Montafoner Verwall round | Silbertal to New Heilbronner Hut
Tour description
An idyllic high mountain route through the Verwall European protected area. It goes past the clear mountain lakes to the New Heilbronner Hut.
The Natura 2000 area “Verwall” is with approx. 120 km² the largest protected area in Vorarlberg. Transition is the characteristic of the Verwall. Because here is the transition from the Randel Alps to the Central Alps. This concerns both the rocks underground and the precipitation. On a small area, plants and habitats are interlocked here that appear strictly separated elsewhere.
Framed by the Klostertal, the Ill, and the Tyrolean state border, the European protected area encompasses a unique alpine habitat from the valley floor of the Litz to the two-thousand-metre peaks of the Verwall group. Here you find the largest larch-pine forests in Vorarlberg as well as numerous moors, lakes, extensive dwarf pine, alder and alpine rose bushes, colourful alpine meadows and rugged rock habitats. The seclusion and quiet of the area allows numerous endangered bird species and other wildlife to find undisturbed retreat areas here.
Approach
Drive on the A14 to the Bludenz/Montafon exit and continue on the Montafonerstraße L188 to Schruns. Through Schruns you reach Silbertal.
Public transport
Just leave your car parked
The regional buses operate throughout Montafon. The main lines run every half hour from Schruns station.
Bus stop at the start/finish of the route: Silbertal Kristbergbahn / Line 680
Timetable: www.vmobil.at
Arrival by train to Montafon
From Bludenz station, the Montafonerbahn runs hourly (partly every half hour). There are also direct connections from Lindau (D) and Bregenz.
Timetable: www.oebb.at
Parking
At the valley station of the Kristbergbahn
Directions
The starting point of this route is at the Kristbergbahn in Silbertal. From here, you can either take the hiking bus (www.montafon.at/wanderbus) to the Lower Gaflunaalpe or walk directly from Silbertal. However, the first stage is very long and you should have very good fitness.
From Silbertal, follow the path into the inner Silbertal. The path passes the Fellimännle inn to the Lower Gaflunaalpe. From here, it continues further into the inner Silbertal. At the upper Freschalpe, continue to Langsee.
After a short break at Langsee, the path leads you into the Schönverwall. Here, head right up to the Verbellner Winterjöchli. Above the Scheid lakes, you will find the New Heilbronner Hut.
Equipment
Good, ankle-high mountain shoes with a good profile, take sufficient food and drinks, hiking poles are recommended
Tips
I recommend the first part by the hiking bus "Inner Silbertal", as this shortens the route by 8 km or 2.5 hours.
Destination
New Heilbronner Hut
Starting Point
Silbertal, centre
Sicherheitstipps für Wandern in Vorarlberg
EN NOTRUF:
EN 140 - Alpine Notfälle österreichweit
EN 144 - Alpine Notfälle Vorarlberg
EN 112 - Euro-Notruf (funktioniert mit jedem Handy/Netz)
