Großer Widderstein is one of the highest and prominent mountains of Klein Walsertal. More about the mountain can be read here. The best starting point for the climb is from the car park in Baad (A small municipality near Klein Walsertal). It can be reached by bus operating from Oberstdorf. From Baad there are two different routes. We took the one through obere Widdersteinhutte and Gemsteltal. Initial part of the hike is relatively easy. It took us little over 2.5 hours to reach Widdersteinhutte (ca 2000 m). From Widdersteinhutte take a left towards Größer Widderstein. After a steady uphill climb for about 30 m you would encouter the base of the widderstein massiv. It can be easily identified as you might encounter a warning sign that explicity requires you to be fit and devoid of any acrophobias. Do not be taken back by the warning sign though the fact is partially true. The dolomite rock climb to the summit takes around 2 hours. Remember, as the route gets quite busy during summer, one has to always be aware of possible falling rocks/rock-slide. Many hikers recommend a helmet as you might never know what kind of slide one may encounter.  The summit standing at 2533 m gives you a wonderful view of the alps. As far as 400 mountains/peaks can be viewed from here. It also gives you a nice view and understanding of the nearby mountains viz. Hoher Ifen, GottesAcker, Elfer, Zwolfer, Kleiner Widderstein etc. to name a few.

tip: Once you start from Widdersteinhutte to the summit, remember to take enough water as there is a very distinct possibility of getting dehydrated on a sunny day. I did this hike on a 26°C sunny day.. I have heard Widderstein is also a popular mountain to climb during winter. You might want to check out the weather and snow forecast before making any plans. Berg Heil!

Useful Info:

• Großer Widderstein - SummitPost
• Widdersteinhütte
• Mittelberg

Photos:

• Start of the hike from Klein Walsertal
• Slowly gaining elevation
• Trails
• Directions
• Widdersteinhütte
• Dolomite Rock climb (only for fit ones)..apparently
• View from summit.. one can see hundreds of peaks from here.
• Hoher Iffen
• Summit
• Panaroma