Hiking to Schrecksee in the Allgäu
A hike to Schrecksee is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hikes in the Allgäu region and possibly all of Germany. Nestled within the nature reserve of the Allgäu High Alps, Schrecksee is a stunning mountain lake situated at an altitude of over 1,800 meters, right on the border between Germany and Austria.
In this article, we’ll guide you on how to reach Schrecksee and what you need to keep in mind! We’ve also summarized the most important details of this incredible hiking experience for you.
Table of Contents
1. Key Hike Details at a Glance
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2. Hike Description
Tucked into the Allgäu High Alps and separated from Austria by a steep ridge, Schrecksee lies surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. In the center of the lake, you’ll find a small island – one of the reasons Schrecksee was voted the most beautiful mountain lake in the Alps in 2016.
Interestingly, the island in the middle of the lake was formed when the lake was dammed decades ago for hydroelectric power, raising the water level significantly. Fortunately, the power plant is located further down in Hinterstein, so the natural beauty of the area remains undisturbed.
The hike to Schrecksee requires good physical fitness and surefootedness, making sturdy hiking boots essential. We also recommend packing plenty of provisions, as there are no mountain huts or restaurants in this remote valley.
Although Schrecksee is no longer a hidden gem, it’s still possible to enjoy this picturesque lake in near solitude, especially during weekdays or at sunrise and sunset.
The trail to Schrecksee is steep and takes you through alpine terrain. Thankfully, it’s well-marked, so it’s hard to get lost. However, due to the trail’s conditions and length, this hike is best suited for experienced hikers. The total hiking time is about 6 hours.
How to Get to Schrecksee
Located at 865 meters above sea level, the quaint village of Hinterstein in the Allgäu serves as the starting point for the hike. From the paid car park "Auf der Höh," you’ll embark on the challenging 16 km route to one of Germany’s most stunning mountain lakes.
If you want to save yourself about 6 km of walking, you can take a bus to the "Auele" stop near the Taufersalpe. You can find the bus schedule at the tourist information office in Hinterstein.
We, however, opted to skip the bus as we wanted to reach Schrecksee by sunrise – and at 2:45 AM, no buses were running!
If you also plan to start your hike before sunrise or descend after sunset, don’t forget to bring a proper headlamp. This is essential for navigating safely in the dark, as a smartphone flashlight is no substitute.
From the car park, the initial section of the trail follows a gravel path alongside a pasture. You’ll likely hear the gentle sound of cowbells ringing in the distance. At night, this experience feels even more magical.
The gravel path eventually turns into a paved road. Passing the Konzanzer Jägerhaus, you’ll soon reach the Hinterstein power plant.
Shortly after the power plant, you’ll see several signposts pointing you in the right direction towards Schrecksee. You’ll also encounter a turnstile gate marking the start of the actual hiking trail.
The Hike to Schrecksee
The hike begins with a steep incline. The narrow gravel paths here make good hiking boots indispensable.
If you decide to start the hike in the dark (at your own risk!), it feels like a true adventure. With the beam of our headlamps, we carefully made our way up the trail step by step.
At this hour, the mountain is incredibly quiet. Even the cows in the pastures were still asleep, staring curiously at the light from our headlamps as we passed by. It’s important to tread lightly and respectfully at this time to avoid startling the animals.
During a quick water break, we looked up at the sky and were absolutely mesmerized by the moon and countless stars twinkling above us. At that moment, we knew waking up at 1 AM had been completely worth it.
The landscape is breathtaking – high alpine, rugged, and alive with wildlife. With some luck, you might spot marmots scurrying about or even catch a glimpse of an eagle soaring overhead.
The hike begins with a steep climb through a forested section before reaching a small reservoir. From there, the forest gives way to open alpine meadows, offering stunning views of the Hinterstein Valley.
The trail continues in a series of switchbacks, climbing higher and higher. As the vegetation becomes sparser and rockier, you’ll finally approach the serene shores of Schrecksee.
Reaching Schrecksee
Surrounded by towering peaks, the lake reflects the mountains in its crystal-clear waters. For those seeking a refreshing dip, you can even swim in the lake and make your way to the small island in the center. However, due to its altitude, the water is icy cold, even in summer.
After approximately 3.5 hours (and a few minor detours), we reached Schrecksee just before sunrise. This gave us ample time to scout the perfect photography spot.
For an even more spectacular view, we recommend the short climb to Kirchendachsattel (1,927 meters). From there, you’ll be rewarded with unique perspectives of Schrecksee and panoramic views of the Vilsalpsee Mountains and Lechtal Alps.
With a bit of luck, you might spot some chamois grazing nearby. The area is also rich in alpine flora, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Accompanied by the distant calls of red deer, we witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises imaginable, with perfect weather and the mountain entirely to ourselves.
The Descent
After spending two blissful hours at the summit, more hikers began to arrive, and we decided to head back down after a quick breakfast.
The descent proved to be more challenging than the ascent, putting significant strain on our knees. Trekking poles would have been helpful to reduce the impact.
Back at the car, we encountered an unexpected delay – we were caught in the middle of an Almabtrieb, where hundreds of cows were being herded down the mountain. While it slowed us down, it was a charming sight to witness!
3. General Tips
Schrecksee is located within the Allgäu High Alps Nature Reserve, a fragile alpine environment that must be protected. Unfortunately, its popularity on social media has led to some serious violations of conservation rules. To preserve this beautiful location, it’s crucial for hikers to follow these guidelines:
Camping is strictly prohibited. Even one night in a tent can cause lasting damage to the delicate alpine meadows.
No campfires or grilling.
Take all your trash back with you.
No drone flying. The noise can disturb wildlife, causing unnecessary stress.
On warmer days, you’re welcome to take a swim in the lake – just remember that the water is very cold due to the high altitude!
If you’re planning a sunrise hike, remember that temperatures at 1,800+ meters can be chilly, even in September. Bring extra layers, especially if you’ve worked up a sweat during the climb.
Are you looking for an easier family-friendly hike? Consider exploring the Mitteralm on Wendelstein! Check out our guide for more details.
For more travel inspiration, head over to our Instagram profiles: tom_rbg_ and anna_rbg_. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions about the route!
