There are over 50km of maintained winter trails in Kleinwalsertal. Upon doing some internet research, we found one that was listed as a Top Tour on OutdoorActive.com and also enthusiastically recommended to us by the receptionist at Travel Charme Ifen Hotel when we checked in. That’s how we decided on the Schwarzwasserhütte (Black Water Hut). It turned out to be an excellent choice! The trail runs through a valley, giving you snow-covered mountain views on three sides! It is maintained all year long and it’s super easy to follow – once you find the start (see below). For a girl that loves mountains so much, you can see why I loved it:
Although my husband and I both enjoyed it, it was a much easier easier hike than we usually do. One description we found online indicated that it was over 800 metres of elevation gain, but that definitely wasn’t the case. The one found on OutdoorActive.com lists it as 414m, which is far more accurate. If you were in search of an easier hike for some reason, you could simply end your hike at the first hut you come across. The name escapes me, as we didn’t stop there, but you can’t miss it. It takes less than an hour to reach on a flat path that’s well signed – although for the most part they’re a bit redundant. There’s just path and it goes straight! The elevation starts after this hut to reach the Schwarzwasserhütte, but it’s manageable. If you’re in decent shape, it won’t be more than some light breathing. It’s definitely not a gasping for breath type of hike.
If you’re just hiking to the Schwarzwasserhütte you don’t need snowshoes since the hiking/skiing trail is maintained, but if you wanted to go beyond that, snowshoes would be extremely helpful, and that may be where the gasping for breath part of the hike comes in. I didn’t find out, as we ended our hike there – I had snowshoes with me, but my husband didn’t.
Beyond the Scwarzwasserhütte, lie mountains covered in deep powder (at least in March, when we were there), a popular spot for backcountry skiers. In summer, many trails in the region really open up, so you’d have a choice of extensions and peaks to choose from. I would love to come back in summer and climb one of the summits!
The trail to the Schwarzwasserhütte can be sen on the left. It starts at Ifen Ski resort and goes up through the valley.
Planning Your Hike to Schwarzwasserhütte in Kleinwalsertal
Insider Travel Tip: When you arrive at the hut, go around back and sit on the terrace for incredible mountain views. Note: You have to go inside to order.
Elevation Gain: 414 meters
Return Time: 2:45
Total Length: 9.9 km
Starting Point: Ifen Ski Resort (when you are facing the ski hill, the trail head is on the left, but it is not clearly marked – the rest of the trail is well marked and easy to follow)
Getting There: It’s ~5km from Hirschegg, the town where we stayed in. There is large parking lot. There’s also a bus that goes directly there.
Where to Stay: Travel Charme Hotel Ifen in Hirschegg. I loved my stay here and enjoyed the spa after my day of hiking. Read my full review here.