Bärenkopf

The Bärenkopf is a 2,083-metre mountain in the Allgäuer Alps. It stands above the Kleinwalsertal valley, flanked by the villages of Mittelberg and Baad. On its western side the Bärgunttal valley curves up to the foot of the slopes, while on the east the Gemsteltal valley runs parallel. A narrow ridge runs southwest from the summit, passing the Kleinen Widderstein and the Karlstor gap before reaching the Großen Widderstein. The climb from Baad takes about two and a half hours and begins along a forest road that crosses the Breitach bridge into the Bärgunttal. From the Inner Widdersteinalpe alpine hut the route turns onto the southern ridge, which is followed over steep ground to the top. The path is marked in places but includes short scrambles where hands are needed. At the summit visitors find a broad limestone slab giving wide views over the Allgäuer Alps. To the north the valley drops away towards Mittelberg, while to the south the jagged peaks of the Widderstein group dominate the horizon. On clear days the Zugspitze can be seen in the far distance. The descent retraces the route back to Baad through open alpine meadows and coniferous forest.