In the Alps, the Heilbronner Weg is one of the most beautiful high-altitude trails. However, it is also one of the most technically and conditionally difficult in the Allgäu Alps.
The Wiesleskar.
From the Rappen sea cabin, the Heilbronner Weg begins its climb over a grassy ridge and the large stone gap to the Wiesleskar. The imposing cirque was formed during the last ice age, amidst towering rocky peaks. A glacier once covered these hills, which reached as far as Munich a long time ago. It is slightly uphill and downhill as we cross the cirque towards the Hohes Licht. The climb is strenuous and winding, then leads further up to a scree ledge. Upon arriving in the rocky terrain of the Hohes Licht, hands were needed for the first time for support and stabilization. In this section, you will also find the first passages secured with steel cables.
A combination of rock, steel, and a fantastic mountain canvas.
The climb is steep and strenuous, leading to a rock ledge on the east face of the Hohes Licht. From here, the ascent to the summit is curved to the right. The Heilbronner Weg now climbs more leisurely uphill on the ledge. Many sections that are exposed or difficult are secured with steel cables. Even in spring, you may still come across one or the other old snow field. The Heilbronner Törle, which is a rocky archway through which the ascent leads, is a small highlight of the Höhenweg and is often used as a photo motif. After a few additional yards in rocky terrain, the path continues uphill to a small stone gap. This is the location of a steel ladder, as well as one of the airiest highlights of the Heilbronner Weg.
In the north and south, the rock faces drop steeply towards the valley, as the mountain ridge is only a few meters wide. After a short bridge made of aluminium, the path now leads back to between the rocks, downhill in the direction of the Socktalscharte. The last few meters were exhausting and the spectacular mountain scenery tempted us to distract ourselves from the climb, but we kept our concentration. After several yards of descent, the path reaches the Socktalscharte.
If anyone should encounter difficulties, a path down to the Waltenberger Haus could be taken now.
Amidst a sea of alpine peaks.
The path starts from the saddle and then climbs a number of rocky hairpin bends to the summit of the Bockkarkopf. We arrived at the top of the rocky head, and the summit area was suitable for a brief rest. It was an incredible view, and we were surrounded by a sea of Alpine peaks as far as the eye could see. For us, the rugged and rocky descent from the Bockkarkopf required a high level of concentration and sure footedness. The more challenging section of the Heilbronner Höhenweg ends at the Bockkarscharte. In gentler terrain, the Heilbronner Weg leads from here over the Black Milz and the Mädelejoch to Kemptner hut.
