Meadows of flowers, torrents, panoramic views and a cozy hut to stop off at - a hike to the Bichlbacher Alm offers mountain lovers everything their hearts desire.
On good days, the south-facing location also provides plenty of sun. Let's go in Lähn. The village lies in the narrow valley between Ehrwald and Reutte. From Lähn you can see a kilometer-long ridge of grass mountains over 2000 meters high. It has beautiful peaks like the broad-shouldered Blattberg. However, the high grass flanks have been the doom of the village several times. In 1456, for example, a massive “Staublähn” (dust avalanche) destroyed numerous houses. The sunny slopes are a rewarding destination for today's hikers - especially since the Bichlbacher Alm awaits them halfway up.
The beautiful path up meanders through flower-rich meadows, then through a few wooded sections. Small hunting lodges hide behind the trees and clearings. To the south the view becomes clear to the northernmost corner post of the Lechtal Alps. Above all, you have the elegant Pleisspitze in your sights.
In the impassable Rigetal under the northern flanks of the mountain, a beautiful waterfall falls down - large avalanche remnants provide replenishment in June. After a steep ascent you come to the Almsträßchen. It goes a short distance east on it, then it is
The famous mountain fires will be lit on June 22nd this year.
© Rauch
reached the Alm. The stable wooden structure with the large terrace has only been in place since the 1990s. Several previous buildings were destroyed - in addition to fires, avalanches were primarily responsible. The Schretter family from Ehrwald has been managing the Alm for 16 years. Their specialties include homemade sausage and bacon dumplings. Friends of great panoramas can feast on a broad summit show: Behind the Pleisspitze runs the long rock ridge of Grubigstein and Gartnerwand. The red stone protrudes on the right. Further to the left is the western part of the Mieminger chain: from the Hochwannig and the glove tips to the Wamperten Schrofen and the Sonnenspitze. With a little surefootedness, the exciting descent over the "Rote Riepe" is then worthwhile. The trail initially leads as a narrow path through open meadows. Pay attention to the blobs of color on the stones and boulders scattered around here.
The “Rote Riepe” lives up to its name - mudslides and avalanches have exposed reddish gravel and sand from the depths of the mountains. Later the path dips into the ditch of the Dristelbach. He follows the foaming torrent a little before it leads into the forest. It goes downhill quite directly and quickly until you suddenly find yourself in front of the tracks of the Ausserfernbahn. For a while it goes west on the panorama path, then the starting point is reached again.
By the way, those who do the hike on June 22nd (alternative date in bad weather: June 29th) should take their time until the evening. Then countless mountain fires can be observed on the way back in the Ehrwald valley basin from 9:30 a.m. Numerous clubs and around 400 helpers install the mountain fires shaped like Christian symbols below many peaks. Around 8,000 individual campfire sites then form crosses, chamois heads or flowers when viewed from the valley. Three years ago, the mountain fires around Ehrwald and Lermoos were even recognized as an intangible Unesco cultural heritage.
From Christian Rauch
BICHLBACHER ALM (1591 METER)
DIRECTIONS - Autobahn A 95 and B 2 to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and direction Reutte via Lermoos to Lähn. Some parking spaces at the train station. Parking is possible at Gasthof Krone in the village (please ask the landlord). Train: From Munich by train to Garmisch-P., Change direction Reutte. The tour starts at the Lähn request stop (let the train driver know!).
TOUR - walking time: 3-3.5 hours, approx. 500 meters difference in altitude. Good mountain paths and climbs. The descent over the "Rote Riepe" is somewhat steeper, slippery when wet. Course: From Lähn train station to Dorfstraße, briefly right (out of town) and right across the tracks at the hiking signs. At a large wooden sign “Bichlbacher Alm” keep left and at the next signposted junction keep right (sign “Bichlbacher Alm / Alpenrosensteig”).
The forest road turns into a path that leads up to the right at further hiking signs (do not continue left towards the Alpenrosensteig). After a longer ascent at the top of the Almstraße right. A little downhill, then left over a last serpentine up to the Bichlbacher Alm. Descent over the “Rote Riepe”: Down the upper serpentine and keep left at the junction (sign “Lermoos / Lähn”). Soon from the forest road, turn right on a small path through meadows (marked red and white on rocks and small wooden posts). Later it goes left over the stream, then only near the stream, later down in the forest. In the valley on a forest road briefly left, then right again on the steep path down (sign “Lähn / Bichlbach”). At the bottom right through the railway underpass and following the signs “Panoramaweg Lähn / Bichlbach” back to Lähn.
TIP - For fit hikers, full-blown summit destinations such as the Blattberg (also known as Plattberg or Hochschrutte) await above the Alm. With approx. 3 hours of additional walking time, you can "take" the Blattberg with you at the top of the Almstrasse (marked, exposed at the summit with easy climbing passages).
INFORMATION - 1. Bichlbacher Alm, open daily except Monday. Tel .: 0043/664/79 94 493. 2nd Ehrwald mountain fire on June 22nd from around 9.30 p.m., alternative date in bad weather on June 29th. Good observation area at the indoor pool. Info: www.bergfeuer.at
MAP - Compass Map 4, Füssen, Ausserfern.
