The signature mountain of Kleinwalsertal. Below are mixed photos from different years and seasons, sorted by date taken with last first.

Route & Status 2017-06-26:
As you might know, the gravel road to Hohe Ifen from Auenhütte has been closed for construction works, replacing the old "Hahnenköpflebahn" with the new lifts Ifen I and Ifen II. (More info) This construction is still on, which is why we'd advise an early start or a weekend day for an Ifen circuit for the remainder of 2017.

Thankfully, by now the brand new path from Auenhütte via Ifenhütte to the summit is ready to use! It starts from the "old" gravel road near Auenhütte, but then wiggles up through the forest, cleverly avoiding all the bustle. One hikes partly in the shade of trees, partly over the flowering meadows to the sound of cowbells.

Near Ifenhütte (middle station) the path joins the old tracks, which soon divide into the path to the top station (right) and the track to Hohe Ifen (left). Down a few meters into the rocky trough, then up along the easy ferrata to the steadily ascending summit plateau. The meadows are all verdant and flowering - the best time to hike is now!

The circuit is completed by descending down the other side - good grip soles are recommended for the somewhat slippery rocks (ferrata cables). Pass the Ifersguntalpe to Schwarzwasserhütte, where one may pause for a "Kaiserschmarrn". From there it's just a technically easy descent to Melköde, where some of the local cheese is made, and the last 3 km gravel road back to Auenhütte.