Stubenbach Valley Loop

On foot, start from the paid parking lot at Gunzesried-Säge, walk through Gunzesried-Säge, and head toward Sennalpe Gerstenbrändle (not open in winter). At the Sennalpe, follow the groomed winter hiking trail (a toll road in summer) to Alpe Vorsäß I, then turn left and head uphill toward Alpe Rappengschwend. Caution: Sledders may be coming toward you here! Follow the trail past the Schwarzenberg-Alpe, continuing uphill toward Alpe Rappengschwend. You’ll catch beautiful glimpses of the Grünten along the way. The trail winds uphill, bend after bend. At the junction for Alpe Rappengschwend, follow the signs for “Mittelberg-Alpe” and hike gently uphill via the Stubenbach-Alpe (private) to the Mittelberg-Alpe (not open in winter). From here, the trail descends relatively steeply across a snow-covered meadow to Buhl’s Alpe, offering frequent beautiful views of the Ostertal valley. The picturesque alpine hut is located at an elevation of about 1,000 m. It’s definitely worth stopping for a break at this certified herb-specialty restaurant. From there, the trail leads past the Kamin-Eck restaurant back to the parking lot in Gunzesried-Säge (Note: A short section is not groomed but is still passable).

Places to stop for refreshments:

Kamin-Eck Restaurant

Buhl’s Alpe