahn offer a convenient and flexible way to get around the valley. The train and bus provide regular service between the towns, running every half hour or every hour, depending on the route. You can find the right connection HERE. Get off at the Silbertal Kristbergbahn stop . Then take the Kristbergbahn up to the starting point at the mountain station.

By car:
Take the A14 to the Bludenz/Montafon exit, then follow Montafonerstraße L188 to Schruns. From Schruns, continue along Silbertalerstraße into Silbertal. Paid parking is available at the Kristbergbahn valley station. From there, take the Kristbergbahn up to the Kristberg.

The Lobspitze is a long and challenging mountain hike. At around 21 kilometers, with a walking time of nearly ten hours and an elevation gain and loss of about 1,700 meters, it requires excellent physical conditioning.

Sure-footedness, alpine experience, and sturdy hiking boots are required. Check the current weather and trail conditions before setting out, and do not attempt the summit hike if the weather is unstable, visibility is poor, or there is a risk of thunderstorms.

Due to the long walking time, you should set out early and be sure to take the Kristbergbahn’s operating hours into account. During the 2026 summer season, the cable car runs daily from 7:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Be sure to bring plenty of drinks and food. There are no reliable places to stop for refreshments along the actual summit route between Kristberg and Lobspitze.

Appreciating Wildried: The path to the summit doesn’t begin with the steep ascent. Wildried and the tranquil landscapes of the upper Silbertal are just as much a part of this hike as the summit itself.

A Break at Gretschsee: Before the final ascent to the Lobspitze begins, Gretschsee is a great spot for a short rest.

Start Early: With nearly ten hours of hiking time, the Lobspitze makes for a full day on the mountain. Starting early leaves plenty of time for breaks, changes in weather, and the return trip to the Kristbergbahn.

Don’t underestimate the distance: The first section from Kristberg to Wildried seems relatively gentle. The significant elevation gain comes later. Pace yourself accordingly.

EN NOTRUF:

EN 140 - Alpine Notfälle österreichweit 

EN 144 - Alpine Notfälle Vorarlberg 

EN 112 - Euro-Notruf (funktioniert mit jedem Handy/Netz)