Verwallgruppe - A hidden gem

by Peter Hinds

Ask anyone about the Verwall and the immediate reaction is usually, where's that? In most guides and on Wikipedia it is an afterthought. But think again: it is a little gem reckoned on the DAV website to contain some of the best high trails in one of the most beautiful regions in the whole of the Alps.

The Verwallgruppe is located in the Central Eastern Alps and forms a triangle between Bludenz - Arlberg - Landeck in the north and the Silvretta in the south. To the west the valleys (Valschavieltal, Silbertal) are wide and open with long trails like the Wormser Weg (10 hours), while the eastern area consists of narrower valleys with sharper peaks.

Friedrichshafener Hütte
Photos Peter Hinds

The rock is hornblende from volcanic activity interspersed with colourful metamorphic gneiss. Several peaks of Verwallgruppe go over three thousand metres, with many having very distinctive and interesting shapes. The Verwallgruppe is only modestly glaciated and is the ideal touring area for alpine trekkers.

The area provides opportunities covering the entire alpine mountaineering spectrum - from cosy alpine hikes up to extreme climbing. The alpinist finds glaciated climbs on massive peaks, magnificent ridge scrambles, and an abundance of climbing routes including exciting walls or combined ascents such as the Kuchenspitze (3148m). In winter, the Fallbachwand in Klostertal gives a 500m high ice-waterfall climb. Recently, two multi-pitch climbing gardens were established in the vicinity of Darmstädterhütte, at the heart of Verwall. There are three high alpine sport climbing areas as well. In addition, the first Winterklettersteig in the Tyrol was established on the Vordere Rendelspitze.

Fasultal from Grauerkogel

For average hikers and climbers, the Verwall is a great mountain group, whether you prefer steeper ascents, extreme rock slopes or a straightforward alpine hike. The network of hut to hut trails keeps mostly below the summit massifs yet allows the Verwall to be crossed without having to descend into the valley. Even on the highest summit of the group, the Hoher Riffler (3168m), there is a marked trail (highly recommended by Kev Reynolds). The tour proposed for July 2015 is based on the Verwall Runde, a round trip over 8 days.

The best time is generally from early July to late September. The mountains are not part of a glacial massif so tend to be snow free quite early. October and June work too (though not all of the huts will be open) so one is restricted to shorter day walks.

In winter the area promotes ski tours based on Paznauntal, Klostertal and Stanzertal. As well as a fair share of the usual downhill skiing the area has prepared langlauf loipe and Madlener Haus is a recommended snow shoeing destination, though it would be necessary to book accommodation early.

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