Entschenkopf • 2,043 m - Challenging Summit Hike

A magnificent summit hike that demands a fair amount of stamina with its gorge-like ravine trail, steep forest paths, and rocky ascents and ridgelines—but more than makes up for it with fantastic views, two beautiful lakes, and places to stop for refreshments at the start and end of the loop hike.> From the Gaisalpe01 hiking parking lot, we hike up a slightly ascending paved road into the forest, pass a turnoff to the “Schöne Aussicht” on the left, and cross a stream. At a sharp right-hand curve, the marked ravine trail02 branches off to the left. We leave the paved road and follow the wide gravel path that runs alongside the stream. The path narrows; we climb up wooden steps, and shortly afterward we reach the first bridge. Via wooden and iron steps, as well as an iron ladder, we climb steeply uphill through the ravine, sometimes in tight switchbacks, crossing the rushing stream twice more until, as the path finally levels off, we come to a small paved road that takes us up to the left toward the Gaisalpe Mountain Inn03.This is where the asphalt ends, and we follow the “Entschenkopf” trail markers along a gravel path toward the forest. On a root-strewn path, we climb quite steeply along the edge of the forest, pass through a wooded area where we follow the red-and-white markings on the trees, and then reach the Rubi Hut04 via sections that are sometimes marshy due to livestock trampling.With a magnificent view of the Entschenkopf and the Rubihorn, we climb quite steeply through another section of forest until we reach open alpine terrain and turn right at the Falkenjoch05. Gradually, the Entschenkopf looms imposingly before us; the trail becomes steeper, winds through mountain pines in tight switchbacks, grows rockier and more rugged, and climbs beautifully along the ridge. We veer to the right toward the rocks, and several short climbing sections follow over the steep, scree-and-rock-strewn slope. After this steep section, we reach the ridge at the top and, shortly thereafter, arrive at the summit cross of the Entschenkopf 06, which offers a fantastic panoramic view.The descent is quite steep down a narrow, scree-covered rock path, mostly right along the ridge, with beautiful views down to the left and right and across to the Nebelhorn. Soon, the two Gaisalp lakes can be seen below to the right. The narrow trail then traverses along the slope below the ridge, leads through mountain pines, and is quite steep in some places—there is a risk of slipping; sure-footedness is essential! After a short uphill section, the trail goes around a rocky outcrop and continues down steep switchbacks toward the lake. This is followed by more rocky, partly somewhat exposed sections and a spot secured with a wire rope that guides us around a rocky outcrop. At the fork, elevation 1,842 m, we turn right and follow the gravel path leading downhill. We circle the Upper Gaisalpsee07 in a wide leftward arc slightly above it on the slope and continue descending to the Lower Gaisalpsee08.We stay on the trail above the lake and descend along the path—which now takes on a steeper, more ascending character—over scree and rocky, sometimes quite steep steps. The path becomes more exposed; sections with wire ropes follow, and the trail descends steeply over wooden steps and, in places, quite slippery rock steps.After crossing an open meadow and a small wooded area, we turn left and hike down toward the Untere Richtersalpe09; the Gaisalpe is also visible straight ahead. We continue downhill on a small paved road to the edge of the forest, and shortly afterward, on the right, we rejoin the trail we took on the way there. We hike back along the familiar trail through the Gaißbachtobel to the Gaisalpe01 hiking parking lot in Reichenbach.