Birgsau - Einödsbach

From the Oberstdorf bus station, we travel together south of Oberstdorf, more precisely into the Stillachtal, located at 949 meters. There, a beautiful hiking trail towards Birgsau invites us to experience the concert of nature up close. After only a few minutes of leisurely walking, a magnificent high valley spreads out before us. We then walk a few meters further until an old Marian chapel greets us by the path, dedicated to Saint Wendelin, the patron saint of shepherds and herds. After a short visit, the path leads us past the newly built and managed alpine pasture Eschbach. At the next fork at the beginning of the ascent, we decide to take the road on the left.

Now it goes steadily uphill towards Einödsbach, the southernmost settlement of Germany, situated at 1114 meters. It has been inhabited since the 1500s! The ascent runs over the west side of the Einödsberg, on whose large plateau the namesake alpine pasture once grazed 2000 sheep! We climb somewhat out of breath and hear the rushing of the Arbanten Gorge. Below flows the Stillach, formed by the confluence of the Rappenalpbach and the “Bach.” Shimmering like a silky ribbon, the water winds through the riverbed. At the top, we are overwhelmed by a breathtaking view: in front of us the Trettachspitze at 2595 meters, the Mädelegabel at 2645 meters, the Hochtroftspitze at 2649 meters, and the Mountains of Hope.

Before long, we reach Einödsbach – the southernmost permanently inhabited settlement of Germany. From the chapel, the path leads into the Bacherloch and further to the Waltenbergerhaus (only possible in summer). After a pleasant rest at the guesthouse Einödsbach, we make our way back.