We are going to the south.
After a very pleasant stay at the Mindelheimer Cabin and having a great evening with a small group of hikers from the German Saarland, who would follow us the next few days, we set out at 09.00 on a comparatively easy descent towards the end of the Rappenalp valley. After only a few yards, we were able to see almost the entire route, up to the Musskopfsattel below the Rappensee cabin. The panoramic view over the picturesque Rappenalptal and the impressive view of the Biberkopf opposite will be constant companions throughout the day. When we reach the end of the Rappenalp valley, our path leads a little south of a storage hut, over the lowest point of the route and in fact the entire Steinbock tour at an altitude of 5091 ft (about 1,552 m). We now ascend again over a mountain slope towards the Schrofenpass, and again full of alpine flowers in fields of green.
Follow the old smugglers' paths carefully.
Upon reaching the Schrofenpass, we must cross a few yards over an earthy, stony slope that is partly eroded. Here, concentration was required on a somewhat narrow trail. It was surprising that the subsequent and surprisingly wider climb to the Schrofenpass took place in the middle of a sometimes vertical rock face. Sections exposed to the elements were secured with steel cables and two aluminium bridges, which we had to cross. After the crossing, we quickly gained altitude due to the steep and rocky climb. At the top of the climb, the area widened out, and it was time to take a break, and fill our water bottles, with fresh mountain water.
It takes hard work, but it is worth every effort.
It is again a little steeper at first, but later becomes a wonderful, uphill walk from the heights of the Schrofenpass. Upon reaching the Salzbüchl, a fantastic high-altitude trail leads below the mighty north face of the Biberkopf to the Alpe of the same name. With the breathtaking view of the Schafalpenköpfe now opposite us, and the diverse, often rare flowers on the alpine pastures of the Biberalpe, this section is one of the most beautiful areas in the Allgäu Alps.
Mutzentobel, please watch your feet and take it easy.
When we reach the last few yards of the pasture floor of the Biberalpe, the path disappears over a few steep hairpin bends into the deep notch of the Mutzentobel. There are again steel cables attached to several meters of the crossing above a rock face. Shortly afterwards, the cabin connection leads across a stream bed. When there is old snow and in wet and slippery conditions, the Mutzentobel should be walked with particular care. After exiting the gorge, the path climbs slightly along a slope that, like at the beginning of the Schrofenpass, experiences a yearly struggle with erosion. After a few yards, our mountain path opens up again, and we begin a steady climb through fields of flowers. It is easy to feel that the path will never end, as the cabin is hidden behind a ridge, and only comes into sight when you are actually on the doorstep.
What an impressive sunset view.
Our friends from the Saarland had caught up with us, and after a short rest and checking into our rooms, we prepared ourselves to go outside as the sun was setting. We took a walk down to the Rappen Sea, about two hundred yards from the cabin, catching glimpses of numerous Marmots popping in and out of their holes on the way. Before the sun set, we climbed onto a ridge above the cabin to watch the sunset. It was one of the most beautiful and moving moments of my life.
