Riedberger Horn

The Riedberger Horn is a grassy peak of 1,787 metres in the Hörner range of the western Allgäuer Alps. It stands between the villages of Balderschwang and Obermaiselstein in the Bavarian district of Oberallgäu. A minor summit 300 metres north-north-east of the main top carries a small transmission mast. The ridge from this point splits north-west to the Dreifahnenkopf and north-east to the Großen Ochsenkopf. The mountain is one of the highest points on the European watershed north of the Ifen and Gottesacker plateau. Its flanks feed streams that flow north-west to the Rhine and east-south-east to the Danube. The slopes carry bilberry and alpine rose thickets, while in winter the dwarf pine slopes shelter capercaillie and black grouse. Conservationists have proposed adding the Riedberger Horn to the European bird reserve centred on the Hoher Ifen and Piesenkopf. Visitors reach the broad, treeless summit plateau by several marked routes. A large metal cross marks the meeting point of the ascent paths. On clear days the view stretches from Lake Constance across the Bregenz Forest peaks to the Schesaplana glacier and the Lechtal Alps. In summer the area is a quiet hill-walking destination suitable for families. In winter it serves as a small but reliable ski touring centre with five lifts serving gentle to moderate slopes.