An impressive alpine route with two gorgeous lakes and many waterfalls.
In this article, I will take you through a challenging hiking route in the High Allgäu Alps Nature Reserve of Bavaria. But let us first talk about the Gaisalpsee lakes.
There are in fact two Gaisalpsee lakes, one upper and one lower. Most people mean the lower Gaisalpsee when they talk about this lake.
The lower Gaisalpsee is located at an altitude of 1508 m right below the Rubihorn mountain that summits at 1957 m. The lake drains into the Gaisalpbach stream which later joins the Iller river. The upper Gaisalpsee is significantly smaller and situated on a comparatively higher terrain step at a height of 1769m.
The lakes are part of a hiking trail that goes from Reichenbach (a municipality of Oberstdorf) to the Nebelhorn massif via the Gaisalpe mountain inn. Many hikers only walk up to the Gaisalpe mountain inn in order to enjoy the mouth-watering alpine refreshments it has to offer.
Several waterfalls originating from the Gaisalpbach stream accompany the hikers throughout. Around the lakes, there are impressive views of the summits Rubihorn, Gaisalphorn, Gaisfußsattel, Gundkopf, Nebelhorn and Entschenkopf. In short, this route is a very panoramic hike. I am sure this popular route will fulfil all your hiking expectations.
So, let's dive into the details of this trail.
Jump Ahead
1. Arrival and Parking
I recommend starting early with the hike since it can be long and tiring. A large Gaisalpe car park, available near Reichenbach, is tagged in the map below. The parking costs 5€ for a day which is the only payment tariff available. Payment is done at a pay and display machine that accepts only coins. So, make sure you carry enough payment amount with you. Otherwise, you will have to wait until some fellow hiker offers you a change.
Photo location on map
2. Trailhead
The trailhead is at the Gaisalpe car park. One can start following the Tobelweg trail that leads to the Gaisalpe mountain inn. The Tobelweg may be closed if weather conditions have been bad as it was in my case when I hiked the trail early this July. If the Tobelweg trail is closed, another asphalted road can be taken which also leads to the Gaisalpe mountain inn via a small yet picturesque chapel.
3. Hike Characteristics
Along the way, there are multiple water falls originating from the Gaisalpbach stream which make the trail muddy. Heavy precaution needs to be exercised since polished rocks near creek beds can be very slippery. While some parts of trails are wide but gravelled or covered with exposed tree roots, at certain other spots, the trail is narrow and steep. Stepping aids and wire ropes are installed at spots with sheer drops. Near the Gaisalpe inn, you will find many grazing cows equipped with chiming bells. The trail boasts grand views over nearby villages and mountain summits. Many hikers enjoy picnicking on the banks of the lower Gaisalpsee lake; some even prefer a relaxing bath.
4. Route and Elevation Profile
Quickly summarised, the trail starts at the Gaisalpe car park in Reichenbach, then follows a chapel, after that the Gaisalpe inn, then the lower Richteralpe inn, later the lower Gaisalpsee lake and finally the upper Gaisalpsee lake. At the lower Gaisalpsee, the hiking trails to the upper Gaisalpsee lake/Nebelhorn and Rubihorn split. After spending some good amount of time at the upper Gaisalpsee lake, I followed the same track to get back to my car. The general data is provided below:
Trailhead: Gaisalpe car park
Destination: Upper Gaisalpsee lake
Lowest altitude: 864m
Highest altitude: 1800m
Total distance: 12km
Total duration: 5h
Ascent: 1100m
Level: Difficult
Orientation: Marked and easy
Available safety measures: Few cables & slabs installed on trail parts with sheer drop
5. Refreshment Inns
Although I take my nutrients along, I don't mind taking refreshment breaks at mountain inns. There are two refreshment inns on this trail: the Gaisalpe and the Lower Richteralpe. At Gaisalpe, many hikers take a coffee break before proceeding in the direction of the lakes. Though, I would recommend taking a break at the Gaisalpe on your way back to the car. The Gaisalpe is a centuries-old mountain farm and lies on an open meadow slope above the Iller valley. Its sweet-dish menu looked quite tempting. The other refreshment inn, the lower Richteralpe is temporarily closed.
6. Required Equipment
Sturdy, water-resistant hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing and sure-footedness are absolutely necessary for a hike to the Gaisalpsee lakes. My smartphone has the essential weather and navigation apps. While on the trail, please mind each step. Hiking poles will help a lot when the trails are steep and gravelled. I always bring sufficient water. Additionally, I carry protein snacks, camera, tripod, power bank, sun-glasses, flashlight, wallet, raincoat, first-aid kit and some items for personal hygiene.
7. Points To Remember
An ascent to Gaisalpsee is not possible in winter due to ice and snow. As the weather in the alps changes frequently, always take into account the daily weather forecast. In case of thunderstorm, the hike should definitely be avoided. Camping and drones are strictly prohibited in this nature reserve. Make sure you leave no garbage behind !
8. Conclusion
I generally don't have luck with alpine lakes due to bad mountain weather. But this time, the view was clear enough to enjoy the serenity at the Gaisalpsee. I feel that the Gaisalpsee lakes are one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Allgäu with fantastic views of the rugged mountains around. Hikers can also combine the lake tour with an ascent to the Rubihorn. Although the hike is challenging, I am sure you won't regret the unending scenic views, a relaxing alpine bath and some top-class alpine refreshment at the Gaisalpe inn. I hope I was able to convince you enough for this hike. Let me know if you liked this post and if there is something else you would like me to add in this article.
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