Vorarlberg hut-to-hut

The trail begins (and ends) at Mellau. With the choice of taking the lift or hiking up, we decide to tackle the steep forest trail. The initial climb is tough, but you’ll be motivated by the glimpses of the Bodensee and mountains. As you reach above the treeline, you’ll move through alpine meadows populated with traditional huts.

You can take a break at Kanisalpe, where you’ll be treated to local delicacies and beautiful views of the Bregenzerwald. The final stretch is a gentle gravel path where you’ll be greeted by peaceful cows. Also, there are a lot of beautiful wildflowers. After 12.4 km on the trail, you arrive at the first hut: Edelweiss am Öberle. You’ll be stunned by the hut’s modern touch, especially for the region. The Kässpätzle and Schnaps are highly recommended.

We wanted to see the sunrise from the top of the 2,044m Kanisfluh, so at 3:00 AM, we were up and ready for the highlight of the day. The Voralberg hut-to-hut tour feels mysterious in the dark. You have to stay focused on your steps. The Kanisfluh is only 500m away from the hut, but it’s a steep climb and it feels more challenging because of the darkness. As dawn broke, the horizon blushed with purple and orange, a big reward for the early start.

After descending, you can enjoy some breakfast at the hut. The next 8 km will bring you towards the Elsenalpstube hut. This section showcases the rugged beauty of Vorarlberg: big cliffs, meadows with wildflowers, and high peaks of the Hohe Ifen and Kanisfluh. There are a lot of ibexes here, so the chance is high that you’ll spot one. By the time we reached the Elsenalpstube perched on a plateau, Kaiserschmarrn and Holunderblütensaft were calling our names.

The third stage kicks off with a climb to Hochblanken at 2,068m. Despite the warm weather, we saw a couple of small snowfields. It was a beautiful contrast between the big green valleys and the white snow. The constantly changing terrain, from rocky passes to grassy meadows, keeps the trail exciting. A detour to Ragazer Blanken’s summit is a great option for more stunning views.

During the final kilometers of this Voralberg hut-to-hut tour you’ll pass Sünser See, an alpine lake. The path is quite easy, but the views are amazing. Every corner has new views. Freschenhaus, a remote hut perched on a ridge, is a great place to take in the vistas with a sense of isolation and serenity. The food here is amazing, especially the goulash.

Day four completes the loop, back to Mellau. The 14 km trail begins with rocky paths and a visit to Portlakopf’s summit (1,905m). From here, it’s a long descent with breathtaking views of steep cliffs, shaded valleys, and little streams. A quaint chapel signals the return to civilization, where you end up in Mellau again.

This trail is proof that you don’t need extreme distances or altitudes to have an amazing alpine experience.

The best time of the year to hike the Vorarlberg hut-to-hut tour is from June through September. Keep in mind you’ll need to be prepared for multiple weather conditions. Always check the trail conditions and weather forecasts.

Additionally, consider your hiking experience and skill level, as some parts of this trail are challenging. So bring the proper equipment with you, such as solid shoes and hiking poles.

You can reach the start and finish point by car or bus. The trail signage is great, but hiking with GPX makes it easier. Especially when you want to do more detours or climb other peaks in the area.

The trail has some challenging parts, so you have to be in good condition and have some hiking experience. Hiking poles, a sun hoody, and sturdy shoes are recommended. The terrain varies from steep forest trails to rocky alpine paths, which makes the hike moderately challenging.