Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang
15.1kmLength
623mElevation gain
6–6.5hrEstimated time
Point-to-point
Demanding section through the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park, Bavaria.
The 13th stage of the Himmelsstürmer route is not for the faint-hearted. Using your hands and feet, you climb the steep but rope-secured section. You pass the Obergelchenschwand-Alpe, the Gütle-Alpe and Alpe Scheidwang. Continue over the Hiedenkopfn and Girenkopf to reach the stage destination of Baderschwang.
Highlights:
- Heidenkopf (rope passage)
- Girenkopf (rope passage)
- Mountain pine grove
- Showplace Säntis
- Church spire
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Hochgrat
Peak
Staufner Haus
Alpine hut
Leiterberg
Peak
Heidenkopf
Peak
Leckner valley
Valley
Girenkopf
Peak
Autal
Valley
Stillberg
Peak
Samstenberg
Peak
Hintere Stillbergalpe
Ruins
Schnelleralpe
Ruins
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
Beat the crowds with weekly and monthly trail activity data from our community
Adventure starts in the app
Offline maps, navigation, and conditions — all in one place
Top trails nearby
Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 15.1-km point-to-point trail near Oberstaufen, Bavaria. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 49 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
What is the expected weather this week for Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang?
Expected weather for Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang for the next 5 days is:
- Sat 26 September - 23.5 degrees/clear
- Sun 27 September - 25.4 degrees/clear
- Mon 28 September - 24.6 degrees/clear
- Tue 29 September - 23.6 degrees/clear
- Wed 30 September - 22.6 degrees/clear
Where is Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang located?
Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang is a trail located in Nagelfluhkette Nature Park.
How hard is Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang?
Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang is considered a hard hike that covers 15.1 km, with an elevation gain of 623 m. It takes about 6–6.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang?
Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang is considered a hard hike that covers 15.1 km, with an elevation gain of 623 m. It takes about 6–6.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang a point-to-point trail?
Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang is a point to point trail that covers 15.1 km, with an elevation gain of 623 m. It takes about 6–6.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang?
Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang is a point to point trail that covers 15.1 km, with an elevation gain of 623 m. It takes about 6–6.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang?
Dogs may be allowed on Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
Is backpacking allowed at Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang?
Backpacking is allowed on Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Are there forests at Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang?
Yes, Himmelsstürmer-Route Etappe 13: Hochgrat/Staufener Haus - Balderschwang is a forest trail in Nagelfluhkette Nature Park.
Last updated on 26 September 2026 at 01:15 GMT+0