Central Schafalpenkopf

The Mittlerer Schafalpenkopf is a 2 302-metre peak in the Allgäu Alps on the border between Germany and Austria. The frontier runs over its summit, splitting Bavaria from Vorarlberg. On the German side it belongs to Oberallgäu and Oberstdorf, on the Austrian side to Bregenz and Mittelberg. To the north-east the Third Schafalpenkopf rises higher, connected by a narrow arête at 2 180 metres. Southwards the mountain overlooks the Rappenalptal valley, while to the south-west the First Schafalpenkopf sits lower at 2 272 metres. The peak’s topographic prominence is 122 metres and its isolation reaches 600 metres towards the Third Schafalpenkopf. The Wildental valley on the north-western flank leads down to the Kleinwalsertal. These figures show how the mountain stands within a compact chain of three closely grouped summits. The border crossing at the top adds a political edge to the natural ridge. Visitors reach the Mittlerer Schafalpenkopf along alpine paths that follow the arête from the Third Schafalpenkopf. The route passes over grassy slopes and rocky sections before arriving at the summit cairn. From the top there are wide views across the Allgäu Alps and into the Kleinwalsertal. The surrounding valleys of Rappenalptal and Wildental frame the scene below. The contrast between the German and Austrian sides can be seen in the different land-use patterns on each slope.