Glacier view loop at the Silvretta Reservoir

Info/Facts: Since the peak of the last ice age around 20,000 years ago, the Ochsental Glacier has been towering below Piz Buin, at the southernmost point of Vorarlberg. It has always fed the source of the Ill mountain river and is a symbol of the breathtaking high alpine habitat. Surrounded by angular rock formations, the blue ice lies in the middle of a landscape that, with its distinctive Silvretta crystalline rock subsoil, is one of the oldest in Vorarlberg. But all the superlatives of this region are of no use when the laws of nature unfold their power. The significantly rising air temperatures since the beginning of industrialization are also noticeable at the highest point of the Montafon. The once proud body of ice is losing measurably in mass and is now far behind its original extent above the Wiesbadner Hut. A process that has far-reaching consequences. The melting of the white ice surface reveals darker rock that absorbs sunlight better. The latter leads to a further warming of the ambient temperatures and thus to the faster melting of the ice body. Climate research refers to this as the so-called ice-albedo feedback. Tip for experiencing: Despite the retreat of the ice, it is worth planning the Ochsental Glacier as a destination for a day trip. The best way to do this is to walk around the Silvretta reservoir on the Bieler Höhe, at the end of which the glacier is visible. A hike through the Ochsental with the Wiesbadner Hut as the destination also takes you along beautiful paths to the foot of the highest mountain in Vorarlberg, from where the glacier can be seen up close. Due to the many crevasses, however, the ice should only be walked on in the company of a certified mountain guide.

🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨 Unfortunately, komoot changed the order of the first few photos ... 😬🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨 The goal of this hike was to circumnavigate the Silvretta reservoir with a visit to the Wiesbadener hut. The reservoir itself can only be reached via the Silvretta High Alpine Road, which is subject to a toll, but driving on it is a dream. 👌🏻 The 🅿️ at the reservoir is cool, which is very gratifying. As the way to the Wiesbadener hut, we had decided on the "summer path (only for experienced)", as otherwise it is only very monotonous on gravel paths. The summer path, on the other hand, is somewhat demanding, varied, not so overcrowded and it runs a little above the "reservoir circular path". So you have a great view of the lake, the "bikers can not drive long here and the" are not driven here to graze. So sporty on the way with a bit of rest, we watched the goings-on on the "boulevard" a little further down to the hut. 😉 But it wasn't a walk, because we occasionally went over scree and through small watercourses (surefootedness!). When we arrived at the hut, there was a lot of activity. Many climbing fans flocked to the "normal day tourists" from all sides and so it was really cozy at the tables. It doesn't matter, put wet things to dry on the stones and first order energy dispensers: Delicious bacon dumpling soup, shandy and (of course) a Kaiserschmarrn. 👌🏻 ... How do they manage that again and again ?! After a good hour we had recharged our "batteries", enjoyed the magnificent view and were ready for the way back. Nevertheless, one should look at the DAV information boards on the subject of "glaciers" in the building. 😬You really feel different when you see the pictures and read everything like that. For the way back we had agreed on the gravel path, as we wanted to go on the other side of the lake and over the dam. As mentioned at the beginning, running here wasn't much of a pleasure. The whole time just gravel is a bit monotonous. Nevertheless, we were faster on the way and were able to take some time for photos and observe the "little things" along the way. 🌼🌸🌺🦋🪲🐌 Well, that's it, the tour around the Silvretta reservoir with a detour to the Wiesbadener hut. The tour is really great and definitely recommended. So have fun hiking afterwards ...

Today we got up very early to arrive at the Wiesbadener Hut in time for lunch. 🥾🌄 We went to the Silvretta reservoir with a friendly family who picked us up in front of the toll booth on the high alpine road. From there we took the pretty leisurely hiking trail that runs above the wider supply road to the hut. When we arrived at the hut, we had to decide on one of the dishes, which turned out to be quite a challenge because everything looked so delicious. 🙈🫕😍 Then we went back over the lower, wider path, so that we completely circumnavigated the reservoir. 🏞😊

The ascent is blue and white, a bit of climbing is necessary, but not tragic. You have to be sure-footed. Otherwise, it's better to take the descent rather than the ascent.

Please note that the Silvretta hoch Alpen Straße is only open on the Montafon side in dry weather. Otherwise a beautiful walk! The path on the way back was a bit narrow and exciting

Easily accessible by bus. Travel for free with the Montafon leisure pass. Made the way back over the summer path. It's the nicer way.

Very nice tour between all the mountains, always with the glacier in mind. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) the impressions in the pictures are not nearly as nice as during the hike... We could also see marmots 😀😀

The tour lasts a good 4 hours. The view from the Wiesbadener Hütte is worth it.