An alpine hike through the Derratal — Kleinwalsertal for nature lovers

The terrain belonged to us alone ... at 28 degrees and the altitude to be overcome including snow fields, we were already challenged as flatland Tyroleans ... so a foot bath at the end of the tour in the ice-cold water came in very handy ....

The weather forecast prompted a relatively short decision in favor of Kleinwalsertal. To start, we started with a somewhat shorter loop from Baad through the Derratal and back over the middle Spitalalpe. The hike still had some elevation gain, but it was quite leisurely, with no time pressure and including a relaxing stop at the middle Spitalalpe. There, we were alerted to a herd of chamois at the top of a peak, and it was reported that a marmot had been spotted while hiking today. A few snowfields were still along the edge of the tour, but off the trail. In places, the trails were quite muddy due to the melting snow and yesterday's heavy rain. Conclusion: A very beautiful circular hike, approximately 8.2 km with 570 meters of elevation gain. You can simply enjoy the views of the valley and the surrounding peaks, sometimes just by the way. Not to mention the many small and large waterfalls, some of which directly crossed the trail 😅.

My first day in Kleinwalsertal, Austria. It was cloudy, but there was no rain. There were a few snowfields in the Derratal. The highest point was at 1,813 meters. We stopped for a break at the middle Spitalalpe. It was beautifully situated. From there, the descent was very steep in places.

In the morning, a bus departs every 10 minutes from Oberstdorf to Kleinwalsertal. The one-way ticket from Austria costs €5 per person; a day ticket costs €10 anyway. We travel to the final stop in Baad and then make a generous loop through the Derrenbachtal valley. It's wonderfully secluded here, even considering the number of other hikers. Plenty of peace and nature, and on the way down, we stop for a rustic mountain hut break at the Mittlere Spitalalpe.

The weather isn't going to be great today... - so a small, nice tour around the Derraköpfle - rain planned. We got some on the way up - no matter. But what happened at the end of our tour - we were just safe 😁👍 - it wasn't raining anymore... - good thing we were back 🤪!

Quiet tour through the wild Derra valley. Lots of cows graze here. The views of the Widderstein are impressive. The stop in the Spitalalpe was a pleasure.

Today's 4th tour in a row was good training for the calves when running uphill, and then running downhill really took a toll on the knees and shins. It starts in Baad, at first quite leisurely, then very steeply over the Derrajoch. From there it goes downhill over the upper Spitalalpe and then steeply downhill to the middle Spitalalpe. A rest on the middle Spitalalpe sweetened the effort, but if you think you've made it now, you're mistaken, because from here it continues steeply downhill to Baad. The scenery is once again an absolute highlight. The Kleinwalsertal is simply beautiful.

After rainy days there are three spongy spots; in the upper part of the tour there are cows that often stay close to the hiking trail; a bit unpleasant if you are travelling with a dog; otherwise a very nice hike;