Wank

We cross the Ostrach bridge and then immediately take the right path that leads downstream. After about 300 m, we arrive at the “Dragon Playground.” We hike another approx. 700 m until a forest road (used as a sledding run in winter) branches off to the left toward the “Alpenrosenköpfle” and “Horncafé.” First, we climb uphill through the forest and hike along the western side of Alpenrosenköpfle. We then continue southward to the Horncafé, where we can stop for refreshments. Afterwards, we continue our path towards Alpe Mitterhaus. Shortly after, the fantastic Retterschwanger Valley opens up for us, and we follow the road—now only moderately ascending—from the Horncafé for about four kilometers to Alpe Mitterhaus (serving food), which was founded in 1575. From 1618, it belonged to the Counts Fugger and was later used as a stud farm by the prince-bishops.

From there, we continue walking east of the river heading south. Soon we pass the Ställen-Alpe and shortly afterward cross the Bsonderach to the right. The panorama becomes increasingly impressive as we directly approach the large rock face between Nebelhorn and Großer Daumen, over which the Hindelanger via ferrata passes. At the next fork, we follow the signs to the Wankhütte on the left. Next comes a steep section where we gain several meters of elevation on a relatively short path. Afterwards, the destination, the unmanaged Wankhütte, is reached. The nature reserve of the Allgäu High Alps truly shows its most beautiful side here in the completely enclosed Retterschwanger Valley. It is no coincidence that this area is also known as the “Fürstenwanne.” Here we can enjoy the view before hiking back the same way to Bad Oberdorf, where the Alpe and Horncafé invite us to stop. If from the Horncafé we take a descent variant, for example via the district “Bruck” or by road, we come directly before our parking lot “Gruebplätzle” past a 500-year-old hammer mill (very worth seeing!). You can also buy wonderful things there, such as hand-forged iron pans.