Highlight • Summit
Glattmar Summit
Hiking
5.0
(59)
Alpine skiing
5.0
(1)
Glattmar Summit, rising to an elevation of 1,930 meters, is a prominent peak nestled in the breathtaking Alpenregion Vorarlberg, Austria. This natural monument offers expansive views within the UNESCO Biosphere Park Großes Walsertal, making it a highly sought-after destination for hikers. Its strategic location provides a natural viewpoint over the surrounding Austrian Alps and the picturesque valley below.
What truly captivates visitors to Glattmar Summit are the magnificent panoramic mountain views. From the top, hikers are treated to sweeping vistas that include the iconic Rote Wand, numerous other alpine peaks, and significant portions of the Großes Walsertal. The journey through vibrant alpine meadows, often passing by charming huts like Alpe Unterpartnom, adds to the overall appeal, creating a memorable experience for anyone seeking natural beauty.
For those planning a visit, practical preparation is key for the Glattmar Summit hiking experience. The path towards the summit, particularly the final meters, can be steep and challenging, with sections that may be washed out or muddy after rain. Sure-footedness and sturdy hiking shoes are essential to navigate the earthy passages and occasional root fields. Access is conveniently facilitated by the Sonntag-Stein cable car, which takes you to Stein, the starting point for many routes.
The best time to hike Glattmar Summit is typically during the warmer months when the trails are clear of snow and the alpine meadows are in full bloom. Hiking is the primary activity here, with routes offering a moderate challenge. The area also features the family-friendly Klangraum.Stein theme trail and a barbecue area with a playground at Hintersteinbild, providing additional options for a day out in nature.
A popular route involves taking the Sonntag-Stein gondola to Stein, then hiking across alpine meadows to Alpe Unterpartnom. From there, the trail continues past the mountain station of a chairlift, leading to the summit. This hike typically covers a distance of around 9.3 kilometers with an ascent and descent of approximately 632 meters, often taking about four hours to complete.
Reaching the summit offers a rewarding sense of achievement, with enough space on the rather narrow ridge to take a well-deserved break and soak in the views. Hikers often remark on the clear visibility of the Großes Walsertal and the surrounding peaks. Along the way, the presence of alpine huts like Alpe Unterpartnom and Alpe Oberpartnom/Breithornhütte provides cozy spots for refreshments amidst the stunning scenery.
Whether you're looking for challenging routes or a scenic walk, the area around Glattmar Summit offers diverse options. Explore various hiking trails and plan your adventure using the komoot route planner, which can help you discover the perfect path to this impressive Vorarlberg peak. Public transport options are also available, making it accessible for many to embark on this alpine journey.
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Tips
November 15, 2018
Hiking
•
June 17, 2022
Hiking
The view from above is beautiful all around, you can see the Rote Wand, various Alps and large parts of the Gr. Walser Valley. There were just a lot of flies up there.
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June 18, 2024
Hiking
For me, a great public transport tour (bus to the cable car)
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Nearby routes
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Details
Informations
Elevation 1,890 m
Weather
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Wednesday 13 May
7°C
1°C
89 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to reach the Glattmar Summit trailhead using public transport?
Glattmar Summit is well-accessible via public transport. You can take a bus to the Sonntag-Stein cable car station. From there, the gondola will take you up to Stein, which serves as the starting point for many hiking routes towards the summit.
Are there any family-friendly trails or activities near Glattmar Summit for those not attempting the full ascent?
Yes, the area around Glattmar Summit offers options for families. The Klangraum.Stein theme trail is a family-friendly option. Additionally, during the descent, you can find a barbecue area with a playground at Hintersteinbild, providing a pleasant stop for families.
Is the Glattmar Summit hike suitable for dogs?
While the provided information doesn't explicitly state restrictions, generally, dogs are welcome on hiking trails in the Austrian Alps. However, given that the final meters to the summit can be steep and narrow, and some sections may be washed out, ensure your dog is accustomed to challenging terrain and keep them on a leash, especially around alpine pastures where livestock may be present.
How challenging are the final meters to the Glattmar Summit, and what precautions should hikers take?
The final meters before the summit are described as quite steep, with earthy passages and occasional root fields. Hikers report that these sections can be particularly difficult and dangerous when wet, becoming muddy and slippery. Therefore, sure-footedness and sturdy, good quality hiking shoes are essential. It's advisable to check weather conditions before heading out and exercise extra caution if the path is damp.
Are there any alpine huts or cafes along the Glattmar Summit trail where hikers can stop for refreshments?
Yes, hikers will find opportunities for refreshments along the way. The route typically passes by Alpe Unterpartnom, and further up, Alpe Oberpartnom/Breithornhütte also provides a cozy spot to take a break and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
What kind of views can hikers expect from Glattmar Summit?
From Glattmar Summit, hikers are rewarded with magnificent panoramic mountain views in all directions. You can expect to see the iconic Rote Wand, various other peaks of the Alps, and significant portions of the picturesque Großes Walsertal.
What should hikers wear or bring for a hike to Glattmar Summit?
Given the challenging sections, especially the steep and potentially washed-out final ascent, sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are crucial. Layers of clothing are recommended for changing alpine weather, and rain gear is advisable. Bringing sufficient water and snacks is also important, though alpine huts are available along the route for refreshments.
Are there any alternative or more challenging routes to Glattmar Summit?
While the standard route via the Sonntag-Stein gondola and Alpe Unterpartnom offers a moderate challenge, the area within the UNESCO Biosphere Park Großes Walsertal provides diverse hiking options. For those seeking more challenging routes, exploring different starting points or combining trails in the surrounding Alps could offer a more strenuous experience. It's recommended to consult a detailed hiking map or a route planner to discover these alternatives.
Is Glattmar Summit a good destination for beginner hikers?
The hike to Glattmar Summit is generally considered a moderate challenge, especially due to the steep and potentially difficult final sections. While accessible via cable car, the summit ascent itself requires sure-footedness and good physical condition. Beginner hikers might find the full summit ascent demanding, particularly in wet conditions. However, the lower sections and the Klangraum.Stein theme trail offer more gentle options for those new to alpine hiking.
How crowded does Glattmar Summit typically get, especially during peak season?
As a popular destination in the Alpenregion Vorarlberg, Glattmar Summit can attract a fair number of hikers, especially during the warmer months and on weekends. While the summit itself is described as having a rather narrow ridge, it offers enough space to take a break. To avoid the busiest times, consider starting your hike early in the morning or visiting on weekdays if possible.