Hiking Oberstdorf: from the Nebelhorn over the ridge to the Großer Daumen

Challenging and long via ferrata in Oberstdorf in the Allgäu region

The Hindelang via ferrata near Oberstdorf is a long ridge traverse from the Nebelhorn summit over the Wengenköpfe to the Grosser Daumen. In addition to exciting sections, it offers many fantastic views.

From the valley station of the Nebelhornbahn cable car in Oberstdorf, take the cable car to the summit station. Here, you'll get your first glimpse of the jagged mountain ridge and the Hindelang via ferrata toward the Grosser Daumen. Just below the summit, a small path crosses to the start of the via ferrata.

The tour begins with some easy climbing sections before reaching the actual start, a ladder approximately 10 meters high. Once you reach the ridge, the trail now leads you at a lofty height to the Großer Daumen.

First, you reach the western Wengenkopf via the first exposed climbing sections. From the summit, the view extends as far as the Zugspitze and Switzerland in good weather.

The rest of the Hindelang via ferrata becomes more challenging - via several ladders, rocky gullies, and an exposed ridge section, you reach the eastern Wengenkopf. The subsequent descent takes you to the lowest point of the Hindelang via ferrata.

On the way to the Großer Daumen, you must now climb a rock formation at a lofty height and cross a rock ledge before reaching the summit of the Großer Daumen via a grassy slope.

While the trail drops vertically to the Retterschwanger Valley on the left, it transitions gently to the Koblat Plateau on the right. The marked intermediate descents also lead you here. Across the high plateau, you return to the Nebelhornbahn (Höfatsblick station).

Descent

To return to the Nebelhornbahn, retrace part of the path that led you to the Großer Daumen and then take the 'Koblat-Höhenweg' on the left. This leads you across the high plateau, parallel to the via ferrata – past Laufbichl and Koblatsee – to the Höfatsblick station of the Nebelhornbahn in Oberstdorf.

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Due to its length and exposure, the Hindelang via ferrata is achallenging via ferrata. It should only be attempted in stable weather conditions (beware of the risk of thunderstorms!) from June to October. The climb requires practice, surefootedness, a complete head for heights, and experience and safety in alpine terrain.
Anyone feeling unsafe or exhausted should use the intermediate descents. After these, the trail becomes increasingly difficult heading south.
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