Hoher Ifen
Mountain Distinctive plateau mountain in the Allgäu Alps
A limestone massif in Vorarlberg, Hoher Ifen is visited for its flat summit plateau, marked hiking trails and a small ski area on its slopes.
Hoher Ifen is a mountain in the Allgäu Alps in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, with a summit at about 2,230 metres above sea level. It is a prominent peak in the region and a local landmark for alpine recreation.
The summit area includes a broad, rocky plateau and offers wide panoramic views over the Allgäu Alps and surrounding valleys. Trails of varying difficulty reach the top and the mountain also supports winter skiing on its slopes.
The Hoher Ifen is a natural Alpine peak formed during the mountain-building of the Alps and has long been used for alpine grazing and mountaineering. More recently it has been developed for mountain recreation, with marked hiking routes and winter-sport infrastructure.
The mountain sits in western Austria, in Vorarlberg near the border region with Germany, in the area of the Allgäu Alps. The nearest local valleys and villages serve as common starting points for ascents and day trips.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 2,230 metres above sea level.
- Seasonal use: Alpine terrain is used year-round - hiking routes in summer and a local ski area on its slopes in winter.
How to Get to Hoher Ifen #
Hoher Ifen is accessible from mountain towns in Vorarlberg and the Allgäu. Road access leads to cable car stations and trailheads; check local transport and lift operation calendars for seasonal options.
Tips for Visiting Hoher Ifen #
- The Ifen's karst plateau and distinctive 'step' formations are best observed on clear days for photography.
- Ski lifts (in winter) and hiking routes (in summer) give various access options - check local transport for seasonal changes.
- Some ridge trips use exposed sections; bring basic scrambling gear and a map.
Best Time to Visit Hoher Ifen #
Summer is best for hiking the Ifen plateau and its distinctive scree formations; winter is for experienced ski-tourers.
Weather & Climate near Hoher Ifen #
Hoher Ifen's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1587 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (186 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
