Walser Cultural Walk: Riezlern - Söllereck - Walserschanz
Tour description
Walser Cultural Trail – Discover History in the Heart of Nature
Along this cultural hiking trail, historic houses, barns, and other silent witnesses of the past share their centuries-old stories. Information panels at each building and cultural-historical site along the Walser Cultural Trail provide fascinating insights. Additionally, an audio guide is available for every stop via Outdooractive.
The trail—and with it, the history of the Walser people—is embedded in a unique natural landscape, offering stunning panoramic views.
The starting point of the trail is located in the village center of Riezlern, near the Parish Church of Maria Opferung, the municipal office, and the currently closed Walser Museum.
The hike first leads up the valley. Behind the Kanzelwand cable car, the trail climbs towards the top station of the Kessler lift. It continues along the Riezlern Panorama Trail, leading down the valley at a steady elevation. Along the way, you’ll spot earthen mounds, which are among the first avalanche control structures in Kleinwalsertal.
Enjoy the view from the Nature Experience Point Schwand, then follow the Panorama Trail through the Westeggtobel. A short detour down to the main road allows you to visit the Maria Hilf Chapel and the Theodulhof, the former home of Alfons Köberle, a renowned local historian.
Climbing back up on a somewhat steep path, you’ll pass a 237-year-old spruce tree and reach the birthplace of Walser inventor Leo Müller, who revolutionized 19th-century printing with his advancement of the high-speed printing press.
The trail then continues along the popular high route, which until the early 18th century was the main connection to Oberstdorf. At the top station of the Söllereck cable car, hikers can either ride down with the cable car or take the steep paved path to the valley station.
From there, continue along a scenic path below the main road or alternatively take the Walserbus to the Walser Border Post (Walserschanz), the Austrian-German border. From this final station of the cultural trail, the Walserbus returns you to the starting point in Riezlern.
Riezlern
Riezlern
Route description
5a Unterwestegg Chapel„Maria Hilf“5b Theodulhof
Further info & links
Tips
For detailed information about the culture of Walser the booklet "Originales & Original" is available in the tourist office (German only).Further links
How do you consciously experience nature?
Nature is so much more than the backdrop for unforgettable mountain experiences. It is a habitat for animals and plants. It provides drinking water and supplies us with high quality food. Not only does it provide valuable raw materials such as wood, it also protects against avalanches and mudslides and regulates the climate. It is up to us to support nature in everything that it does for us. One thing is certain, together we can achieve more:
Smart in NATURE
CONSCIOUS together
EXPERIENCE foresight
Smart in NATURE
Take a deep breath and recharge your batteries, be outside and feel free. When we enjoy nature, we are guests in the living room of shy animals and rare plants. If you behave smart, they will be happy to share their living space with you in the future too.
Stay on paths and marked routes
If you follow the marked paths and routes, you are sure to come to new favorite places. In this way you also respect protected areas, because many animals and plants need special protection. Especially in winter, any disturbance unnecessarily costs the wild animals the strength they need to survive.
Avoiding twilight times
Standing on a mountain at sunrise is a special experience. The morning and evening hours are also the time when most wild animals are in search of food. If they are disturbed, they get stressed. If it cannot be avoided, please stay on the marked path, do not use a bright headlamp and enjoy the silence.
Stay clean & take rubbish with you
It goes without saying: You take rubbish with you again, on the mountain and in the valley. Please also organic waste, because it is composted much more slowly at altitude. You can dispose of the rubbish properly at home or in your accommodation - please remember that there are no rubbish bins in public spaces in Kleinwalsertal.
On the natural toilet
If you are looking for a quiet place, please be at least 50 m away from water. Bury excrement or cover it with a large stone. Use fallen leaves or recycled toilet paper and put the paper back in the trash bag.
On tour with a dog
Are you always in control of your four-legged partner, even if he gets his nose for marmots, deer or other wild animals? You are both on the safe side on a leash. Keep dogs on a short leash near grazing cattle. If an attack by a grazing animal is foreseeable: leash off immediately. There are numerous dog stations in the valley for the disposal of dog bags. The farmers and alpine farmers thank you because manure in meadows and fields contaminates the feed and makes grazing cattle sick.
CONSCIOUS to each other
Consideration for other athletes and those looking for relaxation
Everyone loves to enjoy a special piece of earth for themselves. But most of the time we are not traveling alone. No problem, because there is enough space. Allow time, open the way in an accommodating manner, provide support when someone needs help and always give a smile. So nothing stands in the way of friendly cooperation and relaxed enjoyment of nature.
Appreciating the preservation of the cultural landscape
Alpine landscapes are touching with their contrast: Imposing peaks and natural forests alternate with gentle valleys, well-tended meadows and pastures. In the Kleinwalsertal too, this delightful landscape at three altitudes is no coincidence, but the result of an interplay of natural and cultural landscapes. Behind this is the work of farmers, alpine and forestry as well as hunters. With their work, they ensure that the attractiveness of the recreation and leisure area and the diversity of species are preserved. We already say thank you if we stay on the marked trails and enjoy regional products.
EXPERIENCE farsighted
Safe on tour - for you and others
Whether on a ski or snowshoe tour in winter or on a mountain tour in summer, anyone who is out and about in alpine terrain has to be well prepared. This includes careful information and tour planning as well as the right equipment. Correctly assessing alpine dangers requires a lot of knowledge and experience. Why not learn from professionals and go on tour with one of the experienced guides?
Nature experience map, scale 1:12,000; Kleinwalsertal tour map (with hiking guide), scale 1:25,000; DAV hiking map, scale 1:25,000; the respective cards are available for a fee in the Walserhaus Hirschegg. Original & original with culture guide. Available at the tourist office in Hirschegg. (only in german)
