The 12,2 km long summit hike to the Vilser Cone is a quite demanding mountain tour that offers some more difficult and steeper passages, but also impresses with a magnificent dream view of the Vilstal, the Lech and numerous Allgäu lakes. On the way, you can look forward to beautiful landscape impressions and all sorts of Tyrolean and Allgäu delicacies in the Vilser Alm on this hike.
The summit hike to the Vilser Kegel “only” leads to a height of around 1800 meters, but is considered demanding and requires sure-footedness and a head for heights. Experienced mountain hikers will love this tour because it offers charming natural impressions and an unforgettable view of the summit. For this hike you should take ankle-hugging hiking boots with a decent tread sole and, if you have them, hiking poles. It is also important to make sure that you have enough provisions with you, as the only place to stop for refreshments, the Vilser Alm, is only reached on the way back down. The starting and finishing point of the summit hike to the Vilser Cone is the parking lot at the Konradshütte ski lift in the Tyrolean town of Vils. To get there, drive from the north or from Füssen on the A7 towards Reutte and take the first exit after the border tunnel towards Vils/Pfronten. The Konradshütte ski lift is signposted in Vils. Alternatively, you can get to Vils from the Füssen train and bus station every hour with the 74 bus line. You need to plan around five and a half hours for the 12,2 km long summit hike to the Vilser Kegel.
From the parking lot at the Konradshütte ski lift, you first hike past the Hundsarschalpe up to the Hundsarschjoch on this charming mountain tour. These not so noble names supposedly come from the fact that there is a high amount of rubble along the entire route. The pleasantly pure mountain air makes this hike a pleasure for the senses right from the start. Beautiful views of picturesque mountain meadows and the magnificent Allgäu and Tyrolean peaks are omnipresent. From Hundarsschjoch you have a great view of the 2047 meter high Säuling, which is also known as the “guardian of the Allgäus”. The shape of this striking mountain is similar to a pyramid and it can be seen from afar by travelers coming to the Füssen/Pfronten region. According to a local legend, on some nights the witches cavort on its summit plateau and use it as a dance floor.
To the right of Hundsarschjoch, a rocky path leads up to the Vilser Kegel, whose large summit cross can already be seen from here. In the summit area, the gravel path sometimes leads over difficult and steep areas. Good sure-footedness and a head for heights are absolutely necessary here. Once you have mastered these passages, you stand on the Vils cone and can enjoy an unforgettable view of the Vilstal, the shimmering turquoise Lech and numerous Allgäu lakes. The Falkenstein castle ruins, which impressed King Ludwig II because of their exposed location, can also be seen from here. After the obligatory photo of yourself next to the summit cross, the descent begins.
First you hike back along the same route to Hundsarschjoch and then follow the path that leads down to Vilser Alm. This rustic mountain hut is located at an altitude of 1226 meters and is a popular destination for those seeking relaxation, hikers and mountaineers. It has a very cozy sun terrace where you can unwind and enjoy the view of the mountains. The Vilser Alm is known for its delicious, homemade delicacies such as apple strudel, Kaiserschmarrn or Kässpatzen. Of course you can also get a hearty snack here. In summer there is a regular “alpine breakfast” in buffet form, so you can try all the delicacies straight away. If the weather throws a wrench in your plans, you can also make yourself comfortable in the Alm's spacious dining room. After a leisurely stop at the Vilser Alm, follow the road that leads down to the hut's parking lot. There you continue on a paved road towards Vils.
Shortly before the town of Angerwies, you turn off at the first farm to hike through alpine meadows back to Vils. You pass the Albstrudel Falls, which is well worth seeing, and pass a viewing point from which you have a good view of the large Vils limestone quarry. Here you can also find out about the geological features of the Vilser Cone. Finally you reach a road where you keep right to return to the starting point of this mountain tour.
The summit hike to the Vilser Cone spoils experienced mountain hikers with beautiful landscape impressions, an unforgettable summit view and real Tyrolean hut charm. It therefore offers a successful mix of sporting demands and enjoyment. This charming mountain tour should not be missed when on holiday in Allgäu.
